Modulation
Env Follower
Measures how loud a sound is and turns that into a control signal.
Learn about it in Sampling & live sound
How it works
The input is rectified and smoothed: ENV rises quickly (Attack) when the sound gets loud and falls more slowly (Release) as it fades. GATE goes high whenever ENV is above Thresh — so a drum hit or a clap can trigger things. The display shows ENV over time.
Inputs
| IN | Any audio: mic, drums, a synth. |
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Outputs
| ENV | Loudness as a control signal. |
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| GATE | High while the sound is louder than Thresh. |
Knobs and switches
| Gain | Scales ENV. |
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| Attack | How fast it follows rises. |
| Release | How fast it falls. |
| Thresh | GATE trigger level. |
Lessons that use the Env Follower
Each one opens as a working patch in the synth.
Words to know
- Envelope — A one-shot shape that rises and falls each time a note is played.