Doepfer Dark Energy II - Manual (Page 17)

17
Dark EnerGy II DOEPFER Functions
Up to this point we have studied modules that generate or process the audio signal itself. The following
modules generate control voltages in order to modulate the sound-shaping parameters of VCO, VCF
and VCA in a dynamic way.
3.2.4. ADSR
Dark Energy II‘s envelope generator (or „ADSR“) produces a sequence of four control voltages every time
a key on a connected keyboard is depressed, or when Dark Energy II generates or receives a MIDI note-on
command or a gate signal. The envelope´s control voltages are used to give the sound a dynamic shape.
The envelope produces four parameters:
• Attack
• Decay
• Sustain
• Release
As soon as the envelope generator receives a gate-on signal, its output CV will rise from 0 Volt to maxi-
mum. The rise time is adjustable and called „Attack“. When the maximum value has been reached, the
voltage will drop within a timespan defined by the „Decay“ pot to the „Sustain“ level. The envelope control
voltage will stay on this level until the key is released, then it will drop to 0 Volt within the „Release“ time
dialled up.
The envelope generator features the following controls:
• controls for Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release.
Please bear in mind that Attack, Decay, and Release determine periods of time
while Sustain is a level value.
• ADSR Range switch
This switch offers three different ranges (long / short / medium) for the time-rela-
ted parameters Attack, Decay and Release. Use „short“ for extremely percussive
sounds, „long“ is most useful for slowly evolving pads, medium for everything
else in between.
• A blue-colored LED indicates the status of the envelope generator.
• Gate Input socket (back panel)
Instead of the internal gate signal, derived from an incoming MIDI note, the en-
velope generator can also be triggered by an external gate signal via this socket
(0/+5 to +12V). Use this socket if you wish to control Dark Energy II from a CV/
Gate sequencer or keyboard.
• Envelope Output socket
From this socket the control voltage generated by the envelope generator can be
tapped and used for additional modulation purposes.
ADSR Envelope and its Parameters
Sustain
Level
Attack
Time
Decay
Time
Release
Time
+3 ... +12 V
0 V
On Off
Time
ca. +8 V
CV Output Level
Gate