Soundtoys PhaseMistress - Manual (Page 38)

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Envelope Mode
The Envelope Mode employs an "envelope follower" that "follows" the volume level
of the input signal and dynamically controls the amount of filter modulation based
on volume changes in the input signal. The Envelope Mode works great on dynamic
signals that dynamically change in volume in rhythmic ways like guitar or drums.
PhaseMistress allows you to create envelope controlled phasing effects and a whole
lot more using the envelope mode.
Threshold
The Threshold knob works similar to the threshold control on a compressor. It
defines at what volume the envelope follower will start "tracking" the volume
changes in the input signal. As the input level rises above the threshold, the enve-
lope follower ‘follows’ the signal and will modulate the frequency accordingly. The
farther above the threshold level and the louder the input signal, the more the filter
will be modulated. As the signal falls below the threshold level no modulation occurs.
It is important to adjust the Threshold based on the type of input audio and the
amount of modulation you wish to achieve. Setting the Threshold very high will only
modulate the phase at loudest peaks of the incoming signal. Setting it too low can
cause the phase to be modulated like crazy and jump around following all the
changes in the signal. It all depends on the amount of modulation you wish to hear
and there is really no right or wrong setting.
Gain
The Gain knob works together with the threshold control, and is similar to the ratio
control on a compressor. It determines the overall "sensitivity" of the envelope fol-
lower, and is used to boost any signal that exceeds the setting of the threshold con-
trol. This can be very useful when you are using either a very high threshold, or slow
attack settings. At the highest gain settings the envelope follower will begin to func-
tion more like a gate, turning ‘on’ when the input goes above the threshold, and turn-
ing ‘off’ when the signal goes below. At lower gain settings the envelope follower will
be more touch sensitive and dynamic.