Waldorf Edition - Manual (Page 85)

Waldorf Edition
User Manual 85 Waldorf
ted when you use the corresponding dials, and can be recorded in your sequencer pro-
gram. You can also graphically create MIDI controller data in the respective Editor of
your program. (Please read the manual of your host application for more information).
A list of all available MIDI controllers and their functions can be found at the end of
this manual.
Cutoff
See Filter Cutoff Frequency.
Decay
"Decay" describes the descent rate of an envelope once the Attack phase has reached
its zenith and the envelope drops to the level defined for the Sustain value.
Envelope
An envelope is used to modulate a sound-shaping component within a given time fra-
me so that the sound is changed in some manner. For instance, an envelope that modu-
lates the cutoff frequency of a filter opens and closes this filter so that some of the
signal's frequencies are filtered out. An envelope is started via a trigger, usually a fixed
trigger. Normally, the trigger is a MIDI note. The classic envelope consists of four indi-
vidually variable phases: Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release. This sequence is called
an ADSR envelope. Attack, Decay and Release are time or slope values, and Sustain is
a variable volume level. Once an incoming trigger is received, the envelope runs
through the Attack and Decay phases until it reaches the programmed Sustain level.
This level remains constant until the trigger is terminated. The envelope then initiates
the Release phase until it reaches the programmed minimum value.
Filter
A filter is a component that allows some of a signal's frequencies to pass through it and
dampens other frequencies. The most important aspect of a filter is the filter cutoff fre-
quency. Filters generally come in four categories: low pass, high pass, band pass, and
band stop. A low pass filter dampens all frequencies above the cutoff frequency. A high
pass filter in turn dampens the frequencies below the cutoff. The band pass filter allows
only those frequencies around the cutoff frequency to pass, while all others are dam-
pened. A band stop filter does just the opposite, i.e. it dampens only the frequencies
around the cutoff frequency. The most common type is the low pass filter.
Filter Cutoff Frequency
The filter cutoff frequency is a significant factor for filters. A low pass filter, for example,
dampens the portion of the signal that lies above this frequency. Frequencies below this
value are allowed to pass through without being processed.
Gate
In audio engineering, the term Gate is used in different ways. Its basic character is al-
ready expressed in its name. It can be opened and closed, or technically speaking, ac-
tive or inactive. A Gate as a device is a group of elements, which let a signal pass or
not. Which of the two, is determined by certain given conditions. In a noise gate this
principle is used to suppress noise in signal pauses. It only lets signals pass, that have a