Introduction to Envelopes
Envelopes in audio are a part of every single sound we hear. In fact, having a firm grasp of the components of an envelope is essential to all areas of audio production. In this video, Jeff and Charlie define what an envelope is and how the four components of the envelope can be understood and adjusted when working with sound.
Key Points:
Key Points:
- The envelope is how a sound wave changes over time. There are four components of envelope known as ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release).
- Attack: The point at which the vibration or sound wave ramps up is known as the attack.
- Decay: Once the vibration or wave hits its peak, some of the sound pressure immediately drops. This is called the decay.
- Sustain: The point at which the sound pressure begins to level out.
- Release: At some point, the energy of the vibration or wave gives out. This is called the release.
- When using processors such as compression and synthesizers, you are mitigating the envelope to adjust the quality of the sound and/or change the sound completely.
Pro Tip: Understanding ADSR is not only essential when describing how sound operates, it is also through these components that we are able to manipulate sound in both the live and studio setting.
This video is part of a series we filmed back-to-back. Check out the previous video or watch the entire series in the Intro to Audio Fundamentals playlist.
This video is part of a series we filmed back-to-back. Check out the previous video or watch the entire series in the Intro to Audio Fundamentals playlist.