Enveloping each note in a shroud of characterized timbral shaping, the dual analog envelope module, ENVOLTURA by ST Modular, is designed to be a versatile hub in your eurorack setup. Inspired by the classic Roland System 100M 140 Dual ADSR, ENVOLTURA’s identity merges the past and future of sound modulation, creating a unique, user-friendly interface for innovative sonic sculpture.
ENVOLTURA's key features include an effective CV level control, an inverted output functionality for additional sound shaping possibilities, and last, but not the least, a retrigger function that breathes life into repeating rhythmic passages or to underscore the rhythmic structure of a piece.
On the front-end, ENVOLTURA presents a responsive analog envelope equipped with traditional ADSR controls, but that's where the standard approach ends. The gate signal, when applied to the GATE input, fires the envelope producing a CV signal at the primary output while an inverted version of the envelope is conveniently accessible at the INV output.
Additionally, the end-of-cycle GATE signal can be accessed from the EOC socket, offering a gate signal when the sustain phase of the envelope concludes. The EOC gate is signified by a vivid LED, providing instant visual feedback. For even more control, the DECAY phase of your envelope can be retriggered via a trigger signal applied to the RTRG input.
Paired with ENVOLTURA's built-in VCA, you’re also able to modulate the envelope's level through a CV signal patched into the VEL input. This, when coupled with the built-in attenuator, allows for minute control over the level modulation, creating a wide palate of dynamic variants.
PUSH inputs create an interactive sonic playground, transforming any CV source into a modulation maestro for both the amplitude and time values of the envelope. These can be further refined using the SLOW/FAST switch, ensuring you get the exact envelope behavior you desire. For unrestricted creative exploration, enable the CYC switch to have your envelopes loop within designated bounds, perfect for creating evolving textures or rhythmic modulation effects.
And don't forget, while ENVOLTURA functions as a dual module, the two ADSR sections are normalised to each other, allowing for simple, unpatched triggering of both envelopes simultaneously. This synchronised operation is a notable feature that enhances the overall user experience and sets ENVOLTURA apart from similarly structured modules.
In summary, the ENVOLTURA eurorack module complements any eurorack setup, with its dual envelope architecture, enhanced CV control possibilities, and a flexibility that lets your creativity dictate its operation. It's an envelope shaper, trigger generator, modulation source, all packed into a compact, skiff-friendly design. Unlock the full potential of ENVOLTURA and introduce your music to new realms of sonic architecture.
Example Usage
To trigger the ENVOLTURA's envelope, you need to send a gate signal to the GATE input. This will initiate the envelope and generate a corresponding CV signal at the OUT. If you prefer an inverted version of the CV signal, you can access it at the INV output. Additionally, the EOC socket provides an end-of-cycle gate signal, lighting an LED to indicate the occurrence. You can retrigger the DECAY phase by applying a trigger signal to the RTRG input.
For manual level adjustment, the slider level potentiometer allows you to control the envelope's level. To modulate the level using the internal VCA, connect a CV signal to the VEL input socket and utilize the attenuator for precise control.
If you seek dynamic modulation possibilities, simply use the PUSH inputs with any CV source to adjust the envelope's length and level. The SLOW/FAST switches enable you to fine-tune the length range, and you can activate the CYC switch to enable cycling within specific ranges. Keep in mind that cycling may pause for very rapid cycles and the envelope will not restart from 0 volts.
Moreover, ENVOLTURA allows you to manually trigger each envelope. Note that both ADSRs are normalized to each other, so pressing a trigger button will activate both envelopes simultaneously, unless there is a patch cable connected to the gate input of the other envelope.
Imagine crafting evolving and intricate soundscapes by harnessing the full potential of ENVOLTURA's dual analog envelopes. By patching a sequencer's gate signal into the GATE input, you initiate the envelope's journey, shaping your audio with precise control over ATTACK, DECAY, SUSTAIN, and RELEASE stages. Experiment with the inverted output from the INV jack to add a unique twist to your modulation sources. Utilize the end-of-cycle gate signal from the EOC socket to synchronize external events based on your envelope's progression. Dive deeper into sonic manipulation by modulating envelope levels with external CV signals through the VEL input, empowered by the dedicated attenuator for nuanced adjustments. For dynamic expressiveness, engage with the PUSH inputs to introduce additional CV sources and dynamically redefine the envelope's behavior. Fine-tune the envelope's response speed and range with the versatile SLOW/FAST switches, then explore continuous looping possibilities with the CYC switch, delving into rhythmic patterns and evolving textures. Take control of your sonic narrative by manually triggering each envelope with the tactile trigger buttons, unlocking limitless creative avenues that demand exploration and experimentation. Elevate your eurorack setup with ENVOLTURA's immersive analog envelope capabilities, transcending traditional boundaries to sculpt truly transformative sound experiences.
Further Thoughts
In a complex patch, you can achieve intricate rhythmic patterns by exploiting ENVOLTURA's cycle functionality. By setting different attack and decay times on each envelope and enabling cycling mode, you can create evolving and dynamic sequences that add movement and depth to your musical composition. Experiment with patching different CV sources to the PUSH inputs to modulate envelope length and level simultaneously, pushing the boundaries of traditional envelope shaping. Additionally, leveraging the inverted output can lead to unique timbral textures by processing the envelope signal in unconventional ways. As you delve deeper into ENVOLTURA's capabilities, remember to explore the interplay between the dual analog envelopes, utilizing retriggering and manual triggering for nuanced control over your sound design.