Using an LFO to modulate an envelope's sustain level

[robst247]

Here's a handy way to create rhythmical/pulsating sounds without using the sequencer:

Import and tweak the attached preset to see and hear how it works.

You can modulate the sustain level of ENV1, ENV2 and ENV3 by assigning each envelope's Sustain slider to one of the matrix's user-assignable destinations (column 13, 14, 15 or 16) and then using LFO1, LFO2 or LFO3 as the modulation source. The square and down-sawtooth waveforms work best because they give a sharp attach, though the other LFO waveforms can also produce interesting results.

Obviously, you can use LFO-modulated ENV1 in combination with Env Amt to rhythmically open and close one or both of the filters; you can use LFO-modulated ENV2 to rhythmically vary the VCA volume; and you can route a rhythmically pulsating envelope to any parameter in the matrix.

If you sync the envelope-triggering LFO to the sequencer tempo and tweak its rate, you can get interesting cross-rhythms or polyrhythms.

[Reaktiv]

Thanks for sharing your tip! Great idea made possible with this so flexible piece of gear, I discover new ways of creation everytime

[DrJustice]

...You can trigger ENV1, ENV2 or ENV3 by assigning that envelope's sustain to one of the matrix's user-assignable destinations (column 13, 14, 15 or 16) and then using LFO1, LFO2 or LFO3 as a modulation source. The square and down-sawtooth waveforms work best as triggers,...

I can't get that to work. As expected it modulates the sustain level, and no re-triggering is happening. This is using FW 1.1.0.73 - are you on an earlier FW version?

[robst247]

I realize now, DrJustice, that you're right. I had incorrectly assumed that, because the envelope's LED's were flashing, the entire envelopes were being re-triggered. You are correct in stating that only the sustain level is being modulated. Still, you CAN use this technique to get some interesting rhythmical effects. I have re-titled and re-worded my original post so that no one else will be misled. ;-)

Is it accurate now?

Is there no way to re-trigger entire envelopes other than using the sequencer? If not, this seems to me to be a major shortcoming of the MatrixBrute, given that so many modern synths provide for envelope looping. 

[BobTheDog]

Patch a square LFO to one of the cv outs using the matrix and connect a lead from that cv out to the gate in.

[robst247]

OK, thanks for enlightening me.
Does it matter which CV out I use? I guess not. They are identical, right?
[Clearly, I need some more enlightenment.] 

[DrJustice]

...
Is it accurate now?

Sure, I was just curious about it. And I agree, looping and/or retriggering of the envelopes would be grand.

Patch a square LFO to one of the cv outs using the matrix and connect a lead from that cv out to the gate in.

Aye! It triggers all the envelopes though, but it's still useful!

Edit: semi ninja'd.

Does it matter which CV out I use? I guess not. They are identical, right?

Some are +10V and other are +/-5V. They should all work though since the trigger is specified as 5V.

Edit2: Ninja'd by BobTheDog as well!

[BobTheDog]

Choose one you are not using in the patch, so for example if you are not using the triangle wave on an oscillator use the Metal CV.

You can also get some neat effects like using another LFO to alter the speed of the LFO that you are sending to the gate, or a pair of LFOs modulating each other and the modulating the LFO going to the gate.

[BobTheDog]

...
Is it accurate now?

Sure, I was just curious about it. And I agree, looping envelopes would be grand.

Patch a square LFO to one of the cv outs using the matrix and connect a lead from that cv out to the gate in.

Aye! It triggers all the envelopes though, but it's still useful!

I don't think there is any way of triggering the individual ENVS separately, it would be great if you could.

[robst247]

Yes, it's definitely a shortcoming -- as the sexologist said to the premature ejaculator.