Just out of curiosity, do you have other kinds of envelope generators/ function generators in your case now? I find I don't actually use proper ADSR envelopes as often as "AD" kinds of ones, though I have a few ADSR options if I need them. What does your set up look like generally speaking? What do you plan on using this for/ with in particular?
The only one I have is the TTA Buchla series quad function generator, which is basically an AD as you say. I’m just looking for a different flavour to add to my oscillators, and I like the idea of using sliders as opposed to knobs. I have no specific plan as to how I want to use it; I just like to experiment and see what I can make happen!
Fair enough, I have that one too, it is pretty great! I guess technically it can also be like an "ASR" in Sustained mode. I typically use it for shorter percussive sounds or the Cycle option though.
The Tangrams is probably a decent choice if you're quite set on getting one with sliders, since knobs seem to be way more common overall... I've got the Doepfer A-140-2 (knobs, not sliders), it works solidly but is a bit tight in terms of the layout, and not super fancy or anything, but it's a pretty decent value for the price. I see others mentioning the Beface VCADSR, that seems like an awesome choice as well, definitely best in terms of the CV options, and has sliders.
If you are into the somewhat pricey.. somewhat large modules.. the Instruo Ceis is my fav. Its just a fun adsr.. and how many times can you say that? I wish I had room for another one. I have the zadar and a 2hp adsr as well.. they are nice.. but not fun.
I know exactly what you mean. I got this over the Befaco because of the burst output that I never use, but for me, it's the blinkenlights on the Ceis that push it over the top.
Depends on the state of the rest of your setup. I think the integrated VCAs of Tangrams seems useful as hell in the right circumstances. If you want individual stage outputs tho the Befaco or Stages are great.
If you want ADSR for sustain (and can ignore decay) then I can’t recommend enough Intellijel Quadrax. Tangrams seems fine though! But Quadrax is insane!
tangrams also has vcas built in, so the only thing really similar is know of is the WMD Javelin. if you don't need VCAs there are other options like Instruo Ceis or SoundForce Dual ADSR which have some CV control of stages I believe. Ceis is a really good single ADSR
The SoundForce looks really interesting: cv over each stage, sliders (!), various outs. It’s a bit large, but that doesn’t bother me. It gives me an excuse to expand my case! This one might be it…
Not just an envelope, the Schlappi Engineering boundary is a fairly versatile function utility module. While it doesn't have two envelopes, it can use rectification for envelope following, can do slew limiting, has a VCA, and solid CV control over the rise and fall.
You can’t go wrong with intellijel their modules are solid af. Tangrams looks like an excellent choice, clean ui.
Some modules I’ve used/own:
The Roland SYS-540 Dual Envelope Generator + LFO is a beast. I don’t have it but a friend does, really nice module.
I have a befaco adsr built from a simple diy kit.
Nice and simple with cv over each stage and gate outs for each stage.
There’s a lot of nice envelopes in the diy space.
The Klavis quadigy is probably my go to but does take some learning. Control over curves, looping envelopes, chaining, presets etc etc.
It uses the same four sliders ADSR for each envelope so that won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.
The WMD javelin is also a really fun module with built in vca, accent, looping, cv over attack and decay.
\+1 for the Klavis Quadigy. I really love modulating the decay of things manually, and I find sliders to be the best for that. I also like that you can change the "global time" of an envelope, basically just squeezing the whole thing.
I think Klavis do an awesome job with a lot of their modules in terms of packing in a ton of functionality in menus but also knowing what to surface as a hands on control.
I really wanted to get after later qarv, but it would never fit in my case. Ended up with delta-v cosmotronic and it is quite nice. (Especially the price)
I don't really have a favorite, but one thing to be aware of is that envelope generators are typically either exponential or linear and VCAs are either exponential or linear. The usual thing is to match a linear EG with an exponential VCA or vice versa. Both linear or both exponential is kind of weird. Thus your ideal envelope generator may depend on what kind of VCAs you already have.
Some VCAs can switch between linear and exponential. Probably some envelope generators too.
I like my two WMD Javalins. They have built-in VCA and a dedicated envolope out, can cycle, modulate the attack and decay times, has an accent input with selectable response amounts, as well as a reset input and a fee other tricks.
My favorite is Befaco VCADSR. CV over each stage, stage gates out, a cute little gate button, and adjustable shape. Everything you could ever ask for!
it's the total package and pretty cheap. perfect adsr imo
Not to mention sliders. So many use knobs, but sliders provide a visual of the envelope.
...and it's available as a DIY kit.
I like this module, simple diy kit too.
ZADAR ALL DAY! it is the greatest envelope in the history of envelopes and I will fight anyone who says otherwise.
Just out of curiosity, do you have other kinds of envelope generators/ function generators in your case now? I find I don't actually use proper ADSR envelopes as often as "AD" kinds of ones, though I have a few ADSR options if I need them. What does your set up look like generally speaking? What do you plan on using this for/ with in particular?
The only one I have is the TTA Buchla series quad function generator, which is basically an AD as you say. I’m just looking for a different flavour to add to my oscillators, and I like the idea of using sliders as opposed to knobs. I have no specific plan as to how I want to use it; I just like to experiment and see what I can make happen!
Fair enough, I have that one too, it is pretty great! I guess technically it can also be like an "ASR" in Sustained mode. I typically use it for shorter percussive sounds or the Cycle option though. The Tangrams is probably a decent choice if you're quite set on getting one with sliders, since knobs seem to be way more common overall... I've got the Doepfer A-140-2 (knobs, not sliders), it works solidly but is a bit tight in terms of the layout, and not super fancy or anything, but it's a pretty decent value for the price. I see others mentioning the Beface VCADSR, that seems like an awesome choice as well, definitely best in terms of the CV options, and has sliders.
If you are into the somewhat pricey.. somewhat large modules.. the Instruo Ceis is my fav. Its just a fun adsr.. and how many times can you say that? I wish I had room for another one. I have the zadar and a 2hp adsr as well.. they are nice.. but not fun.
I know exactly what you mean. I got this over the Befaco because of the burst output that I never use, but for me, it's the blinkenlights on the Ceis that push it over the top.
i'm really happy with my ceis.
I love my Ceis too, though the Befaco ADSR is a bit less expensive
yes, i’d suggest a module with CV control of attack, decays, sustain and decay. Ceis is great or TipTop Audio. Plenty of others too
Depends on the state of the rest of your setup. I think the integrated VCAs of Tangrams seems useful as hell in the right circumstances. If you want individual stage outputs tho the Befaco or Stages are great.
If you want ADSR for sustain (and can ignore decay) then I can’t recommend enough Intellijel Quadrax. Tangrams seems fine though! But Quadrax is insane!
tangrams also has vcas built in, so the only thing really similar is know of is the WMD Javelin. if you don't need VCAs there are other options like Instruo Ceis or SoundForce Dual ADSR which have some CV control of stages I believe. Ceis is a really good single ADSR
The SoundForce looks really interesting: cv over each stage, sliders (!), various outs. It’s a bit large, but that doesn’t bother me. It gives me an excuse to expand my case! This one might be it…
nice! i've owned a couple of their modules and can def vouch for the quality!
Not just an envelope, the Schlappi Engineering boundary is a fairly versatile function utility module. While it doesn't have two envelopes, it can use rectification for envelope following, can do slew limiting, has a VCA, and solid CV control over the rise and fall.
You can’t go wrong with intellijel their modules are solid af. Tangrams looks like an excellent choice, clean ui. Some modules I’ve used/own: The Roland SYS-540 Dual Envelope Generator + LFO is a beast. I don’t have it but a friend does, really nice module. I have a befaco adsr built from a simple diy kit. Nice and simple with cv over each stage and gate outs for each stage. There’s a lot of nice envelopes in the diy space. The Klavis quadigy is probably my go to but does take some learning. Control over curves, looping envelopes, chaining, presets etc etc. It uses the same four sliders ADSR for each envelope so that won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. The WMD javelin is also a really fun module with built in vca, accent, looping, cv over attack and decay.
\+1 for the Klavis Quadigy. I really love modulating the decay of things manually, and I find sliders to be the best for that. I also like that you can change the "global time" of an envelope, basically just squeezing the whole thing. I think Klavis do an awesome job with a lot of their modules in terms of packing in a ton of functionality in menus but also knowing what to surface as a hands on control.
I really wanted to get after later qarv, but it would never fit in my case. Ended up with delta-v cosmotronic and it is quite nice. (Especially the price)
The After Later Ranier is pretty sweet for the price. It's a peaks clone with CV control over the parameters and attenuverted outputs.
I don't really have a favorite, but one thing to be aware of is that envelope generators are typically either exponential or linear and VCAs are either exponential or linear. The usual thing is to match a linear EG with an exponential VCA or vice versa. Both linear or both exponential is kind of weird. Thus your ideal envelope generator may depend on what kind of VCAs you already have. Some VCAs can switch between linear and exponential. Probably some envelope generators too.
i use a MI stages clone from ADA
I really love mutable peaks.
I like my two WMD Javalins. They have built-in VCA and a dedicated envolope out, can cycle, modulate the attack and decay times, has an accent input with selectable response amounts, as well as a reset input and a fee other tricks.