I spent some time testing envelopes tonight. I already have what is likely the perfect one for me – Makenoise Maths and yet… I want something smaller. Requirements are the same exponential sound and CV over rise and fall. I picked up a Makenoise Function and sadly learned tonight that it only outputs 8V. Maths puts out 10V and, for me, this is key to the wide modulation range I like on filters. My primary complaint with other envs I’ve tried is that low output and need to amplify them. It was sad to find out that Function has the same problem. 8V is more than many offer but still needs amplified for my uses. If I accept that I’ll need to amplify the output, now many others are in play. In particular… the ALM Pip Slope.
The downside of the Pip Slope has always been the very weak output (5v?). The upside? Many features (and low hp). Yet, after testing… I’m selling the Pip Slope. The problem? The attack – it seems linear at all times and just doesn’t give the magic that the Maths and Functions attack gives. I never really found the delay or the bouncing ball to be quite what I expected yet they worked great when activated for normal sequences – they gave little extra flourishes. Not quite the delay or bouncing ball they claim to but perhaps something better – ie. the happy accident. The delay and bouncing ball DO work – just, for me, not quite what I expected.
The hidden gem though… the 2hp EG. Nearly a Maths env in 2hp. 10v output with a built-in attenuator. Great response for both attack and decay. Can match Maths in a lot of uses. The problem – other than an a time cramped panel (to be expected at 2hp though!) – is some hard-to-define Maths magic. The final tail of the Maths envelopes seem to linger a bit. At times I almost feel like Maths is perhaps putting out some constant small voltage (I’m using the function out, not the sum, etc.). It is not a constant voltage (this would be easy to test and hear) yet still the decays seem a bit more organic. Bad news due to Math’s size. Function does seem close but … the 8V output.
Mutable Stages can do a pretty nice Math’s curve imitation and seems to put out perhaps 8V as well. Peaks also surprised me with the quality of its envs as well (and a bouncing ball env in an alt firmware).
The 4ms Mini Peg is next up. I’ve used it some and enjoyed it but not done real tests. The good news? 10V output.
I really hate to dwell on the 10V but I do think for me this is the key to the sound I want. I even start to wonder if this is part of the Maths “snappiness” people report. Maths can be snappy but it is also loud and, at least for me, I associate that high range with a harsh, snappy sound. By “loud” I mean the high voltage it pushes can fully open a filter starting at fully closed – I hear the broad range of the filter.