Delay on Envelope and Comb filter Module

[eclectic]

I like using the comb filter, as it has a nice guitar string like feel to it, especially with the damping turned up. However, I get a slightly harsh atttack when I try to use fast attack times. It sounds like the high frequency range of a noise wave.

However when I delay the amplitude envelope for this voice, the attack is delayed, but it is sharp and punchy, unlike the original harsh and weak attack.

I thought the delay function of an envelope in Zebra only delayed the onset of the oscillator, or is the envelope independent of the VCO?

If it is, the damping of the comb filter, changes the tonal character of the VCO over time and therefore a delayed attack changes the tonal timbre.

[trance_lucent]

Since envelope generators aren't linked to oscillators, comb filters or any other modules in any way, it is normal that envelope delay delays only elvelope start and not affects the synthesis and processing in any other modules.

The downside of your method is in the real delay of start of notes - so it is harder to play the instrument or arrange it with other instruments.

[Howard]

Yep, you need to control the envelope of what you feed through the comb!

[eclectic]

I'm using the PreFill Saw sound in the Comb filter module. I've modulated the value of the PreFill with an envelope, but the sound is still harsh. If I understand this correctly, the Damp function emulates the damping caused by air molecules, so every time a new delay is added to the comb filter, it goes through a high pass filter. So each delay has less high frequency content.

So is the harsh sound unavoidable, unless you high pass filter your noise VCO before it enters the comb filter. I've tried using a noise module before the Comb filter and high pass filtering the VCO and it sounds less harsh.

Would this be the best solution?

[pdxindy]

I'm using the PreFill Saw sound in the Comb filter module. I've modulated the value of the PreFill with an envelope, but the sound is still harsh. If I understand this correctly, the Damp function emulates the damping caused by air molecules, so every time a new delay is added to the comb filter, it goes through a high pass filter. So each delay has less high frequency content.

So is the harsh sound unavoidable, unless you high pass filter your noise VCO before it enters the comb filter. I've tried using a noise module before the Comb filter and high pass filtering the VCO and it sounds less harsh.

Would this be the best solution?

I rarely use the prefill... I sometimes use a Noise module as an exciter for the Comb module (like you are doing). Most often I use an Osc module.

When you say harsh, what do you mean?

If you are trying to make a clean pluck sound like a guitar, then put an envelop on the volume of the noise or osc and set the envelop to be very short... no sustain, just a bit of decay and maybe a bit of attack.

And yes you can filter some high frequencies out ( I think you mean Low Pass Filter) to soften the sound.

[eclectic]

Thanks for the information. I've been using a short attack and decay time on the volume envelope for the noise module, and low passing the noise unit. This seemed to get rid of some of the high end noise.

When I say harsh, I mean that there is a lot of high frequency stuff, of about 3 kHZ all the way up to about 20 kHz. So it's really messing up the initial attack clarity and smoothness.

So low passing the VCO noise unit is my best bet for getting a clean guitar plucked sound?

[pdxindy]

Thanks for the information. I've been using a short attack and decay time on the volume envelope for the noise module, and low passing the noise unit. This seemed to get rid of some of the high end noise.

When I say harsh, I mean that there is a lot of high frequency stuff, of about 3 kHZ all the way up to about 20 kHz. So it's really messing up the initial attack clarity and smoothness.

So low passing the VCO noise unit is my best bet for getting a clean guitar plucked sound?

I usually use an Osc module, not Noise module. You have a lot more control over the sound. With an Osc you can control the high frequencies right in the Osc without necessarily using a filter module. But yes, if there is too much high frequency stuff, then filter it out before going to the comb module.

Here are a couple audio examples of plucked type sounds that I think are not harsh, but still bright sounding:
http://draigathar.org/sounds/Candetar3.mp3
http://draigathar.org/sounds/evoltring.mp3

I often use an Osc for the main part of the sound and also a noise module with a different env and lower volume for creating string buzz as part of the sound. There are many techniques to explore. I never try to emulate an exact instrument, but rather to capture some particular organic quality/character that I like. With this sort of goal, I think Zebra can accomplish anything.

[eclectic]

Thanks for the audio examples, they sound very nice and organic. The problem I still have some times, is that my sounds don't have a balanced frequency range, like things in nature (guitars, orchestra's) tend to do, but I'm working on it.

Anyway I'll be putting some of this new found knowledge into practice, thanks.

[pdxindy]

Welcome... If you have other questions, ask away... some helpful people here in the forum!

[DefiantCatz70]

Hello pdxindy, those plucked type presets, have a really nice sound.