No Sound Synthesis Window and Making Strong Attacks

[eclectic]

I've included two questions in here, as they both link to this story.

I often make percussive elements with Zebra, e.g. I like being able to create my own unique kick sound.

The problem I have is that the Zebra's envelopes don't seem to have a hold function when it comes to creating one shots, unless I am mistaken. So when I'm creating a strong and punchy attack, I can change the v-slope of the envelope to the right, but I don't get that flat top envelope sound, that a limiter e.g. creates.

I've found a way of doing this by putting the voice mix of the channel to zero and then modulating the volume of the voice mix with a MSEG that has a flat top shape.

Why does this modulation only work in the modulation matrix, when I do the exact same modulation in the synthesis window, no sound appears?

Is there a easier way or better way of making these strong limited like attacks.

[xh3rv]

I've included two questions in here, as they both link to this story.

I often make percussive elements with Zebra, e.g. I like being able to create my own unique kick sound.

The problem I have is that the Zebra's envelopes don't seem to have a hold function when it comes to creating one shots, unless I am mistaken. So when I'm creating a strong and punchy attack, I can change the v-slope of the envelope to the right, but I don't get that flat top envelope sound, that a limiter e.g. creates.

I've found a way of doing this by putting the voice mix of the channel to zero and then modulating the volume of the voice mix with a MSEG that has a flat top shape.

Why does this modulation only work in the modulation matrix, when I do the exact same modulation in the synthesis window, no sound appears?

Is there a easier way or better way of making these strong limited like attacks.

A couple of hold tricks for the envelopes: 1) 'init' to 100 means the duration of the attack phase is essentially a 'hold'. 2) Decay into a sustain of 100, along with using 'fall/rise' in the sustain, similarly inserts a held duration into the envelope.

The MSEG->Voice Channel mix is a bit of a quirk with how the channel mixers work, IIRC the amp 'mod' on the channel mixer multiplies while the ModMatrix one is additive. You've setting the 'vol' on the channel mixer to 0, so multiplying it remains 0, but adding to it gets the MSEG geometry added to the envelope.

I would recommend checking the manual for more envelope tricks - really fantastic envelopes in Zebra, a lot of interesting and useful logic. Also the Zebra compressor is excellent for some more dB of smack in percussion, especially with careful application of envelopes and MSEGS - no frills, just completely integrated with everything else.

[Fritze]

As I guess that you don't want to use a Attack time greater than zero ...
One way of creating this effect is by using the "init" value of the envelope. Set it to max and then Attack becomes the hold time before Decay.
I suggest that you check out the manual (description of evelopes start at page 46) for more of such tricky envelope things as the Zebra envelopes are indeed very extensive beyond what is obvious at first glance.

EDIT: Ah xh3rv, you beat me to it! Cool...

[CandeFan]

You can use MSEG's on ocs vol (and Tune).

[hollo]

A couple of hold tricks for the envelopes: 1) 'init' to 100 means the duration of the attack phase is essentially a 'hold'. 2) Decay into a sustain of 100, along with using 'fall/rise' in the sustain, similarly inserts a held duration into the envelope.

The MSEG->Voice Channel mix is a bit of a quirk with how the channel mixers work, IIRC the amp 'mod' on the channel mixer multiplies while the ModMatrix one is additive. You've setting the 'vol' on the channel mixer to 0, so multiplying it remains 0, but adding to it gets the MSEG geometry added to the envelope.

I would recommend checking the manual for more envelope tricks - really fantastic envelopes in Zebra, a lot of interesting and useful logic. Also the Zebra compressor is excellent for some more dB of smack in percussion, especially with careful application of envelopes and MSEGS - no frills, just completely integrated with everything else.

Great info, thank you xh3rv!
I was also running in some confusions about these.
I was sure i understand the concept enough, so i wasn't checking the manual.

[Howard]

...so i wasn't checking the manual.

[eclectic]

Thanks for the responses, they're excellent. I stupidly though I knew the envelopes back to front, I now know I definitely don't!

[Fritze]

Yeah, isn't it cool how deep Zebra is? My guess is that only a few poeple know it completely and can use everything to their full advantage on command. There is still a lot to explore... Me likey!

[DefiantCatz70]

It amazes me how many different ways there are in creating such incredible sounds with Zebra, this site is soooooooooo good for the Good Advice people give.

[mcnoone]

It amazes me how many different ways there are in creating such incredible sounds with Zebra, this site is soooooooooo good for the Good Advice people give.

Not only the community and manual help, but I found by just examining the patches made by others, can help in learning new tricks as well.