Enveloper in MainStage
Enveloper is an unusual processor that lets you shape the attack and release phases of a signal—the signal transients, in other words. This makes it a unique tool that can be used to achieve results that differ from other dynamics processors. In contrast to a compressor or expander, Enveloper operates independently of the absolute level of the input signal, but this works only if the Threshold slider is set to the lowest possible value.
To add Enveloper to your concert, choose Dynamics > Enveloper in a channel strip Audio Effect plug-in menu. See Add and remove plug-ins in MainStage.
The most important Enveloper parameters are the two Gain sliders, one on each side of the central display. These govern the Attack and Release levels of each respective phase.
Boosting the attack phase can add snap to a drum sound, or it can amplify the initial pluck or pick sound of a stringed instrument. Attenuating the attack causes percussive signals to fade in more softly. You can also mute the attack, making it virtually inaudible. A creative use for this effect is alteration of the attack transients to mask poor timing of recorded instrument parts.
Boosting the release phase also accentuates any reverb applied to the affected channel strip. Conversely, attenuating the release phase makes reverb-drenched tracks sound drier. This is particularly useful when you are working with drum loops, but it has many other applications as well.
Enveloper parameters
Threshold slider and field: Set the threshold level. Signals that exceed the threshold have their attack and release phase levels altered. In general, set the Threshold to the minimum value and leave it there. Only when you significantly raise the release phase level, which also boosts any noise in the original recording, should you raise the Threshold slider slightly. This limits Enveloper to affecting only the useful part of the signal.
(Attack) Gain slider and field: Boost or attenuate the attack phase of the signal. When the Gain slider is set to the center position—0%—the signal is unaffected.
Lookahead slider and field: Set the pre-read analysis time for the incoming signal. The Lookahead slider defines how far into the future of the incoming signal Enveloper looks, to anticipate upcoming events. You generally do not need to use this feature, except when processing signals with extremely sensitive transients. If you do raise the Lookahead value, you may need to adjust the attack time to compensate.
Display: Shows the attack and release curves applied to the signal.
(Attack) Time knob and field: Set the time it takes for the signal to increase from the threshold level to the maximum Gain level. Attack Time values of around 20 ms and Release Time values of 1500 ms are a good starting point.
(Release) Time knob and field: Set the time it takes for the signal to fall from the maximum gain level to the threshold level.
(Release) Gain slider and field: Boost or attenuate the release phase of the signal. When the Gain slider is set to the center position—0%—the signal is unaffected.
Out Level slider and field: Set the level of the output signal. Drastic boosting or cutting of either the release or attack phase may change the overall level of the signal. You can compensate for this by adjusting the Out Level slider.