Envelope Tracks

 

Envelope tracks are a powerful utility in EnergyXT’s sequencer component to automate variables within a composition over time.

Whether it is automating track volume, the frequency cutoff for a synthesiser part or even the sequencer tempo, the envelope track gives a simple and graphical means of programming changes into a composition that will be reflected in a final render to audio.

Envelope tracks can only be edited in-line within the sequencer component. This means that all editing is done within the sequencer interface. Other track-types allow the opening of a more comprehensive window for editing.

To add an envelope track to an arrangement, right-click within the track header and select Add->Envelope.

Once the envelope track is added (and selected), hitting H will either minimise the track or return to normal track height. Double-clicking the track header will open the envelope track for editing.

A right-click on the track header of the envelope track will reveal all the standard track options as used by other track types. However, the Output option is worth further explanation here.

For an envelope track output, there are more options available than for other track types. It is possible to output to another component added to the sequencer via the main mixer and to redirect to one of the sequencer’s MIDI Out ports. It is also possible to direct envelope output to an Audio Track. This is, so far, parallel with the MIDI Track output options.

However, for the envelope track it is also possible to output to other MIDI Tracks. It is useful to be able to tie a MIDI Track’s automation to the track itself and the automation will be passed through automatically to that track’s output including any midi plug-ins that may exist on that track.

It is also possible to direct an envelope to the sequencer tempo. This allows complete automation of a composition’s tempo at any time not only by switching tempos but also by controlling acceleration and deceleration of tempo.

Additionally, within the Sequencer Mixer (toggled via F9) the same options are available as in a MIDI Track: MIDI Channel and track delay options, including the ability to insert midi effects in the chain.

Within the Envelope Track header are the key configuration options for the envelope track itself:

Mute/Solo buttons are available to control the activation and deactivation of the Envelope Track in relation to other tracks within the arrangement.

The Envelope Track has a title which can be altered via the right-click context-sensitive menu.

A CC field exists to align the envelope with a selected MIDI change controller. This is used to map the envelope automation with a given parameter in the target component.

A Resolution drop-down selector is used to select between MIDI resolution and high resolution for the automation envelope. The difference between these two resolutions are as follows:

The Value field is used to display the value of a given node within an automation envelope. The field is editable allowing the fine adjustment of any selected node.

The Line option allows for the toggling between two automation drawing types:

The Envelope Track itself consists of a grid where the vertical grid lines are aligned with the snap value in the sequencer – which also controls the snap value when adding a node to an envelope. The track is also divided into 4 quadrants vertically as a guide when adding or moving nodes.

Each node is shown by a small square which can be click-dragged to a new location (horizontally and vertically) or right-clicked for deletion. A value is shown at each node which represents where between 0.00 and 1.00 the node is placed.

Clicking on a node will select the node and its associated “segment”. In the case that the segment is of type Ramp/Curve, there will be a control point shown by a small circle which is used as a control for defining the shape of the curve within the segment. Click-dragging will alter the definition of the curve for the selected segment.