modular systems » Eurorack modules » modulation » Envelopes & function generators

With the Drum Decay, Trouby has designed a dual envelope specialized in creating percussive sounds. One of the modulators was tailored for pitch and filter sweeps, the other is meant for controlling a VCA. The attack phases of the envelopes sound very crisp. For sculpting drums, each envelope offers decay and punch parameters. The modulators are activated via a shared gate input. Two outputs per envelope emit the decay voltage as well as the entire envelope signal.

A Programmable Universal CV Generator whose basic functionality is drawn from the E-mu Morpheus’s insanely powerful (but hard to program on a two-line display) Function Generators. But now expanded into a supremely flexible modulation source encompassing elaborate one-shot contours, evolving cyclical patterns and sequences of arbitrary length and complexity.

You need plenty of modulation workhorses like LFOs or envelopes rather than multi-functional and complicated function generators? Then look no further because the AD/LFO has what you need and that is six digital channels. Each three channels can be either an AD envelope or a LFO, are available as a mix at sum outputs and can work ten times slower at the press of a button.

This one is a function generator of a different kind, or in better words on a different stage of evolution. Basically it contains six function generators which can be tirggered individuaklly and feature individual outputs, yet are controlled together. It generates more than sawtooths and triangles, but also pulses and even sine waves thanks to waveshaping.
Once the module oscillates the function generators can produce six divided or multiplicators of the frequency which is especially interesting in audio mode, even more if the mix output is used!

What else: VCO waveshaping like on the Mangrove, VC of all parameters, 1V/oct tracking and Thru-Zero FM. Great as a modulator, awesome as an oscillator!

Vintage edition with a black faceplate and custom knobs.

The A-140 is a fast ADSR type envelope generator with both positive and inverted outputs as well as a retrigger input. The coarse time range of the A-140 can be selected from three settings by a rocker switch.

Date of availability still not known, sorry.

The omnimod is a four-channel modulation source. Per channel encoders are used to set up to 64 break points and to shape envelopes. At each point of the envelope you have the ability to to set height, shift, number of repetitions and the curve shape - that's what we call a real multi-stage envelope and it even has an OLED display to show what you're doing.
Inputs can be used to trigger and even to clock the channels, advancing from break point to braekpoint and thus playing sequences! Instead a clock use a CV to control the phase. The module has an oscillosope and can act as an envelope follower, to top it all.

Into just two HP QuBit Electronix squeezes as much as possbile into the EON: an attack-decay envelope generator with cycle mode, a combination of a square wave oscillator and a triangle LFO and then a digital noise generator with downsampling and random gates. Two outputs carry entirely different signals. Oh yeah, this wee thing is even voltage controllable! Good job, QuBit!

The Mini Slew's distinguished feature is the Time Compensation function: when altering the curve shape the frequency remains relatively unchanged! This makes the module stand out from all other comparable function generators and makes this type of module even more flexible, be it when used as LFO or as a VCO with voltage controlled wave shaping. A propos voltage control: curve form and output level can be modulated and the cycle function turned on and off by using gates. Kudos to WMD and SSF for the good work!

ACL’s Envelope X3 comes equipped with three ADSR envelopes. The module is based on circuits well-known from the Japanese 100m synthesizer. Compared to the original designs, the X3 envelopes were improved in various ways. The circuits are more stable, more flexible and, with the right settings, a lot faster.

Version in vintage black design

Two independent envelopes in one Eurorack module, which are accurate clones of the Minimoog's envelope generators. Each unit can be used as an AD or ADSD envelope.

Super-compact yet powerful and snappy envelope generator featuring voltage control of time paramters, loop function, and alternative curve characteristics. More or less half of a function generator for low buck.

Befaco's approach of a dual complex function generator á la Serge / Buchla / Maths externds the idea of an integrator for slew limiting, envelope generation and oscillations by an analog logic processor and a slope detector per function generator which generates complex gate signals by analyzing if the generated curve is rising or falling at the given time.

A small and snappy envelope generator with some very useful features like global voltage control of the stages' lengths, two modes, self cycling and short minimal times. Very handy are the faders which are so useful with envelopes!

Vintage edition with a black faceplate and custom knobs.

Much more than just a plain slew limiter - The A-171-2 is a multi-functional module for generating and processing control voltages and audio signals in the manner of a function generator. LFO, envelope generator, slew limiter... a lot of functions are possible! You can even use the module as a simple waveshaper or a very rudimental filter. The A-171-2 has been created in licence from Ken Stone/CGS and is more or less a revised successor to the Bananalogue VCS.

Contour is a classic ADSR envelope with some nifty additional features. Attack and sustain parameters feature dedicated potentiometers. Decay and release are controlled mutually via one knob. CV inputs allow users to modulate all time parameters. Contour’s curve shapes can be linear or exponential. – Or anything in between. EON and EOC connectors emit a trigger signal after the attack respectively the release phase is completed. For tapping envelope signals, there are a normal and an inverted output. Contour stands out due to fast response and intuitive operation. The module is a great choice for creating percussive sounds. By connecting the EON output to the gate input, Contour can be transformed into a LFO.

The Model 180 Dual Attack Generator is composed of two ASR envelopes. The length of the sustain phases, here called note duration, can be determined by either trigger respectively gate signals or potentiometers. With the knobs turned completely counterclockwise, the envelopes feature an AD characteristic. While attack or note duration phases are active, the modulators can’t be retriggered. Thanks to this, it is possible to use the Model 180 as an unconventional clock divider. The circuit produces linear voltage curves. Small time values lead to very punchy results.

Modulation outpost – Satellite can be filled with presets and sequences created using a Control Forge. The module acts as a self-contained CV generator. Thanks to a wide array of control voltage inputs, musicians can influence the circuit in various ways. CV and trigger signals are emitted via several connectors. – If one Control Forge isn’t enough for the patches at hand, here is the chance to expand your setup in a cost-effective, space-saving way.

Dualkey is composed of two modulators with A(H)D, A(S)R and Loop modes. Length and shape of rising / falling edge can be adjusted manually as well as influenced by CV signals. At most, the module emits voltages of +10 V. Additionally the circuits generate a trigger signal after each envelope cycle. Furthermore, they produce gate voltages while active. Besides control inputs, each modulator features a button for manually starting the corresponding envelope.

Small, yet versatile envelope plus VCA – The Pico Modulator is an envelope generator with AD and ASR modes. The circuit can work with linear or exponential curve shapes. Thanks to its loop function, the module is also usable as a LFO. Furthermore, the Pico Modulator comes equipped with a VCA, which is controlled by the envelope.

The Lifeforms ADSR is a four stage envelope generator. Attack, decay and release potentiometers can work in two time ranges. Results are emitted via a normal and an inverted output. At the end of the release phase, the module generates a trigger signal.

The ADSR envelope from Birdkids offers high flexibility. It comes equipped with six modes of operation, three curve shapes and variable ranges for attack, decay and release stages. The module occupies only 4HP in a Eurorack case.

Contour is a quad envelope generator with attack and decay stages. They can not only be adjusted manually, but modulated by control voltages as well. Loop functions allow the user to employ the circuits as LFOs. The shapes of attack and decay stages are switchable between linear and exponential characteristic. CV signals emitted by the module can be leveled and inverted. A chaining feature makes it possible to combine two or more of the Contour’s envelopes.

Small, crisp and flexible – The VC ADSR is a compact, well equipped envelope offering excellent performance. The module can be activated via its gate input or a button. A trigger / gate switch allows the user to choose between two modes of operation. Attack, decay, sustain and release parameters are manually adjustable via sliders. Additionally, they can be modulated using CV inputs. The curves of all time values are shapeable. Four gate outputs emit a signal every time the corresponding phase (A, D, S or R) is active.

The Grand Terminal is a digital multipurpose module for ambitious sound designers. It contains two function generators, which can be used as envelopes, LFOs or VCOs, two filter channels with eight modes of operation, mixing and routing options as well as a multi effects unit. Considering this feature set, it is safe to say that the Grand Terminal is more than the sum of its parts. It is a complete synthesizer voice, which can also be used as a dual mono or stereo filter plus reverb, delay respectively chorus processor and modulators. Despite its high complexity, handling the unit is easy as pie. The sound is crystal clear and, thanks to all the filter types and effect algorithms, very versatile. Simply put it in your modular and take off!