MusicianCV · TREnvelope: from attack to release
Open the interactive module
Properties of sound
An envelope describes the broad change of sound level over time. ADSR separates attack, decay, sustain and release as a useful synthesis model, rather than a compulsory description of every acoustic instrument. Sustain is a level in this model, not simply a duration.
A held piano key does not keep its string at constant energy. A synthesised string patch may continue fading after the key is released. The written or MIDI note duration therefore need not equal the entire audible tail.
Example
A short MIDI note can leave a long tail when the patch has a long release.
Envelope: from attack to releaseA ↗ D ↘ S ━ R ↘
Try it
Which patch parameter could explain sound continuing after note-off?
Answer
Check release, and also any pedal or effect tails.Related topics
Separating pitch and loudness · Frequency: cycles per secondReferences
Pitch, loudness and timbre
Subject-expert review pending.