3.5

231MainStage Instruments
The Sustain Time slider defines the time it takes for the level to rise from the Sustain level
back to its maximum level—or to fall to zero:
• Settings in the lower half of the Sustain Time slider range (fall) determine the time
required for the level to decay from the sustain level to zero. The lower the slider
position, the faster the sound level decays.
• Settings in the upper half of its range (rise) determine the time required for the level
to rise from the sustain level to its maximum value. The higher the slider position, the
faster the sound level rises.
Emulate instrument behaviors with envelope decay modulation in ES2
1. In MainStage, set up a modulation routing as follows:modulation target Env3Dec,
source Kybd.
2. Make sure the Intensity slider is set to a negative value.
3. Adjust Env3 settings.
This routing simulates the behavior of pianos and plucked instruments, where high
notes decay faster than low notes.
Use the MainStage ES2 Vector Envelope
The Vector Envelope is a multipoint, loop-capable modulation source. It provides real-time
control of pointer movements in the Triangle and the Planar Pad. The Vector Envelope
shares the space occupied by the modulation router.
Each played voice has an independent Vector Envelope, which is triggered from its start
point with every new keystrike (MIDI note-on message).
Conceptually, the Vector Envelope—and Planar Pad and Triangle—may be difficult to
grasp, but some experimentation reveals how easy these features are to use. Combine
these facilities with other synthesis options to create truly unique sounds that are—quite
literally—moving.
Display the Vector Envelope
• In MainStage, click the Vector Envelope button to the right of the router to display the
Vector Envelope.