User Manual

38 | NORD STAGE 3 USER MANUAL OS V1.3X
AMP ENVELOPE
The final stage of a synth signal chain usually consists of an amplifier to control the volume. By
modulating the amplifier with an envelope, the sound is given its basic “shape” over time. In fact,
the “volume shape” is one of the most important factors to how we identify the sound. By setting
up a proper volume envelope you can make a sound “soft”, “hard”, “plucked” “static” etc.
ATTACK
The ATTACK knob is used to adjust how long it takes for the sound to go from zero to full ampli-
tude after a key has been pressed. With long Attack settings the sound will gradually “fade in”.
DECAY
When the attack phase is over, the envelope drops back to zero level. Use the DECAY knob to
set the time this should take. If the Decay time is set to full, the envelope will stay in its maximum
level until the key is released.
RELEASE
When the key is released, the envelope enters the release stage. The release time is set with the
RELEASE knob.
VELOCITY
With Amp Env VELOCITY active, the output level of the Synth will be controlled by the velocity with
which the keyboard is played. There are four settings (including Velocity off - no LEDs being lit)
giving an increasing amount of Velocity sensitivity.
LFO
The LFO or Low Frequency Oscillator produces cyclic waveforms – and can do so at very low
frequencies. An LFO is generally not used for generating audible frequencies. Instead the output
from the LFO is used for modulating other functions, such as the Osc Ctrl parameter of the Nord
Stage 3 oscillator or the filter frequency. The rate of the LFO is set with the morphable RATE knob.
To modulate Osc Ctrl – for instance in order to produce a vibrato effect using the Pitch or Detune
oscillator configurations – use the two-way LFO / MOD ENV knob in the Oscillator section turned
to a setting before 12 o’clock.To modulate the filter frequency, simply turn the LFO AMT knob.
MST CLK
Press Shift and turn the RATE dial to sync the rate of the LFO to the Nord Stage 3 master clock.
When the LFO is synchronized to the Master Clock, the Rate knob will be used to set the arpeg-
gio’s subdivison of the tempo of the Master Clock. The Subdivisions are described in meter: ½
equals half notes at the clock tempo, ¼ equals quarter notes, 1/8 are eight notes etc. Read more
about this feature on page 26.
LFO WAVEFORMS
The LFO waveform selector button determines the waveform that is generated by the LFO:
Waveform Description
Triangle
Suitable for natural vibrato effects and also used for classic pulse width modulation.
Modulation
*
* Note that the Modulation always starts at maximum amplitude level for the AMP destination
Sawtooth 1
Use for ramp type modulations.
Modulation
*
* Note that the Modulation always starts at maximum amplitude level for the AMP destination
Sawtooth 2
Use for ramp type modulations.
Square
Use for abrupt modulation changes, suitable for trills, distinct tremolos, etc.
Sample & Hold
Creates a smooth random modulation.
Modulation
*
* Note that the Modulation always starts at maximum amplitude level for the AMP destination
Modulation
*
* Note that the Modulation always starts at maximum amplitude level for the AMP destination
S/H