Tame Stubborn Envelopes with Modulation in Kontakt

The Flexible Envelope is a powerful envelope type that allows you to create arbitrary modulation shapes by defining up to 32 breakpoints, each at a defined level and point in time. Some of these Breakpoints can be modulated which can make for some exciting and unusual variations of sound. In this quick tutorial, we’ll take a look at how we can Tame Those Stubborn Envelopes With A Little Bit of Flexibility and Modulation.

When you create a new flexible envelope, you’ll initially see a shape which roughly resembles a traditional ADSR envelope in its panel. Any changes to the shape of the envelope will take place within this graphical representation. Just like within the other envelope editors, the X ax is represents the time, while the Y axis represents the modulation level.

You can define an envelope shape by creating or deleting breakpoints, moving them around and changing the shape of the curves that connect them. The initial preset is an envelope with four breakpoints; this is also the minimum number of breakpoints that have to be present in an envelope.

The first 8 breakpoints of a flexible envelope are special in that their positions in time and their levels can be modulated via external modulation sources; to do this, open the envelope editor’s Modulation Router and create modulation assignments in the usual way.

First, create a new instrument.

Enter edit mode, open the mapping editor and add your samples. Close the Mapping Editor.

Add a filter to a Group Insert Fx slot.

Display the modulation section and add a Flexible Envelope. It should be set to modulate cutoff.

Click the Quick Jump to scroll down to the Flexible Envelope.

In the Flexible Envelope, Display the modulation section and add velocity. It should be set to Time 1.

Add Pitch Bend and set it to Level 1.

Now when you play the Instrument, the time parameter of Breakpoint 1 will vary with velocity and the level can be varied with the Pitch Bend wheel!

The Flexible Envelope is extremely powerful and one of the many tools you will use when it comes to Sound Design. Keep in mind that the status bar gives you very important information about your breakpoints. Be sure to check out the Kontakt Application Reference to understand what each of these fields mean.

Until next time…now go make some music.