ACL Envelope X3

How do you make a near-perfect three ADSR module even better? Well, obviously you make it slimmer and add some bling! So that′s exactly what we did!

Let′s get the boring descriptive bit out of the way first: Our Envelope X3 provides three classic ADSR envelopes for controlling VCAs, VCFs, and other modules. So, why should you care?

Well, we modelled the envelopes on those of the acclaimed Roland 100M modular synthesiser, which are renowned for their punch. We wanted to add something extra, so shortened the envelope time parameters even further − thus, our truly lightning-fast responses make Envelope X3 particularly excellent for drums, bass, and other sounds that benefit from fast, tight envelopes.

The long and short of it

But fear not, it′s not a one trick pony, offering both Long and Short modes (with overlapping ranges), making it perfectly suited to pads, drones, and similar sounds too.

On a feature level, each envelope has independent gate inputs and one non-inverted and one inverted buffered output. Additionally, gate 1 is normalised^* to all three envelopes, allowing one gate input to power three envelope generators simultaneously, without any additional patching.

A modular makeover

Now, in version 2, you get all of this in a smaller case, plus the addition of LEDs. These deliver highly responsive real-time visual representation of the envelope action. This isn′t just pretty (and it really is pretty), but a surprisingly useful reference, whether you′re tweaking envelope parameters or playing around in another part of your rack.

And rest assured, the weightloss and shiny lights haven′t affected Envelope X3′s performance: All components still feature very low temperature drift, irrespective of the environment temperature or component age. Expect high stability and repeatability (essential for very fast repeating percussive sounds).

Smack to the future

Whether on stage or in the studio, you can be sure that any sounds you shape with the Envelope X3 will sound as consistent over a time frame of years as they do on a scale of milliseconds.

^*Automatically patched on the circuit board, unless alternative sources are manually patched in.

3U Eurorack module, 20 HP wide, compatible with Skiff cases

Current Draw:

• 51 mA +12V
• 30 mA -12V
• 0 mA 5V

Installation depth:

• 22 mm deep