Motivation
This envelope follower was first build for my Shakuhachi 2 Synth project. But it is useful for any other input signal which you want to derive a control voltage from. It provides a gate and a trigger signal as well. The envelope follower is used to detect the amplitude variations of the incoming signal and produces a control voltage that resembles the variations in the input signal. The gate and trigger signal is derived from the input signal as well. You can vary the threshold to determine at what minimum signal level the gate goes high and the trigger fires. Gate level is +5V. Trigger level is +5V/1msec. The output CV follows the input very fast as you can see on the screenshots. You can adjust the threshold and switch the response time for the gate and trigger output. This depends on the audio source (instrument) you are using. You need to experiment here to see what fits your instrument and playing stile.
Specs and features
- Output Voltage follows fast and closely the amplitude of the input signal
- Gate output +5V
- Trigger output +5V/1msec
- Gate indicator LED
- Switchable response time for gate and trigger
- Adjustable threshold for gate and trigger
- Runs on +/-15V and +/-12V (with minor resistor value changes)
- Schematic
- Pictures
- Download docs
Implementation
Schematic
ENV Follower schematic
Description:
The incoming signal is rectified with a precision full wave rectifier (IC2C, IC2D). Then feed to a low pass filter for smoothing (IC2B). The given filter values here are optimized for use with the Shakuhachi, but can easily changed to your needs. The filter values affect the ripple and the timing of the output control voltage. The gate and the trigger signal is derived from the filter output with means of a comparator (IC3C). You can adjust the sense level with the threshold potentiometer. The response time is switched with SW1. The gate is indicated with a LED. The trigger pulse is derived from the gate with an differentiator (IC3D). The other circuitry does some level shifting and buffering.
CV output scope picture
ENV Follower CV output from a VCA with square input signal
The picture above shows the control voltage of the envelope follower following a signal of 200Hz sine wave from a VCA (purple line) with a square control voltage (blue line).
ENV Follower CV output from a VCA with ADSR input signal
The picture above shows the control voltage of the envelope follower following a signal of 200Hz sine wave from a VCA with a control voltage set by an ADSR.
Special parts
None
