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Modulation Envelope

You can control the amplitude envelope of the Wwise Synth One by adding an Output Level RTPC modified by a Modulator Envelope. The Modulator Envelope provides properties to modify the Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release (ADSR) in addition to Attack Curve, Sustain Time. You can also use the Modulator Envelope to stop playback with the envelope. Many of the properties of the Modulator can be randomized and modified by RTPC.

From the RTPC Tab for the magic_blast_synth_element, use the Selector to add the Output Level parameter which will be modified by a new Modulator Envelope ShareSet.

Adding a Modulator Envelope to the Output Level RTPC

By default, the mode for the newly created Modulator Envelope is set to ShareSet.

Creating a new Modulator Envelope ShareSet named Modulator_Output_Level_Magic
[Note] Designer Note

Envelope objects can be created as Custom or ShareSet. Custom objects are stored in-place, directly inside the object that has it. ShareSets are stored in a separate work-unit and can be re-used across objects.

Modulator Envelope Mode set to ShareSet

The minimum and maximum RTPC values of Modulator Envelope in the Sound Property Editor affect the base and top of the ADSR envelope (nil and peak values). Swapping the min and max values reverses the ADSR.

Editing the Envelope Modulator

The properties available to the Modulator Envelope are:

  • Attack Time

    • Defines the time taken for initial run-up of level from nil to peak, beginning when the key is first pressed (in seconds).

      • Default value: 0.2

  • Attack Curve

    • Adjusts the Attack Curve from its linear default slope (50%) to either:

      • an exponential-style envelope (0%) where the rate of change starts slow and then increases

      • a logarithmic envelope (100%) where the rate of change starts fast, then decreases

        • Default value: 50

  • Decay Time

    • Defines the time taken for the subsequent run down from the attack level to the designated sustain level (in seconds).

      • Default value: 0.2

  • Sustain Level

    • Defines the level during the main sequence of the sound's duration, until the key is released (in percentage of the range).

      • Default value: 100

  • Release Time

    • Defines the time taken for the level to decay from the sustain level to zero after the key is released (in seconds).

      • Default value: 0.5

  • Scope

    • Controls how Envelopes are created:

      • Voice: An instance of an Envelopes is created for every voice of the synth when used in MIDI context.

      • Note/ Event: An instance of an Envelopes is created for every playing instance of the synth when used in MIDI context.

    • Default value: Note/Event

  • Trigger On

    • The actions/MIDI events that may trigger the envelope (that is, enter the attack phase):

      • Play: either a play action or a MIDI note event

      • Note-Off: only a MIDI note-off event

    • Default value: Play

  • Auto Release

    • Determines if the envelope requires an action/MIDI event to exit the sustain phase and enter the release phase. If set, the envelope exits the sustain phase after Sustain Time. If not set, the envelope exits the sustain phase following a certain condition:

      • The envelope may be released by the game via a Release Envelope event.

      • An envelope may also enter the release phase via a MIDI note-off event, provided the envelope was triggered by a MIDI note-on event.

      • Default value: False

  • Sustain Time

    • Defines the time which the envelope will remain in Sustain before the Release is applied (in seconds).

      • Default value: 0

  • Stop Playback After Release

    • If set, the playback of the associated sound is terminated after the release phase is complete.

      • Default value: false

Modulator Envelope Properties can be accessed using the Modulator Editor:

[Note] Designer Note

Additional information for working with Envelopes can be found in the Wwise Help Document: Wwise Help > Interacting with the Game > Working with RTPCs > Working with Envelopes

The combined power of synthesis, modulation, and parameterization is at its best when used in conjunction with the dynamics of gameplay. With so many options to modify and affect the properties of sound within the project, it is important to understand the impact these can have on your platform's memory and CPU performance.

A modulator's processing time depends on its RTPC usage. For most properties, a modulator is evaluated once per audio sample. However, for the property voice volume, the associated modulator is evaluated at every frame. Use modulators selectively as they can consume a significant amount of a platform's memory and CPU. Always work within the constraints of your target platform.

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