What does ADSR stand for?
Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release.
What is ADSR
This is a simple type of envelope generator.
Was firstly used on analogue synths.
Continues to be popular on modern instruments.
Attack
The time taken for a sound to reach maximum amplitude.
e.g Drums have a short amplitude, Strings have a slow attack.
Amplitude
Another word for level. Can refer to sound level or electrical signal levels.
Decay
The progressive reduction in amplitude of a sound or electrical signal over time. The decay starts as soon as the attach phase has reached it’s maximum level.
Sustain
Sustain determines the level which the sound will settle if a key is held down. Once the key is released the sound decay at a rate set by the release.
Slow decay
High sustain
Low sustain
Fast decay
Release
Time taken for a level or gain to return to normal.
Gain
The amount by which a circuit amplifies a signal
Automation
Programming adjustable parameters to operate automatically during playback and mixing.
Parameters
The term is used particularly for pitch, loudness, duration, and timbre, though theorists or composers have sometimes considered other musical aspects as parameters.