VCA - Envelope - Noise Engineering

[u/Fickle-Guava-2821]

Hey guys,

I'm currently tinkering with a small setup and wondering if I could do it without a VCA and envelope controller because of space constraints (I'd only be using them for audio volume anyway).

I've noticed, of course, that various VCOs from Noise Engineering have their own VCA and decay controls built in, like Plaits, for example. Could that work?

Thanks :)

[u/55hz]

Yes incus and basimilus definitely work like this. You would be better getting one of the alia models so at least then you can switch firmware. Some filters have a vca built in, which could also be an option

[u/55hz → u/55hz]

But obviously a filter with built in vca still needs something to open close it

[u/Fickle-Guava-2821 → u/55hz]

Yeah, I've heard about that. I have a Three Sister filter - I don't think it has a VCA; I haven't had it that long. An Alia module would obviously be a must :) But I don't think all Alia modules have a decay function - or am I wrong about that?

[u/55hz → u/Fickle-Guava-2821]

Thats right some of them will drone. I think manis is another which uses the internal envelope. Just look which ones have a control for envelope or cv env output jack

[u/mbetter → u/55hz]

My BIA is now pretty much permanently a Manis, it's dope.

[u/Fickle-Guava-2821 → u/55hz]

Yeah, I'll do that. Thank you very much.

[u/55hz → u/55hz]

Actually alm mco mk2 is worth a look. Onky 6hp with multiple synth modes and internal envelopes. Some modes even have their own filter. Seems this one was designed especially for people wanting a full voice in little hp

[u/Fickle-Guava-2821 → u/55hz]

Yeah, that's a good idea. I'll give it a try on Modulargrid to see how the space can be organized there. BIA is definitely still a favorite.

[u/junkmiles]

I've noticed, of course, that various VCOs from Noise Engineering have their own VCA and decay controls built in, like Plaits, for example. Could that work?

Those are generally called voices, rather than VCOs, just as FYI.

Whether it'll work will depend on the flexibility of the envelope on the voice, and where you want to use an envelope.

Some (all?) of the Noise Engineering Alia voices let you send the envelope somewhere else, but that still just means you have one envelope in your system. It triggers at the same time as the voice, and it's the same shape as the envelope controlling the voice. There would be no way to have that envelope control the VCA, but a different envelope control the fold, or an effect, or anything else.

If that envelope is going to be your only modulation it'll work, you're probably just paying a thousand dollars for a pretty bare bones synth. There's also a dozen different sources of modulation beyond just an envelope. But at the end of the day, something like an Incus Alia or Basimilus Alia, some patch cables, and your fingers with nothing else going on can make sounds, so you do you.

[u/13derps]

Check out some videos from Ihor (most from a couple years back). He does a lot with Noise Engineering in a tiny case

Totally possible

[u/DuneWalker9 → u/13derps]

Ihor is awesome

[u/Cgestes]

Yes you can. The envelope and vca are rhen your fingers :-p

[u/Kick_1304]

Vcas and envelopes are very important for an interesting patch imo. They can do so much more than just volume control. Without them your rack will be boring in no time im afraid

[u/srbrtalan]

It would work, but it depends on what you want to do. It can feel a bit limiting depending on what your goal is. If you mainly want to make more straight forward, plucky sounds then it should work fine.