An Audio Envelope Generator Derived from Industrial Process Control

Abstract

Audio envelopes serve a crucial role in ensuring the versatility of synthesizers in producing timbres. To this end, the Attack, Decay, Release and Sustain (ADSR) envelope generator and its derivatives have been established as a mainstay in modern music. However, there may be merit in exploring alternate techniques to produce envelopes that could not only resemble ADSR but also be used to create novel timbres. Consequently, an attempt is made in this research to formulate the framework of a new envelope generator by redefining the Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) algorithm used in feedback-based process control. Additionally, a detailed analysis is made on the modes of operation and the nature of envelopes thus generated to establish it as a potential harbinger of distinctive styles of music.