The nvelope 500 is capable of making subtle or drastic chang-es to a sound by providing control over its attack and sustain characteristics. This is very useful for reshaping individual tones, and is a wonderful tool in any mixing situation as well.
The nvelope 500 operates independently of the specic level of a signal, and (unlike with compressors) you do not have to spend a lot of time trying to balance a set of complex controls to quickly get the results you seek.
With its unique Dual Band mode, the nvelope 500 gives you enhanced control over processing, and can easily handle com-plex program material. Its dynamics sections can also be by-passed, allowing it to function as a exible high/low shelf EQ.
We’re sure you’ll be happy to know the nvelope 500 oers true dual mono or linked stereo operation whether you are using it in Full Range, Dual Band or EQ mode.
The nvelope 500 module requires installation into an API 500 series compatible rack frame (not included). It needs the pow-er supply and the audio connectors provided by this frame, and cannot be used for its intended purpose by itself.
The current consumption is 200 milliamperes (100 mA per slot) at +/- 16 volts DC. This is actually more than some other 500 series modules consume as a result of the discrete class-A design of the nvelope 500’s audio path.
Most API 500 compatible racks meet this requirement with-out problems, but there might be a limit on how many units can be installed in a single rack. In case of doubt, please check with the manufacturer of your specic rack.
Installation
Just follow these easy steps to install the nvelope 500 module:
1. Switch your API 500 series compatible rack o and discon-nect the power cable from mains.
2. Insert the module into two free slots of your rack. Make sure both PCB connectors match with the rack connectors.
3. Gently push the module in place – do not use any excessive force!
4. Tighten the front panel with four screws provided by your rack manufacturer.
5. Connect your XLR audio cables (see page 6 for more info) and power up your rack.
That should do it. Have lots of fun with your nvelope 500!
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Controls
Attack
• Full Range & Dual Band Mode:
Raises or reduces the attack of a signal
• EQ Mode:
Boosts or cuts the high frequency range
Frequency Attack (Freq A)
• Full Range Mode:
Changes the response behavior for attack processing
• Dual Band Mode:
Sets the start frequency for attack processing
• EQ Mode:
Sets the frequency of the high shelf lter
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Sustain
• Full Range & Dual Band Mode:
Raises or reduces the sustain of a signal
• EQ Mode:
Boosts or cuts the low frequency range
Frequency Sustain (Freq S)
• Full Range Mode:
No function in this mode
• Dual Band Mode:
Sets the end frequency for sustain processing
• EQ Mode:
Sets the frequency of the low shelf lter
Auto Gain
Reduces level peaks in Full Range mode
Full Range
Switches from Dual Band to Full Range operation
EQ Mode
Switches from envelope processing to EQ function
On (Left/Right)
Activates a channel or switches to hardwire bypass
Stereo Link
Links both channels for processing stereo sources(Left controllers and bottom switches become master
Mono operation:Connect either one or both of the input and output pairs 1and 2for single or dual mono channel use.
Stereo operation:Connect both inputs and outputs 1and 2– the choice which channel is left and which is right is up to you.
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The Magic
The nvelope 500 is a dynamics processor that can change the character of a sound by altering its im-pulse structure. It gives you direct control over the en-
velope of a signal by shaping its attack and sustain intensity.
More specically, a drum set (or individual drums) can be made to sound more aggressive and punchy by accenting the attack, or tones that are already overly aggressive can easily be tamed.
Other useful applications would be on picked or slapped bass, edgy guitar or any kind of piano recording. Generally speak-ing, the nvelope 500 works optimally on audio signals with a signicant/percussive attack structure.
As a balance to the attack shaping, the sustain parameters oer control over room sound and space. An instrument or a reverb tail can sound tighter by reducing its sustain, or can gain more depth/make a signal sound longer by increasing it.
The nvelope 500 is a great tool for shaping individual signals, but it can be an indispensable resource in mixing situations as well, as it eortlessly helps you to bring a sound to the front with more attack and less sustain… or blends it gently into the background by reducing its attack and increasing its sustain.
A unique feature of the nvelope 500 is the enhanced tweak-ability oered in Dual Band mode. Individual frequency con-trols for attack and sustain yield excellent processing results without unwanted artifacts, even when utilized on complex material like a summing bus.
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Linked Full RangeUnlinked Full Range
Full Range Mode
In Full Range mode, you can increase or reduce the attack and sustain intensity of a signal quickly and ef-ciently. Just turn the two controllers to the right for
more accent, or to the left for more smoothing.
Like a compressor (and unlike in Dual Band mode), you can use the Freq A controller to reduce the inuence of low fre-quencies on the attack processing, so higher frequency = less bass inuence.
Should you notice clipping/distortion or big jumps in level caused by the attack processing, please engage the Auto Gain switch for automatic compensation.
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Linked Dual BandUnlinked Dual Band
Dual Band Mode
Dual Band mode functions basically the same as Full Range, but it gives you more tweakability by assign-ing the attack and sustain controls to individual fre-
quency selectors.
The Freq A controller now sets the start frequency for attack processing, while the Freq S controller determines the end fre-quency for sustain processing. The function of the Attack and Sustain controllers remain the same as in Full Range mode.
Note:Auto Gain is not oered in this mode as it is typically not needed in dual band operation.
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Linked EQUnlinked EQ
EQ Mode
In EQ mode, the nvelope 500 becomes a two band equalizer with a high/low shelf characteristic, and even here the channel link for processing stereo ma-
terial can be activated.
Freq A now sets the frequency of the high shelf lter, while Attack determines the amount of cut (turn left) or boost (turn right) in this band.
Similarly, Freq S sets the frequency of the low shelf lter and Sustain determines the amount of cut or boost.
Note:Auto Gain and Full Range have no inuence on the EQ.
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Dual Band (L) & Full Range (R)EQ (L) & Dual Band (R)
Mixed Mode
When the nvelope 500 is not in Stereo Link mode, the two individual channels can be used as dierent pro-cessors simultaneously.
For example, you can shape one signal in Dual Band mode in channel L and a completely dierent signal in Full Range mode in channel R.
Or, you can connect the output of channel L to the input of channel R, and then process the frequency response with the EQ rst, followed by some nice Dual Band impulse shaping...
As you can imagine, there are lots of possible combinations!
• Make sure to operate your API 500 series compatible rack at
the specic mains voltage of your country.
• Replace rack frame fuse with the same type and value only.
• Your rack frame must be connected to ground.
• Do not use a damaged power cord.
• Never place containers with liquid on the rack.
• Do not expose this device to rain or moisture.
• Do not use this device near water.
• Refer service to qualied service sta only.
CAUTION: Temperature
• Surfaces of the device may become hot during operation.
• Do not install this device near any heat source such as radia-
tors, stoves or other heat sources.
CAUTION: Connecting & Mounting
• Never connect to the output of a power amplier.
• Do not apply extensive force when installing this device.
• Use the device according to this manual only.
CAUTION: Humidity
• If this device is moved from a cold place to a warm room,
condensation can occur inside the device. To avoid damag-ing the unit please allow it to reach room temperature be-fore switching it on.
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Warranty Info
The nvelope 500 is covered by a limited warranty for a period of 2 years against defects in parts and labor from the date of purchase. Natural wear is not covered by this warranty. Re-pairs or replacements will not extend the warranty period.
The warranty is given to the original purchaser only and is not transferable. elysia will only give warranty on products pur-chased through authorized elysia dealers. The warranty will only be valid in the country of the original purchase unless otherwise pre-authorized by elysia.
All warranties become void when the product has been dam-aged by misuse, accident, neglect, modication, tampering or unauthorized alteration by anyone other than elysia autho-rized service personnel.
The warrantor assumes no liability for property damage or any other incidental or consequential damage whatsoever which may result from failure of this product. Any and all warrantees of merchantability and tness implied by law are limited to the duration of the expressed warranty.
elysia will not pay for express or overnight freight service or pay for shipments to locations outside Germany. All damages caused by transport are not covered by this warranty.
This warranty gives you specic legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. Some of the above limitations may not apply to you.
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Legal Info
The information in this document is subject to change with-out further notice and shall not be deemed as an obligation or warranty of any kind by the manufacturer. No warranties, express or implied, are made with regard to the quality, suit-ability or accuracy of this document.
The manufacturer reserves the right to change the contents of this document and/or the associated products at any time without the provision of prior notice. The manufacturer shall not be held liable for damages of any kind arising from the use, or the inability to use this product or its documentation.
The information in this document is subject to copyright. All rights, technical changes and errata are reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or for any purpose without the explicitly written permission of the copyright holders.
elysia and nvelope are registered trademarks of elysia GmbH. Other product and brand names contained in this document are used for identication purposes only. All registered trade-marks, product designations or brand names used in this doc-ument are the property of their respective owners.
This product is manufactured according to the 2002/95/EC directive. The purpose of this
directive of the European Union is the Restric-tion of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) in electronic equipment in order to protect health and nature. Dispose separately!