Set up ES2 Vector Envelope loops in MainStage

The Vector Envelope can run in one-shot mode, as long as the note is sustained; it can be set to repeat a specific number of times or it can repeat indefinitely, much like an LFO modulation. You achieve repetitions with the loop functions.

Although the loop parameters seem similar to the loop parameters available for samples, there are significant differences between them. The Vector Envelope only supplies control signals that are used to move the pointer positions of the Triangle and Planar Pad. The audio output of the ES2 is not looped in any way.

Any point can be declared the Loop point. Provided that the note is held for a suitable length of time, portions of the envelope can be repeated, or looped.

The looped area spans the time between the Sustain point and the Loop point. In between these points you can define several points that describe pointer movements in the Triangle and the Planar Pad.

Define a Vector Envelope point as the Loop point

In MainStage, click in the turquoise strip below the chosen point.
A Loop point is indicated by an L in the strip below.

Set a Vector Envelope Loop mode

In MainStage, Choose a Vector Envelope Loop mode.
- Off: When Loop mode is set to Off, the Vector Envelope runs in one-shot mode from beginning to end, if the note is held long enough to complete all envelope phases. The other loop parameters are disabled.
- Forward: When Loop mode is set to Forward, the Vector Envelope runs from the beginning to the Sustain point, and then begins to periodically repeat the section between the Sustain point and the Loop point in a forward direction.
- Backward: When Loop mode is set to Backward, the Vector Envelope runs from the beginning to the Sustain point, and then begins to periodically repeat the section between the Sustain point and the Loop point in a backward direction.
- Alternate: When Loop mode is set to Alternate, the Vector Envelope runs from the beginning to the Sustain point and then periodically switches to the Loop point, then back to the Sustain point, alternating between backward and forward directions.

Set the Vector Envelope Loop Rate

In MainStage, do one of the following:

Drag the green indicator in the center of the Loop Rate bar to the left or right.
Drag vertically in the value field “as set” (shown in the figure below).
Set a defined speed for the Vector Envelope loop cycle. You can also synchronize the loop speed with the host application tempo.
- As set: If you switch the Loop Rate to “as set,” the loop cycle length equals the sum of the times between the sustain and Loop points. Click the field labeled “as set” below the Rate slider to select it.
- Rhythmic: If you set the Loop Rate to one of the rhythmic values (sync) by dragging the Loop Rate indicator toward the left half of the slider, the loop rate follows the project tempo. You can choose from 32 bars up to a 64th triplet note value.
- Free: You can also set a free Loop Rate by dragging the Loop Rate indicator toward the right half of the slider (free). The value indicates the number of cycles per second.
  Note: If Loop Rate is not switched to “as set,” and Loop mode (Forward, Backward, or Alternate) is active, the times of points between the Loop and Sustain points and the Loop Smooth value are shown as a percentage of the loop duration, rather than in milliseconds.

Make smooth Vector Envelope loop transitions

In MainStage, Drag to set a value for Loop Smooth. This evens out the transition from the Sustain point to the Loop point in Forward or Backward loop mode.
- If the Loop Rate parameter is set to Sync or Free, the loop-smoothing time is displayed as a percentage of the loop cycle duration.
- If the Loop Rate parameter is “as set,” the loop-smoothing time is displayed in milliseconds (ms).

Specify a Vector Envelope loop count

In MainStage, Set the Vector Envelope loop cycle to repeat a specified number of times. Following the defined repetitions, the Vector Envelope runs from the Sustain point onward. Possible values are 1 to 10 and “infinite.”

Download the guides:

MainStage User Guide: PDF

MainStage Instruments: PDF

MainStage Effects: PDF

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