ALESIS QS8.1 - Manual (Page 134)

Part 8: Editing Programs
122 QS7.1/QS8.1 Reference Manual
Pitch Envelope Depth (-99 to +99) Page 7
At +00, the Pitch Envelope has no effect. Positive values raise the pitch from the
baseline according to the envelope shape, while negative values similarly lower the
pitch (see illustration below). The higher the number (negative or positive), the
greater the effect. Pitch Envelope parameters (such as attack and decay time) are
programmed within the Pitch Envelope Function (see page 130).
Portamento (Exponential, Linear, 1 Speed) Page 8
Normally, when you play two keys in a row the sound jumps instantly from one
pitch to another. Portamento provides a sweeping glide from one note to the next
over a variable amount of time. A good example of this type of sound is a steel
guitar, where a note slides from one pitch to another.
This parameter determines the sweep’s “curve.”
• With an exponential curve, the pitch change seems to happen more rapidly at
first, then slows down as it approaches the ending pitch.
• A linear curve produces a constant pitch change throughout the glide.
• 1 Speed: Normally, the greater the interval (the pitch difference between the two
notes), the longer the glide. For example, a glide between two notes a whole step
apart would take much less time than a glide between two notes an octave apart.
The 1 Speed curve maintains a constant glide rate regardless of the pitch
difference between notes.
Portamento Rate (0 to 99) Page 9
Sets the glide duration. Higher numbers give longer glide times. The Rate value is
affected by the Portamento value (see above).