Electro-Harmonix Attack Decay User Manual

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ATTACK DECAY
Tape Reverse Simulator
The original Electro-Harmonix Attack Decay is a hard-to-find gem among
legendary guitar pedals. Originally called a Tape Reverse Simulator, it is known for
producing volume and reverse swells, backward tape sounds, artificially short
staccato notes and bowed instrument effects.
The new Electro-Harmonix Attack Decay reinterprets the vintage unit by keeping
the basic functionality but adding more modern features such as Poly mode and
presets. It can produce a single volume envelope like the original, or with Poly
engaged, put each note you play through separate volume envelopes. The built-
in Harmonix fuzz is now a fully controllable distortion with gain, tone and volume
controls. The effects loop allows the musician or sound designer to place the
volume envelope onto whatever signal is present at the Return jack. An
Expression/CV/Clock input and three user presets give the user total control over
their Attack Decay.
WARNING: Your Attack Decay comes equipped with an Electro-Harmonix 9.6DC-200BI
power supply. The Attack Decay requires 140mA at 9VDC with a center negative plug.
Use of the wrong adapter or a plug with the wrong polarity may damage your Attack
Decay and void the warranty. Do not exceed 10.5VDC on the power plug. Power supplies
rated for less than 140mA will cause the Attack Decay to act unreliably.
- FEATURES -
 Volume envelope swells and quick stabs with adjustable Attack and Decay
times: 4ms to 8s.
 Mono mode: a single volume envelope for the full signal present at the INPUT
or RETURN jacks, the envelope resets when you pluck a new note.
 Poly mode: gives each note you play its own envelope, as seen on the EHX
HOG2.
 Built-in, fully adjustable, Harmonix fuzz enhances the volume envelope effect
and produces bowed instrument sounds.
 Built-in effects loop allows for your own pedals to be inserted before the
volume envelopes.
 Expression pedal or CV control over every knob on the Attack Decay.
 Continuous Envelopes turns Attack Decay into a retriggable Tremolo.
 Save and recall up to three presets.
 High quality analog buffered bypass.
 Comes supplied with EHX 96DC-200 power supply.

Electro-Harmonix Attack Decay Specifications

General

Brand	Electro-Harmonix
Model	Attack Decay
Category	Music Pedal
Language	English

Summary

Mono and Poly Modes

Mono Mode Operation

Explains traditional volume envelope behavior, including envelope shape selection in mono mode.

Poly Mode Operation

Details the modern polyphonic envelope application for individual notes, offering layered soundscapes.

Expression Pedal Use and Setup

Expression Sweep Configuration

Instructions for creating, customizing, and cancelling expression pedal sweeps for various parameters.

Preset Management

Saving, Recalling, and Unloading Presets

Procedures for saving, loading, and removing custom sound presets from the pedal.

Using the Send and Return FX Loop

FX Loop Connection and Operation Tips

Guidance on integrating external effects, bypass modes, and signal routing through FX loop jacks.

Manual and External Triggering

Manual Envelope Triggering

Using the BYPASS footswitch to manually trigger volume envelopes, bypassing automatic pluck detection.

External Clock Triggering

Using an external clock pulse via the EXP jack to trigger volume envelopes for precise timing.

Adjusting Envelope Curves (Mono Mode)

Attack Envelope Curve Selection

Choosing between linear, parabolic, or s-curve shapes for the Attack envelope's fade-in.

Decay Envelope Curve Selection