8
VCA
The voltage controlled Amplifier (VCA) controls the amplitude (volume) of the sound. It is used to produce
volume contours (volume changes over time) similar to the timbre or tone color changes produced by the VCF.
There are 7 VCAs in the Polysix, one for each voice plus one overall VCA for the programmable attenuator.
MODE ATTENUATOR
VCA
EG
21
1) MODE
In the EG position, volume changes are determined by the EG, for fully contoured effects.
In the lower position, a simple on-off gate-type envelope is produced (like an organ). This envelope is not
related to the EG settings in any way, and allows the VCA to be enveloped separately from the VCF. This can
produce much more "punchy" sounds, especially for brass and other sounds using heavy filter sweeps.
2) ATTENUATOR
This controls the overall volume of a given program over a 20dB range relative to the other programs. It can be
used to prevent jarring changes in volume when you change programs (e.g., from a flute patch to a massive
orchestral patch). It can also be used to preset "lead" and "rhythm" volume changes, if desired.