Sustain

Definition

Sustain refers to the duration a sound maintains its presence after being initiated, particularly in electronic music. This concept is crucial as it affects how notes are perceived over time, influencing the character of melodies and harmonies. It can determine how long a sound lasts before fading away or being cut off, thus shaping the overall texture and emotional impact of a composition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In subtractive synthesis, sustain can be adjusted using an envelope generator to define how long a note holds its amplitude after being triggered.
2. In drum programming, sustain can influence how long certain percussive sounds resonate, affecting their role within a rhythm.
3. Sustain levels can differ significantly between instruments; for example, a synthesizer might have a longer sustain than an acoustic guitar.
4. Setting the sustain parameter too high can lead to muddy mixes, as overlapping sounds may interfere with each other.
5. Musicians often manipulate sustain to create dynamic contrasts in their compositions, adding emotional depth and texture.

Review Questions

• How does sustain interact with attack and decay in an envelope generator to shape a sound?
  • Sustain works alongside attack and decay in an envelope generator to create a complete sound profile. The attack defines how quickly the sound reaches its maximum level, while decay determines how quickly it falls to the sustain level. Together, these three components control the overall duration and character of the sound. A well-balanced relationship among these parameters allows for expressive musical phrases that can evoke different emotions.
• What role does sustain play in programming drums, and how can it affect the overall feel of a drum pattern?
  • Sustain plays a significant role in programming drums by influencing how long drum hits resonate within a mix. For example, increasing sustain on a kick drum can add weight and depth, while sustaining hi-hats too long might make them lose their crispness. Adjusting sustain allows producers to tailor their drum patterns to fit specific genres or emotional contexts, creating grooves that are either tight and punchy or spacious and flowing.
• Evaluate the impact of varying sustain levels on the listener's perception of emotion in electronic music compositions.
  • Varying sustain levels significantly affect how listeners perceive emotion in electronic music. Longer sustain can evoke feelings of calmness or longing, creating an atmosphere of reflection, while shorter sustain may impart urgency or excitement. By thoughtfully manipulating sustain within compositions, musicians can guide listeners through emotional arcs and enhance storytelling through sound. The strategic use of sustain helps establish mood and connection, making it a powerful tool in electronic music creation.

Related terms

Attack: The initial phase of a sound's envelope, where the sound reaches its peak level before settling into its sustained phase.

Decay: The period in a sound's envelope that follows the attack, where the amplitude decreases before reaching the sustain level.

Release: The final phase of a sound's envelope, where the sound fades out after the key is released or the trigger is removed.