Attack

Attack on a synthesizer refers to the time it takes for a sound to reach its peak level after a note is played. It regulates the amplitude envelope of the sound and is typically found in the envelope section of a synthesizer. The four stages of the amplitude envelope—a graph that depicts how a sound’s volume changes over time—are attack, decay, sustain, and release.

The first stage of the amplitude envelope is the attack stage, which begins when a note is played and determines how long it takes for the sound to reach its peak level. A sound will reach its peak level more quickly with a shorter attack time than with a longer one. A sound will reach its peak level more gradually.

The attack parameter can produce various effects and is particularly helpful for modifying the sound of percussion instruments, such as drums and plucked instruments. While a longer attack time can be used to produce a more gradual and smooth sound, a shorter attack time can be used to produce a sharp and percussive sound.