Clap with Wave Folded ENV-A (1 Env Clap)
A clap made using a single envelope, that is wave folded to create the effect of a burst of clapping.
1: Send white noise into the filter. Experiment with different flavours of noise. Use something bright.
2: Set the filter to bandpass 2 or 4. The bandpass filter in the 808 is set to 1,000 Hz / B5 +21¢. Use that as a starting point, then tune to taste.
Raise Q to accentuate the high frequencies and give the whole sound more punch.
The filtered noise is then sent to both VCAs in parallel paths.
3: Path 1: ENV-A to VCA-A, no patching required. This is the tail of the sound. For a snappier sound either: reduce ENV-A release time, or lower VCA-A MOD level for a snappier sound.
4: Path 2: This is the attack portion of the sound.
4a: Patch ENV-A to a mult, then to both of the wave folder’s inputs.
4b: Patch the wave folder to VCA-B CV in.
4d: Patch the filter out to VCA-B in.
The wave folding will create an envelope shape that starts as a chaotic burst and continues into a smooth envelope.
5: Patch VCA-B to main out 2.
Further Reading
A short post I made looking at the 808 Hand Clap.
Pg. 6 has a brief description of the clap circuit (CP / MA).
Pg. 6 there is a chart showing the voltage being shaped into the ‘sawtooth’ envelope.
Pg. 7 has a block diagram (top centre).
Pg. 9 the circuit (lower left).
Pg. 14 has a chart displaying the amplitude, and decay time.