Creating Modular Bass Synth :: Envelope Question

[Supa-T]

I'm in the process of designing a modular unit for bass guitar. The idea is to create independent envelope signals in the front of the signal chain that can then be used down the chain to modulate filters, amps and other modulation effects which will accept CV as control signals. Similar to the moogerfoogers, but with envelopes/lfo's separate from effects.

I've done quite a bit of searching on the forums as I know this topic has been discussed before, but most threads are for guitar synths, not bass. My question (as I'm just getting into envelopes) is concerning Harry Bissell's envelope design and frequency response.  Does Harry's design handle bass frequencies as well as guitar frequencies?  Or would I be better off using the envelope section from a Mutron and converting to CV voltages?

I'm open to maybe creating an envelope unit with a couple envelopes if necessary. One a quick response and the other a smooth envelope that could be used in different contexts. For example, a responsive envelope for filters, and a smooth evelope for slow volume attack.

[Mark Hammer]

You can always add lag to an envelope signal if you need it. What you *can't* add after the fact is ripple-free speed.  Harry's circuit attempts to provide that ripple-free speed.  I've used it on Harry's own guitar and it's a great little envelope follower.  Very responsive, even down on the low strings.  I can't see that it would not work for bass every bit as well as anything you'd find elsewhere, and certainly at least as well as the Mutron follower.

Note that the Mutron, because it uses photocells, can tolerate a certain amount of ripple in the rectification because the LDRs will smooth it out in the end.  If your plan is to use the follower to generate control voltages, then you will definitely want something that does all or most of the smoothing work itself.