A global time scalar stretches or compresses all envelopes simultaneously, preserving their shape ratios

When a synthesizer has multiple envelopes (amplitude, pitch, filter, FM operator envelopes), adjusting each independently to change the overall decay of a sound is tedious and error-prone — the shape ratios change. A global time parameter multiplies all envelope durations by the same factor: everything decays twice as fast or twice as slow while their relative timing stays proportional. This is useful for quickly auditioning a drum voice at different ‘tightness’ settings without rebuilding the patch, and for adapting a preset designed for one tempo to another. The technique assumes the envelopes were designed as a coordinated system; if they were not, scaling may create unexpected artefacts.

Examples

Ableton Operator ‘Time’ knob: at 50% all envelopes halve in duration — kick is tighter; at 200% everything decays longer. Useful as a ‘room size’ dial when the drum patch is otherwise finished.

Assessment

Given a three-envelope patch (amp, pitch, FM mod), describe what happens to the relative timing if you use a global 2× time stretch vs. manually doubling each envelope individually. Are the results identical?