is it possible to use the envelope follower when the effect is bypassed? i’m interested in using both the lpf and the phaser, with the envelope follower as a control voltage for the phaser lfo speed. is this possible, or am i barking up the wrong tree?
Yes, it is possible.
how? does the EF just keep spitting out CV with the bypass switch engaged?
You will still need to have an audio signal going into the MF101 in order to trigger the envelope and even if the filter is off (Bypassed), the envelope out will still send the Env CV. Same applies to the Ring modulator and Phaser pedals, where even if the effects are bypassed they will still generate an LFO through the LFO out.
I hope this answers your question.
does the smooth switch work on the env output at all and when bypassed?
Yes, it does work.