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  Computer Music Software and Hardware

Physical Modelling

Physical Modelling came to public awareness via Yamaha's VL Virtual Acoustic instruments in 1994. Unlike other forms of synthesis which generate a source and then modify it, Physical Modelling uses mathematical equations to describe the acoustic properties of an instrument and the sounds it can produce. That's a lot of maths!

The detail is incredibly complex but the front-end of both hardware and software instruments simplifies the process. PM can generate unbelievably realistic acoustic sounds. The various parts of an instrument are often modelled separately so you may have a model for a moving bow, one for a brass tube, one for a plucked string and so on. You can then combine them in ways impossible in the real world to create the sound of a bowed trumpet, for example. Many of the modules in Tassman are based on Physical Modelling.

All together now

As well as programs designed for a particular type of synthesis, modular soft synths such as Reaktor and Tassman integrate several synthesis techniques allowing you to mix and match segments from several synthesis methods. The possibilities are immense, limited not by your imagination but by your time and inclination to explore these alternative audio worlds.

For more info... Sound Synthesis and Sampling (for USA readers) (for UK readers) is a little academic but runs the gamut of synthesis types. Computer Sound Synthesis for the Electronic Musician (for USA readers) (for UK readers) offers clear descriptions of modern synthesis techniques. Granulab: http://hem.passagen.se/rasmuse/Granny.htm Chaosynth: http://website.lineone.net/~edandalex/chaosynt.htm PhyMod: www.markwhite.com/vsp/phymod.html