physical modeling synthesis

This is a demo of the biphonic vintage breath controlled physical-modeling synthesizer Yamaha VL-1.

Sound On Sound’s review of the Yamaha VL-1 said:

This is one of the most desirable instruments I have ever heard. I can see some session players earning lots of money from the VL1 — and that is probably where it sits in the market: for serious professionals only. The rest of us can sit and bite our fingernails hoping that a more affordable version does not appear to tempt us (but it probably will, eventually)!

Read more…

At the 2009 NAMM Show, Arturia introduced Brass 2, featuring virtual recreations of three wind instruments – a trumpet, a saxophone and a trombone.

The characteristics of the real instruments have been analysed and modelled by Ircam Paris using mathematical algorithms.

Here’s what’s new in Brass version 2.0:

• New physical modelling of the saxophone
• Two new Saxophone mouthpieces
• Possibility to play four instruments at a time using a new Harmonization module.
• Advanced spatialization possibilities
• Improved MIDI control
• Better integration into DAW software.
• Entirely redesigned interface

At the 2009 Winter NAMM Show, Roland introduced the V-Piano – a dedicated piano synth that is designed to make physically modeled piano synthesis simple and playable. 

The V-Piano lets you play a variety of preset keyboards, but also lets you edit details like Unison Tune, Hammer Hardness, Cross Resonance, Tone Color, String Resonance, Damper Resonance, Soundboard Resonance, Key off resonance, Damping Time and Damping Noise Level.

Features:

• Revolutionary “living” piano core based on modeling, rather than sampling.
• No velocity switching between samples, so the V-Piano offers a smoother and more natural sound.
• Wide range of sounds, from grand-piano classics to never-before-heard futuristic hybrids
• All pianos are customizable
• Newly developed 88-note PHA-III Ivory Feel keyboard with Escapement
• Analog (XLR and 1/4″) outputs, digital output (coaxial), USB Memory port and MIDI I/O

Ivory Feel keyboard

This advanced keyboard technology reproduces the real feel of ivory for the natural keys and ebony for the sharps, and provides a true grand-piano touch and response. Even the subtle click feel when the “hammer” is released from the key (escapement) is reproduced.

Roland has not announced pricing or availability yet.

This video captures a demo of Randy Jones’ $50 multi-touch interface prototype – an 8 x 8 touch sensitive array sampled at 1300 Hz. 

The project is part of Jones’ M.Sc Thesis, Intimate Control for Physical Modeling Synthesis.

Abstract:

Physical modeling synthesis has proven to be a successful method of synthesizing realistic sounds, but providing expressive controls for performance remains a major challenge. This thesis presents a new approach to playing physical models, based on multidimensional signals. Its focus is on the long-term research question, “How can we make a computer-mediated instrument with control intimacy equal to the most expressive acoustic instruments?” In the material world, the control and sounding properties of an instrument or other object are intimately linked by the object’s construction. Multidimensional signals, used as connections between a gestural controller and a physical model, can in principle provide the same intimacy. This work presents a new, low-cost sensor design capable of generating a 2D force signal, a new implementation of the 2D digital waveguide mesh, and two experimental computer music instruments that combine these components using different metaphors. The new instruments are evaluated in terms of intimacy, playability and plausibility. Multidimensional connections between sensors and a physical model are found to facilitate a high degree of control intimacy, and to reproduce as emergent behavior some important phenomena associated with acoustic instruments.

[PDF]

via Make