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Chapter 24 Sculpture 357
The String is the central synthesis element. It offers a range of parameters that allow
you to adjust its material—what it’s made of, in other words.
Up to three Objects of different types are used to excite or disturb the vibration of the
String. These Objects can be positioned anywhere along the String, and offer multiple
parameters for adjustments to their properties.
The String itself doesn’t make a sound unless it is stimulated by the Objects.
The vibration of the String is passed on to the ensuing processing section—via two
movable Pickups (you can view these as being similar to the electromagnetic pickups
found on guitars or electric pianos and clavinets).
The processing section consists of the ADSR-equipped Amplitude stage, a Waveshaper
(with selectable types) and a multi-mode Filter.
Note: All elements described above exist on a per voice basis.
The sum of all voice signals is then processed by an integrated Stereo Delay effect.
From there, the signal is sent to an EQ-like module (Body EQ), which globally simulates
the spectral shape/body response of your instrument. There are several body types to
choose from.
The resulting signal is then fed to a Level Limiter section.
A vast number of modulation options are also available, from tempo-synced LFOs to
Jitter generators and newly-developed recordable Envelopes.
A (recordable) Morph function also allows for smooth or abrupt transitions between (up
to) five Morph snapshots.
A String as a Synthesis Element
As you can see, Sculpture, as a component modelling synthesizer, provides you with a
String—rather than the oscillators found in traditional synthesizers.
The String is considerably more sophisticated in concept than simple oscillators.
Basically, you are actually creating the waveform, or base timbre from nothing. This is
achieved by (mathematically) describing the string’s properties, and that of its
environment. These include, amongst others: the material the string is made of, the
thickness and tension of the string, its characteristics over time, the atmosphere (water,
air, and so on) it is being played in, and the way it is being played—struck, bowed, and
so on.
In Sculpture, the general timbre/sound sculpting is set by the String parameters.
Modules such as the Waveshaper, Filter, and Body EQ are useful additions.