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Appendix B Synthesizer Basics 493
Component modeling synthesis
Also known as physical modeling, this synthesis method uses mathematical models to simulate
instruments. Parameters are used to describe an instrument’s physical characteristics, such as the
materials the instrument is made of, the dimensions of the instrument, and the environment it
is played in—under water, or in the air, for example. Equally important are descriptions of how
the player would interact with the instrument—whether it is played by plucking, bowing, or
strumming strings; by hitting it with sticks; by placing ngers on sound holes; and so on.
To model a drum sound, for example, the following aspects need to be taken into account.
Of primary importance is the actual drum strike—how hard it is and whether the drumhead
is struck with a wooden stick, a mallet, a beater, and so on. The properties of the drumhead
(the skin or membrane) include the kind of material, its degree of stiness, its density,
its diameter, and the way it is attached to the shell of the drum. The volume of the drum
cylinder itself, its material, and the resonance characteristics of all of the above need to be
mathematically described.
To model a violin, you need to take into account the bow against the string, the bow width and
material, the bow tension, the string material, the string density, the string tension, the resonance
and damping behavior of the strings, the transfer of string vibrations through the bridge
(materials, size, and shape of the bridge), and the materials, size, and resonance characteristics
of the violin body. Further considerations include the environment that your modeled violin is
played in and the playing style—“hammering” or tapping with the bow as opposed to drawing it
across the strings.
The Sculpture component modeling synthesizer can produce convincing recreations of acoustic
(and electronic) instruments. It is also exceptionally good at creating atmospheric, constantly
evolving pad sounds. Other instruments that include physical modeling components and
techniques are Ultrabeat, Vintage B3, Vintage Clav, and Vintage Electric Piano.