Component modeling synthesis

Also known as physical modeling, this synthesis method uses mathematical models to simulate instruments. Parameters are used to describe the physical characteristics of an instrument, 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 blowing; by plucking, bowing, or strumming strings; by hitting it with sticks; by placing fingers 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 stiffness, 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: Vintage B3, Vintage Clav, and Vintage Electric Piano.