Convention Paper
Sound Synthesis by Physical Models, Application to Strings
AES Convention 84 · Paper 2625 · March 1988
Abstract
This paper deals with our latest results concerning sound synthesis by physical models and describes several improvements and extensions of the programs presented at the International Computer Music Conference 87. Resonators and exciters are represented by modules which can be assembled in various ways: The resonator module representing the three dimensional string is a double delay line controlled in fundamental frequency and inharmonicity and the body is described by its input impedance matrix at the feet of the bridge. Exciter modules, representing various objects such as a hammer, a plectrum, a finger, a bow, a load, or a bridge, is a quadripole acting dynamically at a given area on the string. The modular approach to the problem allows many exciters to act simultaneously on the same string. We illustrate several interesting situations in the physical field and present musical sounds of good quality.
