Physically Modelling A Sculpture

Physical modelling is a type of synthesis that uses mathematical equations to create a waveform, using physics to pertain the characteristics of real instruments then adjusting the tonal qualities via what would usually be called an interaction with the instrument.

Sculpture is a physical modelling synth with a twist. The string section lets you choose the type of string that is being played, whether that be traditional ones like nylon, steel or wooden that gives a xylophonic sound, but also abstract ones like glass. There are 3 "objects" that can influence the string in some way depending on the setting you put it on. These settings can be an impulse which is like a hit to the string similar to a piano, Bow which simulates a bow being drawn across the string, and Blow which simulates a woodwind like feeling to a string. There are other objects that Disturb the string or interact with the string in a way that changes the tone such as a peg on the string or the string being played next to a pole so it's limited when it vibrates. Finally the pickup section allows fine tuning of the synth to get a unique sound, like using a different pickup on a guitar gives a different sound, these can be moved around the shape the sound.

The interesting thing about Sculpture is that it has a built in EQ, Delay, Filter and LFO modulation sections, most other phmod synths are not inclusive of all these things in one product, it makes it really easy to make some cool sounds. The picture to my left is a synth I designed to be a quick piano like hit with the media loss turned about half way it gives a short, almost bell like piano sound, The eq then boosting mids and highs while cutting lows, this is because this will be my main high freq synth. The delay's output width slider gives the bouncing sound a stereo spread tat bounces left then right. An example of the song can be found here: http://fraserguitar.wixsite.com/theshak/artists