New techniques and Effects in Model-based Sound Synthesis

Matti Karjalainen
DAFx-1999 - Trondheim
Physical modeling and model-based sound synthesis have recently been among the most active topics of computer music and audio research. In the modeling approach one typically tries to simulate and duplicate the most prominent sound generation properties of the acoustic musical instrument under study. If desired, the models developed may then be modified in order to create sounds that are not common or even possible from physically realizable instruments. In addition to physically related principles it is possible to combine physical models with other synthesis and signal processing methods to realize hybrid modeling techniques. This article is written as an overview of some recent results in model-based sound synthesis and related signal processing techniques. The focus is on modeling and synthesizing plucked string sounds, although the techniques may find much more widespread application. First, as a background, an advanced linear model of the acoustic guitar is discussed along with model control principles. Then the methodology to include inherent nonlinearities and time-varying features is introduced. Examples of string instrument nonlinearities are studied in the context of two specific instruments, the kantele and the tanbur, which exhibit interesting nonlinear effects.
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