This video offers a quick introduction to Karplus-Strong Synthesis – a physical modeling technique that’s great for creating both realistic and creative string and percussive sounds.
In the video, Nikol of Bastl Instruments introduces the concepts of Karplus-Strong Synthesis and then creates an example patch with the Noise Kitchen Eurorack modular synth.
How Karplus-Strong Synthesis Works:
- A short impulse is generated to simulate a ‘strike’ or ‘pluck’. In the original algorithm, the impulse was a burst of white noise, but other types of signals can be used.
- The impulse sound is output and simultaneously fed back into a delay line. The length of the delay time determines the pitch of the resulting sound.
- The output of the delay line is fed through a filter. The filter characteristics and settings determine the harmonics of the resulting sound.
- The filtered output is fed back into both the output and the delay line.
Diagram via Tlotoxl
wrong video? this one has no patching or explaining.
I think this is the video you were looking for
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ1rviedGvc
Derp
I like Chris Randall’s explanation better :/
That was great. Very clearly explained and demonstrated. Very enjoyable and effective demo.
Didn’t go into varying the delay time– i.e., how you would determine pitch. I imagine that might be tricky to control.
Thanks for going through the process with baby steps.
Well done sire.
Very cool video! There is a free max4live synth that does this: http://www.maxforlive.com/library/device/3701/karplus-stronger
anybody knows the name the attachment system on the walls? Cool video.
Its called ROSTE:
http://roste-design.cz
It’s a great technique. What I don’t understand is how this is considered “physical modeling”? PM, as a family of techniques, usually means the technique represents the physical properties of an acoustic instrument as a computer algorithm.
I think they referred to it as the crude predecessor to P.M.
I guess in some way, we are seeing the “exciter” noise and decay as modeling the pick or bow. The delay time & feedback as modeling the pitch (tension/length) & resonance of the string.
Have you ever slapped a spring or tension coil? Sounded like it to me.
This was wonderful – thanks!!!