PM: Modal Synthesis with Micro Prism
Protected: Modal Synthesis with Micro Prism
Modal Synthesis with Micro Prism
Modal synthesis is a technique in sound design that involves creating sounds by simulating the resonant frequencies of a physical object, such as a drum or a guitar string. The free Micro Prism is a software synthesizer that can be used for a more complex form of physical modeling called banded modal synthesis offering much more control than a simple Karptlus Strong algorithm. It is a simplified version of Reaktor Prism having only a few controls.
The horizontal slider is a macro control that modifies many parameters of the modal bank at the same time.The modal bank is the sounding object, but unlike in Collision, the full version of Prism (image at bottom) lets us design that object from scratch whereas in Collision we can only pick from a few preset resonant bodies.The modal bank consists of multiple resonant band pass filters, a low pass filter as well as a comb filter.
To create a sound using Micro Prism, start out by moving the horizontal slider left and right: you will hear complex sound changes visually represented by the changing harmonics and partials in the central display.
- In the Exciter choose the amount of you can choose between two types of excitation sources: Impact or Noise. Use Impact for sounds with a short attack (percussive or plucked sounds) and Noise for more sustained or blown sounds. Use low or high cut to tailor the color of the Exciter signals.
- In the Modal Bank use Time to adjust the decay time of the filter bank’s resonant signals. High Amount sets the decay time for higher partials
- The decay time determines how long the sound will last even when just using an impact in the Exciter!
- Release adiusts the release time (at note-off) relative to the decay time. At
maximum setting the release time is equal to the decay time (no
damping). Turning the knob to the left increases the damping. - Highpass cutoff is controlling the amount of bending for the lower
partials. Moving it to the right exempts them from being bent. - Filter features a l LowPass filter cutoff and control to adjust the level of the fundamental. With Balance we can crossfade btw two patterns of the comb filter and we can also shift the the number of partials in the A-B comb filter patterns.
- At the bottom we have a set of standard audio effects.
- Play the sound: Once you have set up the parameters, you can play the sound by pressing a key on your MIDI controller.
Modal synthesis with Micro Prism can be a powerful tool for creating unique sounds that are difficult to create using traditional synthesis techniques. By simulating the resonant frequencies of physical objects, you can create sounds that have a natural, organic quality that is difficult to replicate using virtual instruments or sample libraries.
Reaktor Prism
