Physical Audio Preparation, a new MPE-compatible physical modeling Synthesizer plugin that explores the sonic relationship of strings and collisions
Besides granular, physical modeling synthesizers are one of my favorites. This because they are able to create very natural and organic sounds. And in the mass of VA, wavetable, FM, PM synths just sound refreshingly different to the ears.
It’s not just the sound that’s different, the interfaces and operation also ensure that musicians come out of their comfort zone. Often with an unusual signal path and a number of unknown parameters. This also applies to the new Synthesizer plugin from Physical Audio.
Physical Audio Preparation
Preparation by Physical Audio is a new 8-voice physical modeling Synthesizer plugin that uses mathematical models of two basic elements: a string and a rattle. These reacts to the vibrations at each end. These results in collisions that are accurately modeled. The synth has 8 voices and thus each voice consists of a pair of strings paired with a rattle.
Both elements can be then shaped with a set of controls. The strings have parameters for nonlinearity, inharmonicity, sustain and tone. The rattle has controls for the mass at each end, the gap from the strings, the stiffness, edginess, strength and its position. At the end of the signal chain, you get a low shelf EQ, overdrive and reverb effects to refine your sounds.
The developer promises very little CPU consumption. It’s very nice to hear as physical modeling synths often tend to be a bit more CPU intensive.
A highlight that is easily overlooked is the full support for MPE controllers. Thus, you can play Preparation very expressively with your ROLI Seaboard, Linnstrument or any other MPE/polyphonic aftertouch keyboard.
The description of the Synthesizer is not very extensive. For deeper details I recommend you to check out the tutorial as well as the thesis. I’m glad to see that there is another physical modeling synth on the market. And one with a more special concept.
Physical Audio Preparation is available now for an introductory price of 84€ instead of 144€. It runs as a VST3, AU, and AAX plugin on macOS (Intel + M1) and Windows.
More information here: Physical Audio
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