Results for Karplus-Strong

Sineqube has released version 1.0 of Kapling, a simple little standalone physical modeling synthesizer application for Mac OS X built with Max/MSP.

It is based on the Karplus-Strong algorithm. Kapling uses this method to attempt the emulation of resonant bodies, like a string being plucked, or melodic percussion instrument being struck. Eight independent voices are triggered by a 32-step sequencer, with a variety of parameters set up to help you sculpt new timbres in realtime. Kapling also features a tempo-synced stereo delay and recording to disk.

In simpler terms, Kapling can help you make twangy, boingy, klonky tones.

Kapling features

• 8 independent synth voices.
• 32-step sequencer.
• Realtime timbral controls.
• Randomized initial impulse to provide natural variation over time.
• Tempo-synced stereo delay.
• Store presets for pitch, sequences, and timbre, and export them to disk.
• Record output directly to disk as an aiff file.
• CPU monitor helps keep track of the tax on your system.
• Each voice has a hotkeyed mute switch for ease of live use.

Kapling is available as a freeware standalone application for Mac. Donations are most welcome.

Visit Sineqube for more information.

UGO has released two new VST plug-ins: M-theory, a hybrid modeling synth, and Disturbance, a loop & sample glitch/mangle/slicer tool.

M-theory

M-theory (the successor to String Theory) is a hybrid synth that is built around the Karplus-Strong delay based physical modeling technique, and uses samples, VA oscillators, and noise to drive the delay based oscillator; resulting in a very wide range of high quality synthetic and hybrid acoustic modeled sounds.

M-theory key features

• Karplus-Strong style synthesis engine.
• Dual exciters, each with the option of samples, VA or noise sources.
• Option to load your own samples.
• Independent low, band, high, and all pass filters.
• Dual programmable arpeggiators and an extra MIDI note trigger/doubler feature.
• Built in tremolo, metal effect, chorus, delay, and reverb.
• 320 presets.

M-theory is available for Windows PC for $35 USD.

Disturbance

Disturbance is primarily intended for the glitching/mangling of drum loops but it can also be useful with melodic material, vocals, and pretty much anything else you want to get glitchy with.

Disturbance is similar to a slicer, but a bit different. It works by chopping up a loop into 64 equal parts (no beat detection), then sequencing their playback, and each slice in Disturbance has its own loop point.

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Some interesting things I bookmarked on del.icio.us on November 15th, 2007:

• ASCII Rave in Haskell – Using words to control the articulation of a physical modelling synthesiser based on the elegant Karplus-Strong algorithm.
• Cosmopollus – Collection of great paintings by Chris Reccardi, who has worked on the Ren & Stimpy Show, The Powerpuff Girls, and Samurai Jack to name a few.

Op 2 by Chris Reccardi – part of the Cosmopollus collection

• Fast Food Restaurants & Nutrition Facts Compared – Good to know if can’t stop eating fast food…
• The Art of Jim Denevan – Beautiful art painted in sand.