Physical Audio has announced a new version of physical modeling synthesizer that simulates the interactions of strings and bars colliding with objects, in the spirit of prepared piano.

A ground-up rewrite of the original synth, Preparation 2 is based on the company’s latest physical modelling techniques. It introduces new features including a dynamic fret object, new controllable properties for rattle and fret, an effects suite, and dual LFOs.

Preparation is based on mathematical modelling of 3 basic elements; strings which can be configured as bars, a rattle that joins strings together, and a dynamic fret. Each voice contains a pair of strings which are excited with either a customisable pluck, a bow, or side-chained audio. The acoustic model’s properties are tailored by you, generating a range of sounds from unique instruments to experimental soundscapes. Preparation uses our latest research into collision modelling and fast solver techniques.

Preparation 2 features

  • 2 physically modeled strings or bars collide with a rattle and dynamic fret.
  • Excite the strings using Pluck, Bow or Audio (sidechain input).
  • Set string/bar properties: Sustain, Tone, Inharmonicity, Gain, Pan, Non-Linearity/Tuning.
  • Deep customization of fret and rattle (Position, Gap, Mass, Stiffness, Edge…)
  • Effects suite featuring EQ, compressor, tremolo, phaser, VCF, wah, distortion, drive, fuzz, delay and reverb.
  • 2 LFOs to modulate rattle/fret properties or effects controls.
  • Keyboard and Velocity modulation for string and rattle properties.
  • Detailed pluck designer to set range and low/high sensitivity.
  • MIDI CC and integrations, MPE functionality for pluck and bow force, position and glide.
  • Attack/Boost/Release controls shape the sound’s level through time.
  • 160+ Presets plus control randomization.

Available for Windows and Mac in VST3, AU and AAX plugin formats, Preparation 2 is on sale for the intro price of £48 GBP / 48 EUR +VAT / $59 USD. The regular price will be £79 GBP / 80 EUR +VAT / $99 USD.

More information: Physical Audio