Physics-Based Synthesis: Modeling Vibrations and Timbre
Exploring the Science of Sound: Unveiling Vibrations and Timbre Through Physics-Based Synthesis
Skills you will gain:
About Workshop:
Physics-Based Synthesis: Modeling Vibrations and Timbre” explores the science behind sound creation, focusing on how physical vibrations shape musical tones and timbre. Participants will learn to model and manipulate sound waves, bridging the gap between sound engineering and musical theory.
Aim: The aim of “Physics-Based Synthesis: Modeling Vibrations and Timbre” is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how physical vibrations influence sound production and timbre. The program seeks to equip participants with the skills to model and manipulate sound waves, fostering a deeper connection between physics, music, and sound engineering.
Workshop Objectives:
- Understand the fundamental principles of sound synthesis and vibration modeling.
- Learn how different physical factors influence timbre and tone quality.
- Explore techniques to model and manipulate sound waves using physics-based approaches.
- Apply sound synthesis concepts to real-world musical and engineering contexts.
- Bridge the gap between sound engineering, musical theory, and physical science.
What you will learn?
📅 Day 1 — Modal Analysis of Strings & Plates (Physical Modeling)
- Harmonics, overtones, and Chladni patterns in musical acoustics
- Understanding physical modeling of vibrations and the role of modal analysis in sound production
- Exploring the Karplus-Strong algorithm for string-based synthesis
Hands-on
- Build a “Karplus-Strong” physical model in Pure Data (Pd) to simulate a plucked string instrument.
Deliverable
A playable software synthesizer that sounds like a realistic guitar.
📅 Day 2 — Nonlinear Interactions in String Instruments
- Stick-slip friction (bowing) mechanics and phantom partials in bowed string instruments
- How nonlinear interactions influence sound production and tonal quality in instruments like violins
- Model modifications for capturing the nuances of a bow interacting with the string
Hands-on
- Modify the Pd patch to simulate a violin bow interacting with the string.
Deliverable
An audio sample demonstrating the difference between a “scratchy” and a “clean” bow stroke.
📅 Day 3 — Timbre Forensics: Real vs Synthesized Instrument Analysis
- Spectro-temporal features and their role in psychoacoustics and timbre perception
- How spectral centroids help differentiate real and synthesized instrument sounds
- Analyzing the spectral features that define an instrument’s unique timbre
Hands-on
- Use Python (Librosa) to analyze and compare real vs. synthesized instrument recordings, focusing on spectral centroids.
Deliverable
A Similarity Matrix that demonstrates the comparison between physical and synthesized recordings.
Mentor Profile
Fee Plan
Important Dates
20 Jan 2026 Indian Standard Timing 4:30 PM
20 Jan 2026 to 22 Jan 2026 Indian Standard Timing 5: 30PM
Get an e-Certificate of Participation!
Intended For :
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Acoustics Engineers & Researchers – Focused on sound production and musical acoustics.
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Musicians & Sound Designers – Interested in synthetic instrument creation and sound synthesis.
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Audio Engineers & Technicians – Enhancing skills in string instrument modeling and timbre perception.
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Music Technology Students – Specializing in sound synthesis and psychoacoustics.
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Psychoacoustics Researchers – Exploring timbre and spectral features in sound perception.
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Software Developers – Developing audio synthesis tools with Pure Data and Python.
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Academics & Graduate Students – In acoustics, audio engineering, or music technology.
Career Supporting Skills
Workshop Outcomes
- Ability to model and simulate physical vibrations and their effect on sound properties.
- Improved understanding of how to manipulate timbre in different sound synthesis applications.
- Enhanced skills in using physics-based models to create more realistic and dynamic soundscapes.
- Increased knowledge of sound wave behaviors for applications in music production and sound engineering.
- Capable of applying learned techniques to both theoretical and practical sound engineering scenarios.