Physical Modeling Synthesis

Physics: Karplus-Strong (1983): noise burst → circular delay line → simple low-pass filter → feedback. String length L determines fundamental frequency f = f_s/L. Filter coefficient α controls decay: output = α·sample + (1-α)·prev_sample. Pluck position 1/N suppresses Nth harmonic (plucking at 1/5 removes 5th harmonic). Digital waveguide synthesis (Smith, 1992): two bidirectional delay lines model traveling wave physics. Yamaha VL1 (1994): first commercial physical modeling synthesizer. Extensions to winds, percussion, and bowed strings.