Additive synths and physical modelling for dummies?

[YnJ]

I sort of understand the concept of both additive synths and physical modelling but find it difficult to set into practice on the synths I have, so I'm looking for synths, one for additive synths and one for physical modelling, which are simple and easy to understand. They don't have to be good sounding or have a lot of features, just as intuitive and easy to understand as possible

Don't suggest Harmor or anything like that please

[imrae]

I haven't used Sampleson Akoustic, but I think it's exactly what you're after? Fairly simple additive synth with presets based on acoustic instruments.

The thing about additive synthesis is that it's fundamentally difficult to present a reasonable user interface because there are so many parameters. Solutions include:

• limiting the number of partials and presenting as a time-dependent bar graph (Akoustic)
• Morphing frequency-domain wavetables (Thorn, Europa)
• Sample resynthesis (Alchemy)
• Using algorithms to create/morph the spectra in cool but very non-acoustic ways (Lazerbass, Razor)
• Some combination of the above, with a correspondingly complex interface (Zebra, Loom, Harmor)

So even if you learn one good additive synth, you haven't really learned additive synthesis - just that window into it.

[YnJ]

I haven't used Sampleson Akoustic, but I think it's exactly what you're after? Fairly simple additive synth with presets based on acoustic instruments.

I had a look at that and I think you might be right. I also had a look at Re4orm, which supposedly is an easy approach to additive synths. Way too easy apparently, as it seems everthing is going on under the hood and I had no idea what it was doing. Felt more like a normal waveform synth. Sounds good and you have some control over what you're doing, but it doesn't teach you additive synths

[ecasasmusic2]

Arturia Synclavier V is relatively simple to understand. You can set the level of 24 harmonics and change them on multiple time points to get an evolutive sound. You can also add FM, samples, and do resynthesis.

[YnJ]

Arturia Synclavier V is relatively simple to understand. You can set the level of 24 harmonics and change them on multiple time points to get an evolutive sound. You can also add FM, samples, and do resynthesis.

I have the V Collection, including the Synclavier V, I haven't really had a proper look at it yet though. I will now, however, and that also made me aware of the additive sections of the CMI V. They are very simple and somewhat automated, at least you see what's going on though and they are also very intuitive. Thanks!