Project Overview
This project is a computational study on inharmonic spectral structures and the synthesis of metallic idioms. Based on the psychoacoustic research of Jean-Claude Risset, I developed a parametric synthesizer that reconstructs the complex timbre of a bell from scratch using additive synthesis.
Instead of using samples, the engine generates sound by summing multiple sine wave oscillators tuned to specific non-integer ratios (modes). The system simulates physical damping properties, where higher partials decay logarithmically faster than the fundamental, allowing for a realistic recreation of the „strike tone,“ „hum,“ and „tierce“ characteristic of cast bells.
Technical Features
- Spectral Reconstruction: precise tuning of partials to replicate the inharmonic series of various bell geometries.
- Physics-based Damping: Implementation of frequency-dependent envelope generators to simulate material energy loss.
- Parametric Design: Real-time control over the „Inharmonicity Factor,“ allowing the user to stretch or compress the spectral ratios—a direct precursor to my research on Spectral Elasticity.
Tech Stack
- DSP Method: Additive Synthesis
- Environment: Max for Live and Ableton