Karplus–Strong string synthesis

Karplus–Strong string synthesis is a method of <a href="/facts/Physical_modelling_synthesis/vkEbmbKm">physical modelling synthesis</a> that loops a short waveform through a filtered delay line to simulate the sound of a hammered or plucked <a href="/facts/String_instrument/srW2H8dV">string</a> or some types of <a href="/facts/Percussion_instrument/YojwA7VR">percussion</a>. 
At first glance, this technique can be viewed as <a href="/facts/Subtractive_synthesis/2Kk3TqUE">subtractive synthesis</a> based on a <a href="/facts/Feedback_loop/XnuWH3zp">feedback loop</a> similar to that of a <a href="/facts/Comb_filter/u062f4M1">comb filter</a> for <a href="/facts/Z-transform/ERNvDJqt">z-transform</a> analysis. However, it can also be viewed as the simplest class of <a href="/facts/Table-lookup_synthesis/aCNfYYXt">wavetable</a>-modification algorithms now known as <a href="/facts/Digital_waveguide_synthesis/yYsV8FdX">digital waveguide synthesis</a>, because the delay line acts to store one period of the signal.
Alexander Strong invented the algorithm, and <a href="/facts/Kevin_Karplus/9YPqCzuq">Kevin Karplus</a> did the first analysis of how it worked. Together they developed software and hardware implementations of the algorithm, including a custom <a href="/facts/VLSI/l1Wgqr27">VLSI</a> chip. They named the algorithm "Digitar" synthesis, as a <a href="/facts/Portmanteau/d124JEbz">portmanteau</a> for "digital guitar".

Karplus–Strong string synthesis open-in-new

Karplus–Strong string synthesis