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About Applied Acoustics
Based in Montreal, Applied Acoustics Systems specializes in software based synthesis tools for professional musicians and sound designers. Since releasing the first virtual instrument based on Physical Modeling, the Tassman, AAS has come to be recognized as the industry leader in this exciting new field of synthesis. Applied Acoustics was founded in 1998 by Marc-Pierre Verge and Philippe Derogis, both musicians and physicists, who met while doing their PhD at IRCAM in Paris."Physical Modeling allows us to develop instruments which sound incredibly realistic and lively because they react like real instruments", said Marc-Pierre Verge, 'But these instruments are also extremely creative as they allow us to do things which can not be done in real life while still retaining the intrinsic quality of the sound of acoustic instruments. The Applied Acoustic product line now comprises the following award-winning instruments: the Tassman 4 modular sound synthesis Studio, the Lounge Lizard EP-3 electric piano, the Ultra Analog VA-1 synthesizer, the String Studio VS-1 string synthesizer, and the Strum Acoustic GS-1 and Strum Electric GS-1 guitar track production plug-ins. Applied Acoustics is also known for designing and producing a series of Physical Modeling Virtual Instruments for Ableton - TENSION, ELECTRIC, ANALOG and the new COLLISION (Live 8) are exclusively designed and made for Ableton and can be used (or purchased separate) in Ableton Live and Ableton Live SUITE. http://www.applied-acoustics.com/ About Physical Modeling: Physical Modeling refers to a sound synthesis technique which is based on models of the sound production mechanisms involved in musical instruments. The idea is to generate sound by reproducing how real musical instruments actually function and produce sound. This approach may seem straightforward but is in fact very different from other techniques, such as FM, Additive, Subtractive and Sampling, which could all be referred to as 'signal-based' methods because they attempt to reproduce the output signal from an instrument without worrying about how it was produced. A physical model is obtained from the laws of physics which describe how the world around us behaves. As in other fields of physics, a physical model is nothing else than a set of mathematical equations able to reproduce what can be measured experimentally. In the case of a guitar for example, a physical model would reproduce how the pick moves the string away from its rest position; how the string vibrates once it is released; how the string vibration is transmitted to the soundboard through the bridge; and finally how the soundboard radiates sound which we can hear. The difference between Sampling and Physical Modeling. They are two very different and complementary approaches. Basically, sampling consists in a play-back of a recording and therefore is very realistic in terms of the reproduction of the tone. A sample, however, is like a photo; it consists of a recording of one instrument or group of instruments played in a certain context in a certain way. It is basically static and will always sound the same over and over again. A physical model, however, is very dynamic and lively. Its sound is always evolving and dependent on the way it is played and how it is tweaked. Many parameters, linked directly to the physical properties of the instrument (such as the geometry or material) are left to the user. It is therefore possible to adjust these parameters in ways that do not correspond to real instruments. Why not play a cello with a body as large as the soundboard of a piano? Why not play a guitar and change the material of the strings as you are playing? Indeed physical modeling is a very creative field that opens the road to a realm of unheard sounds that are still characterised by the acoustic qualities of real instruments. Sampling is still the best way to go in order to reproduce sounds such as orchestral string sections. On the other hand, physical modeling is unbeatable as an inspiring and creative sound design tool. It is also the most rewarding technique for performers who want to find in a synth the unmistakable feeling of playing a real musical instrument. Read more about the technique of Physical Modeling: http://www.applied-acoustics.com/techtalk-physicalmodeling.htm |
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Strum Electric GS-1
Guitar Track Production Plug-in "Can't learn the guitar in time for your deadline. Your favorite session player is out of town. Romplers are not quite there. Strum is the just-right solution." |
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Strum Acoustic GS-1
Guitar Track Production Plug-in "Can't learn the guitar in time for your deadline. Your favorite session player is out of town. Romplers are not quite there. Strum is the just-right solution." |
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Tasmann 4
Monster Modular A dream world where you create monster hybrids that process and synthesize by combining substractive, additive, FM, and acoustic objects. Over 50 synthesizers and a 1000 presets! ”Tassman 4 retains its position as the top modeling program around.“ —Dennis Miller, Electronic Musician |
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Ultra Analog VA-1
The Finest in Analog Sounds In a world filled with reproductions and ever increasing complexity, Ultra Analog imposes itself as a unique and powerful synth that is fast, easy and remarkably versatile. At the heart of Ultra Analog are the best alias free oscillators of the industry, featuring standard wave shapes, hard sync, sub oscillators and integrated pitch envelopes for the most impressive evolving and dynamic analog tone you ever heard. Two audacious multimode filters with distortion are then applied to confer Ultra Analog its sonic character. Finally, carefully chosen modulation options are provided by two syncable comprehensive LFOs, four loopable velocity sensitive ADSR envelopes generators and vibrato. |
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Lounge Lizard EP-3
The Best Got Even Better! Once again, AAS rises the bar in the re-creation of the classic Rhodes™ and Wurlitzer™ electric pianos. Not only does Lounge Lizard EP-3 deliver the authentic tone of the originals but it also preserves their action and feel. Once you get your hands on Lounge Lizard, that elusive electric piano sound becomes a reality—you'll be proppelled into inspirational space. |
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Lounge Lizard EP-3
String Studio-VS1
The String Studio synthesizer swaps the traditional oscillator, filter, and envelope pattern for real-life string instrument components. At the core of String Studio lies a new cutting edge string model interacting with picks, bows, hammers, fingers, frets, dampers, and soundboards. Through this direct approach, String Studio delivers stunning guitars, basses, harps, clavinets, bowed instruments, percussions as well as rich and animated tones that blend the warmth, naturalness, and density of real-life with unique and innovative timbres from yet unheard instruments. |
