Physical modelling is a synthesis process that works by simulating the resonant properties of a real-world object. Ableton Live users will likely be familiar with the concept through the DAW’s Collision synth and Corpus effect, and it provides the core of sound generation in plugins such as AAS Chromaphone and Reason’s Objekt. Physical modelling is especially useful on two fronts: firstly, it can be the best way to synthesise mallets and bowed instruments, thanks to its ability to accurately emulate their natural vibrations. Pushed beyond the realms of what’s realistic, however, and physical modelling synths take on a second use thanks to their ability to conjure thoroughly modern and otherworld synth timbres.
It’s on this latter front that Atoms, Baby Audio’s new physical modelling synth, excels. Atoms generates sound using a simulation of what Baby Audio refers to as ‘interconnected masses and springs’, which are initially triggered by a bow-style exciter. Broadly speaking, think of it like a violin or cello with a morphing, shape-shifting acoustic body.