Mediaspace scheduled maintenance: Aug 25, 2026 07:00 - 12:00 AM. During this time, videos will be temporarily unavailable. Check status updates.

Lecture

The Karplus-Strong Algorithm

Description

This lecture introduces the Karplus-Strong algorithm, a method for synthesizing plucked-string sounds using digital signal processing. The algorithm involves creating a recursive loop with a delay, a decay factor, and an input signal, allowing for the generation of realistic musical tones.

Official source

Ontological neighbourhood

Art

Performing arts: Music

Related concepts (25)

Physical modelling synthesis

Physical modelling synthesis refers to sound synthesis methods in which the waveform of the sound to be generated is computed using a mathematical model, a set of equations and algorithms to simulate a physical source of sound, usually a musical instrument. Modelling attempts to replicate laws of physics that govern sound production, and will typically have several parameters, some of which are constants that describe the physical materials and dimensions of the instrument, while others are time-dependent functions describing the player's interaction with the instrument, such as plucking a string, or covering toneholes.

Synthesizer

A synthesizer (also spelled synthesiser) is an electronic musical instrument that generates audio signals. Synthesizers typically create sounds by generating waveforms through methods including subtractive synthesis, additive synthesis and frequency modulation synthesis. These sounds may be altered by components such as filters, which cut or boost frequencies; envelopes, which control articulation, or how notes begin and end; and low-frequency oscillators, which modulate parameters such as pitch, volume, or filter characteristics affecting timbre.

String instrument

String instruments, stringed instruments, or chordophones are musical instruments that produce sound from vibrating strings when a performer plays or sounds the strings in some manner. Musicians play some string instruments by plucking the strings with their fingers or a plectrum—and others by hitting the strings with a light wooden hammer or by rubbing the strings with a bow. In some keyboard instruments, such as the harpsichord, the musician presses a key that plucks the string.

Frequency modulation synthesis

Frequency modulation synthesis (or FM synthesis) is a form of sound synthesis whereby the frequency of a waveform is changed by modulating its frequency with a modulator. The (instantaneous) frequency of an oscillator is altered in accordance with the amplitude of a modulating signal. FM synthesis can create both harmonic and inharmonic sounds. To synthesize harmonic sounds, the modulating signal must have a harmonic relationship to the original carrier signal. As the amount of frequency modulation increases, the sound grows progressively complex.

Digital signal processing

Digital signal processing (DSP) is the use of digital processing, such as by computers or more specialized digital signal processors, to perform a wide variety of signal processing operations. The digital signals processed in this manner are a sequence of numbers that represent samples of a continuous variable in a domain such as time, space, or frequency. In digital electronics, a digital signal is represented as a pulse train, which is typically generated by the switching of a transistor.

Related lectures (11)

Digital Signal Processing Fundamentals: Interactive Textbook

Covers digital signal processing fundamentals using Jupyter Notebooks for practical application.

Karplus-Strong Algorithm: Simulating Metallic Strings

Explains the Karplus-Strong algorithm for simulating metallic string sounds using random noise and feedback loops.

The Frequency Domain

Explores expressing signals in sinusoidal components and decomposing signals into different frequencies in the frequency domain.

Practical Engineering 1: Signal Processing

Explores advanced software engineering topics and signal processing using lazy lists to build a sound synthesizer from scratch.

Impact of Sinusoidal Sum Terms