Physical
Modeling: An Overview
Physical
Modeling is a uniquely powerful synthesis technique, which uses the laws of physics
to reproduce the behavior of an object. In other words the Tassman solves, in
real time, mathematical equations describing how an object functions. It uses
no sampling, it simply calculates the sound as you play in accordance to the controls
it receives. This
is a very general and powerful approach since the result is obtained by reproducing
how an object creates sound rather than trying to reproduce the sound signal itself
using wavetables, additive synthesis, samples, etc. This implies that a module
can generate very different sounds depending on the driving signals it receives.
For example, different sounds will be made by a plate of a given geometry and
material, depending on the strength of the mallet impact and its impact point.
It will behave differently again if you hit the plate when it is at rest or when
it is already in motion. Physical modeling takes all these parameters into account
naturally since it reproduces the behavior of the real object. This results in
very natural and realistic sounds and reproduces the control you would expect
from real acoustic instruments, as well as the warmth of real analog circuits.
Inspiration
on Demand: Synths and Presets
The
Tassman provides you with a collection of 50 pre-patched instruments, and over
1000 presets right out of the box. You' ll find all the classic analog and FM
instrument emulations you'd expect in a modular synthesis solution, staggeringly
realistic acoustic instruments including various drums and chromatic percussion,
string instuments of all shapes and sizes, an electric piano, tonewheel and pipe
based organs, and more, complete with the nuances and subtlties that would be
simply unattainable with a sample based solution. Add to this instruments which
allow you to import your own samples and utilize them as you would any of the
other tone generators, and unique hybrid constructions which combine these various
elements, and the possibilities are truely endless.
Drag
and Drop Access: The Browser
While
it may not add to the range of sounds the Tassman produces, the Browser is one
of version 3's most exciting new features. The Tassman's Browser is similar to
those found in most email programs. Using a simple tree structure, all the elements
used in in the building and playing of synths are available using a visually intuitive,
drag and drop approach, including instruments, sub-patches, modules and presets.
This means you'll spend less time searching for the sounds you need, and more
time getting down to the business of making music. The browser also allows you
to export a synth and all of it's associated sub-patches and presets as a single
file, for easy exchange with other users.
| The
browser organizes all of the modules, sub-patches, instruments, and presets into
clearly defined groups making it easy to find the tools you need, when you need
them. | 
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At
the Controls: The Player
The
front panel display of the Tassman's Player view was inspired by classic analog
hardware making it easy to understand and use. All the parameters for each module
are clearly mapped out using large, easy to read knobs and sliders, as well as
classic 'chicken head' selectors and switches. Upon moving any of the on screen
controls, the current MIDI value is displayed in the toolbar making it simple
to set values precisely.
| The
players drop down menus contain the various control panels for audio and MIDI
configuration, and performance. The Tassman supports many of the most popular
driver standards including ASIO, EASI, DirectX, MME, Sound manager, and WDM, making
it it compatible with nearly every sound card on the market. | 
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Create
and Customize: The Builder
While
the Player view makes it easy to tweak any of the existing presets to create your
own custom sounds and save them for instant recall, the Builder also allows you
to customize the way individual modules are connected within a synth, or even
create your own instruments from the ground up, using an intuitive 'building block'
approach. The Tassman also comes with various 'sub-patches (pre-configured groups
of commonly used generators, filters, and effects), meaning you don't have to
reinvent the wheel everytime you think a synth could use a little something extra,
and you can of course, create your own sub-patches for use in later constructions.
You can also save sub-patch presets just like you would with a hardware effects
unit. This 3 level approach to modules, sub-patches, and instruments means the
you can explore the Tassman at your own pace. The range of creative possibilites
expands right along with you.
| Double
clicking on any module in the builder brings up its properties window, allowing
you to set nearly all parameters before launching your synth, giving you complete
control of its initial state. This window also allows you to set the vertical
position of each module across the eight rows of the player interface. The modules
horizontal positions are a mirror image of their placement in the builder. | 
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Total
Integration: Plug-ins
The
Tassman also offers total integration with today's most powerful sequencing applications
as a DXi, MAS, and VST instrument plug-in.
As
of May 23 2003, We are also please to announce the Tassman is now available to
Pro Tools Userrs with the release of the RTAS version for OS X. The OS 9.X and
Windows versions will follow shortly. 
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