Controlling a Non Linear Friction Model for Evocative Sound Synthesis Applications

Authors: Thoret E., Aramaki M., Gondre C., Kronland-Martinet R., Ystad S.
Publication Date: September 2013
Journal: Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Digital Audio Effects (DAFx) (Maynooth, Ireland, September 2013)

Tags: Environmental Sounds, Solid Sounds, Sound and Motion, Sound Control

Abstract

In this paper, a flexible strategy to control a synthesis model of sounds produced by non linear friction phenomena is proposed for guidance or musical purposes. It enables to synthesize different types of sounds, such a creaky door, a singing glass or a squeaking wet plate. This approach is based on the action/object paradigm that enables to propose a synthesis strategy using classical linear filtering techniques (source/resonance approach) which provide an efficient implementation. Within this paradigm, a sound can be considered as the result of an action (e.g. impacting, rubbing, …) on an object (plate, bowl, …). However, in the case of non linear friction phenomena, simulating the physical coupling between the action and the object with a completely decoupled source/resonance model is a real and relevant challenge. To meet this challenge, we propose to use a synthesis model of the source that is tuned on recorded sounds according to physical and spectral observations. This model enables to synthesize many types of non linear behaviors. A control strategy of the model is then proposed by defining a flexible physically informed mapping between a descriptor, and the non linear synthesis behavior. Finally, potential applications to the remediation of motor diseases are presented.