Recreating String Physics to Perfection! The FDTD Synth ‘PartialString’ is Set to Arrive in 2026!

What’s Happening? Overview of the News

• Real-Time Simulation with FDTD Method: By numerically solving the one-dimensional wave equation, the vibrations of a plucked string are accurately reproduced as a displacement list in memory.
• Advanced Dynamic Load Management: Supports up to 10-note polyphony while automatically adjusting the number of voices and accuracy in real-time based on the PC’s processing power and string length.
• Precision Performance Control: Users can freely change the excitation point on the string, its shape, and the position of the pickups. Special acoustic effects can be generated with LFO-swept pickups.

Why Is This Important? Key Highlights

Unlike traditional sampling or simple waveform synthesis, the standout feature here is the computation of the physical behavior of the string as a “physical object.” By taking advantage of the increased computational load required for lower frequencies (longer strings), this implementation pushes the limits of PC performance. The research that began in 2009 has finally culminated in a historical leap for musical instruments, thanks to the machine power of 2026!

🦈 Shark’s Perspective (Curator’s View)

It’s astonishing that the FDTD method has been brought to a practical level as a plugin synth! Generally, such simulations are the realm of supercomputers or heavy analysis software, but running it in real-time as a VST3/AU is simply rockstar-level! Especially intriguing is the option to “lower simulation accuracy which results in unnatural, inharmonic sounds.” Because it’s grounded in physics, it can intentionally create a “distorted reality” by breaking the rules. The design philosophy that considers computational load—automatically raising the bass by an octave and optimizing for Apple Silicon (M series)—is a clear sign of understanding the needs of creators in the field!

What’s Next?

As PC computing power continues to improve, we expect that not only strings but also wind instruments’ air vibrations and complex resonators will be able to undergo real-time 3D FDTD simulations. Sound synthesis through physical computation is poised to become a standard alongside AI-generated sound in the latter half of the 2020s!

A Word from HaruSame

Devouring the vibrations of strings with equations! This is the power of physics, the ultimate sound! Munching on some cured meat while plucking away at this string is going to be the trend of 2026! 🦈🔥

Terminology Explained

• FDTD Method: Finite-Difference Time-Domain method. A simulation technique that discretizes space and time to directly calculate wave equations.

• Physical Modeling: A technique that represents the structure and material of an instrument mathematically to synthesize sound based on physical phenomena.

• Polyphony: The ability to produce multiple sounds simultaneously. This synthesizer can simulate up to 10 strings at once.

• Source: PartialString – A finite-difference time-domain physical modelling synthesiser