Physical Audio have announced the launch of Preparation 2, a new and improved version of their innovative physical modelling software synthesizer. As with the original, the instrument simulates the interactions of strings and bars colliding with objects, but now includes a new dynamic fret object, additional controllable properties, built-in effects and dual LFOs.
The company say that they have rebuilt the software from the ground up based on their latest physical modelling techniques. The core sound is provided by two central modules which can be loaded either with physical models of either strings, or a bar colliding with a rattle and dynamic fret.
The strings can be plucked, bowed or controlled by a side-chain audio input, while the bars offer user-definable properties for sustain, tone, inharmonicity, gain, panning and non-linearity/tuning. Further customisation options make it possible to change the position, gap, mass, stiffness and edges of the fret and rattle objects, and there’s MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) support for the likes of pluck and bow force, as well as position and glide properties.
Preparation 2 now features a collection of onboard effects and processing. Tools such as an EQ and compressor are joined by a tremolo, phaser, VCF and wah, while distortion, drive and fuzz modules offer a variety of saturation options. There are also some time-based effects in the form of delay and reverb. As well as offering keyboard and velocity-based control over its physical modelling parameters, the latest version of the instrument also benefits from a pair of LFOs that can be used to modulate the rattle and fret properties, or alternatively, can be assigned to effects parameters.
Compatibility
Preparation 2 is supported on PCs running Windows 10 and above, and Macs running macOS 10.13 or higher. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.
Pricing & Availability
Preparation 2 is available now, and is being offered at an introductory price of $59£48 / €48 until 31 August 2024, when it will increase to $99£79 / €80. GBP prices include VAT. Owners of the original Preparation can obtain a 50% upgrade discount by contacting Physical Audio’s support team.
