ResonHeart is a physical modeling synthesizer that simulates an experimental aerophone, using mechanical components and Helmholtz resonators to recreate acoustic sounds, from percussions to symphonic strings.
A Mechanical Acoustic Machine
ResonHeart is a virtual instrument built around a physical modeling simulation of an experimental aerophone. Its architecture models real-world mechanical parts, including air pumps, pneumatic valves, and metal resonators, all working without electronic sound generation. Each voice uses a resonator block comprising sixteen Helmholtz resonators, arranged for modal synthesis, which enables the emulation of diverse acoustic systems.
This design allows it to produce sounds resembling winds, membranes, percussions, ethnic lutes, and even full string sections. The room acoustics are also simulated, covering environments from small chambers to large halls. This mechanical foundation creates a unique, organic sound palette far removed from conventional synthesizers.
Sound Design Interface
ResonHeart presents a simplified, single-view interface where all controls are visible, making sound design direct and efficient. Users can trigger the main pump motor, adjust air turbulence, and modify duct cross-sections. Each Helmholtz resonator offers independent tuning via internal volume and pressure via embouchure controls, providing detailed nuance.
The instrument includes dedicated modulation for both tuning and pressure, with Swing, Contour, Velocity, and Pitch Follower options. A spatial displacement engine positions the four voice blocks within a modeled room, while global controls for tuning, detune, pitch bend, and portamento shape the overall feel. This setup encourages hands-on exploration.
Modulation and Performance
ResonHeart operates as a monophonic or four-voice polyphonic instrument, with true polyphony achieved by simulating separate mechanical sound generators per voice. Modulation is extensive: air pump motors have automations and retrig control, Venturi valves and swing motors (0.1 Hz to 20 Hz) are available, and pneumatic solenoid valves provide timing precision.
The pneumatic valves can be independently modulated, and the instrument supports MIDI automation. An accurate resonator-based room simulation enhances spatial depth. These features allow for evolving dynamics and expressive performances, suitable for both subtle shifts and dramatic changes in tonal color.
Presets and Applications
ResonHeart includes over 130 factory presets covering genres that include deep basses, cymbals, membranes, woodwinds, plucked strings, ethnic bells and whistles, organic pads, symphonic sections, and evolving soundscapes. The presets serve as starting points for sound designers and composers.
Use cases include creating cinematic textures, imitating acoustic instruments for film scores, or producing unconventional sound effects. The mechanical modeling yields unpredictable, organic results, while the preset collection offers practical variety for immediate use. The instrument supports sample rates from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz.
Key features
- Physical modeling via Advanced Component Simulation (ACS), 64-bit processing
- Sixteen Helmholtz resonators per voice with independent tuning and pressure
- Monophonic or true 4-voice polyphonic operation
- Includes air pump motors, valves, and swing modulations
- Resonator-based room simulation
- Over 130 factory presets in diverse styles
- MIDI automation support
Best for
Sound designers and composers seeking an unconventional physical modeling instrument to create organic pads, evolving soundscapes, cinematic effects, and realistic emulations of percussions, winds, strings, and ethnic sounds. Its unique mechanical character excels in experimental, ambient, and film scoring contexts.