
Show HN: I built a synthesizer based on 3D physics by humbledrone
Anukari
3D Physics Synthesizer
Anukari is a software synthesizer and effects processor based on a fully interactive 3D physics simulation. Drag and drop physics components like masses and springs to design your own 3D instrument or effect. See and hear what you’ve built in real time.
Anukari is now in Beta. For the adventurous only: available to purchase for 50% off.
Radically New MIDI Instrument
Use Anukari’s 3D physics playground to create instruments you’ve only been able to imagine until now. Create a 3D instrument made from masses and springs, and then use your MIDI keyboard to trigger mallets, plectrums, bows, and traditional oscillators. Hook up virtual microphones to pick up the sound the 3D instrument makes. You can keep it simple, or build sprawling systems of hundreds of masses.
Powerful Effects Processor
Anukari can accept audio input signals, either as a sidechain input alongside MIDI or as the primary input. Create 3D audio signal inputs and connect them to the parts of the physics system you want to vibrate, and then pick up the resulting sounds with virtual microphones. Throw in a couple dozen delay lines for reverb or feedback effects. And heck, why not use some LFOs to modulate the spring stiffness? Whatever you can dream up, you can build.
Full MPE Support
Works with both “legacy” MIDI and Midi Polyphonic Expression (MPE), so you can use a regular MIDI keyboard or your Linnstrument, Roli Seaboard, Haken Continuum, or other favorite MPE controller with Anukari. All MPE inputs can be custom-mapped to modulate arbitrary physics parameters, or left alone with their satisfying defaults so you can just play.
Modul
20 Comments
corytheboyd
Whoa this looks really cool! I love how you made something physically 3D to stand out in a world full of 2D knobs and sliders… but it still has 2D sliders because those work the best for dialing things in with precision.
badmonster
looks really cool! congrats!
throwpoaster
Very neat!
Is the simulation deterministic?
yapyap
It definitely looks really cool! As an outsider to the audio stuff with an okay amount of knowledge I’m curious as to the workflow for sure
pjbk
Cool idea. Sounds like AAS Chromaphone on steroids.
gregschlom
Absolutely awesome! I know nothing about music production but I want to play with it just for fun. Maybe a very simplified, web-based version for people who just to play a bit? Would be awesome.
Congrats on the hard work and the launch, in any case!
Edit: I see you have a demo mode, that's great! Exactly what I was looking for
newobj
Whoa this is sick
vid43
This is so cool.
sunray2
Thank you for this, it looks very cool!
Remind me of Korg's Berlin branch with their Phase8 instrument: https://korg.berlin/ . Life imitates art imitates life :)
I highly support and encourage this. Is there a way I could contribute to Anukari at all (I'm a physicist by day)? These kinds of advancements are the stuff I would live for! However I should stay rooted in what's possible or helpful: I'm not sure if this is open-source for example. As long as I could help, I'm game.
carterschonwald
This is super super duper cool. Thx for sharing
tarentel
Not sure I'll ever use this as it seems like a lot of work but wanted to say thank you for allowing me to download a demo without giving an email.
Also, even though I said I wouldn't use it, something that would be nice is a master volume, maybe I missed it. I often use VSTs standalone and being able to change the volume without messing with the preset would make it a bit easier to use.
Definitely the most interesting synth I've ever seen.
dfedbeef
Any chance we'll get a Linux VST or CLAP?
drcongo
I like the look of this, do you have any plans to release it for iPad?
rvba
The website should have a better youtube video and at the beginning
sitkack
I would love to watch (and listen) to a discussion between you and Noah from Audiocube, https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42877399 https://main.audiocube.app/ a 3d spatial DAW.
ww520
Wow. This is so cool. It opens up a different approach to the problem.
ghawkescs
Incredible work and a very creative product. I can't wait to see what is created using Anukari.
junon
Ha! I've had this idea for ages but never had the urge to make it. I'll have to play with it, thanks for sharing!
fractallyte
I second the recommendation: even if you don't have a Twitter/X account, find some way to watch Mick Gordon's session!
I find it hysterically funny, but at the same time, it really shows what this synth is capable of.
Excellent!
bufferoverflow
Dang it. I am working on the same thing, but in 2D.