Handpan
The Handpan is a modal synthesis instrument that recreates the characteristic sound of acoustic handpans using physical modelling.
How It Works
Each tone field is modelled with 6 vibrational modes arranged in beating pairs. The slight frequency offset between paired modes creates the shimmering sustain characteristic of real handpans. A Helmholtz cavity resonator adds the warm body resonance of the instrument's shell.
The synthesis is based on measured handpan acoustics, reproducing the characteristic 1:2:3 harmonic ratio (fundamental, octave, compound fifth).
Parameters
| Parameter | Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scale | 8 factory scales | Select the handpan tuning |
| Brightness | 0–100% | Tone brightness (lowpass cutoff from 500 Hz to 20 kHz) |
| Reverb | 0–100% | Room ambience wet/dry mix |
| Decay | 0–100% | Sustain length (0.25x to 4x multiplier) |
| Volume | -60 to +6 dB | Output level |
| Master Tuning | 400–480 Hz | A4 reference frequency |
Scales
The handpan includes 8 factory scales. See Scales for the full list with note layouts.
Playing
- Tap a tone field to strike it
- Tap the centre (Ding) for the bass note
- Velocity sensitivity responds to how quickly you tap
- Notes ring naturally and decay over time
Effect Plugin
Orbiter Handpan FX processes incoming audio through the handpan's modal resonator bank. The audio signal excites the same beating-pair modes used by the synthesiser, creating unique timbres from any source material.
Route drums, vocals, guitar, or any audio through the effect to add handpan-like resonance.