
Sylfid-f1 is a VSTI audio plugin that creates sounds based on the physical modeling of strings.
The goal is not to emulate an existing instrument, but to create a new musical instrument.
In this sense, it should be not be compared to real instruments that use strings like harps,
pianos or harpsichords.
Behind each note is a string. Sylfid simulates the vibrations of these strings
to generate the sounds.
The string length depends on the notes, as on a harp:

In fact, there are 2 strings per key. This creates a more natural and lush sound.
With 88 keys, the total for the instrument is 176 strings.
When Sylfid receives a Midi note signal, it "strikes" the string with a hammer,
allowing the strings to vibrate and resonate.
The vibration of the string is recorded and generates the sound.

Physical modeling in Sylfid allows to modify many parameters on the strings, like
the material the strings are made of, the material of the hammer, the position of the hammer,
the position where the sound is recorded and amplified on the string, etc.
There is no "post process filtering" in Sylfid: the sound is exactly the sound generated
by the springs. For example in a real piano, the soundboard acts as an amplifier, but
it also changes the sound of each string. This is not done in Sylfid.
You can chain a Reverb plugin at the output of Sylfid, to give a more roomy sound.
Computing the simulation of the strings is extremely CPU intensive. The simulation technology
under the hood of Sylfid is based on Syflex's extremely fast simualtion technology.
Sylfid also uses multi-threading to spread the computation on all the cores of your CPU.
The plugin only runs at 44.1KHz
Sylfid is available in VST and AU formats.

VST Plug-In Technology by Steinberg.
AU wrappper from VSTAU.