Physical Audio® grew out of a 5-year research project as the University of Edinburgh. The NESS project (Next Generation Sound Synthesis) examined new algorithms for digital synthesis of acoustic systems, specifically using direct numerical methods such as finite-difference time-domain schemes. Whilst the project focused on off-line systems and large-scale GPU processing, there was always the possibility of running elements in real-time on consumer hardware.

After his PhD with the NESS project Dr Craig J. Webb began experimenting with real-time systems with Dr Michele Ducceschi and Dr Stefan Bilbao, and by 2018 our first plugins were born. We continue to explore new systems for real-time physical modelling synthesis using both finite difference and modal schemes.

Physical Audio Ltd is based in London, and is registered in England & Wales with company number 9480306. It is registered for VAT in the EU with number EU372040341.