Download One-to-Many Conversion for Percussive Samples A filtering algorithm for generating subtle random variations in
sampled sounds is proposed. Using only one recording for impact
sound effects or drum machine sounds results in unrealistic repetitiveness during consecutive playback. This paper studies spectral
variations in repeated knocking sounds and in three drum sounds:
a hihat, a snare, and a tomtom. The proposed method uses a short
pseudo-random velvet-noise filter and a low-shelf filter to produce
timbral variations targeted at appropriate spectral regions, yielding potentially an endless number of new realistic versions of a
single percussive sampled sound.
The realism of the resulting
processed sounds is studied in a listening test. The results show
that the sound quality obtained with the proposed algorithm is at
least as good as that of a previous method while using 77% fewer
computational operations. The algorithm is widely applicable to
computer-generated music and game audio.
Download The Role of Modal Excitation in Colorless Reverberation A perceptual study revealing a novel connection between modal
properties of feedback delay networks (FDNs) and colorless reverberation is presented. The coloration of the reverberation tail
is quantified by the modal excitation distribution derived from the
modal decomposition of the FDN. A homogeneously decaying allpass FDN is designed to be colorless such that the corresponding narrow modal excitation distribution leads to a high perceived
modal density. Synthetic modal excitation distributions are generated to match modal excitations of FDNs. Three listening tests
were conducted to demonstrate the correlation between the modal
excitation distribution and the perceived degree of coloration. A
fourth test shows a significant reduction of coloration by the colorless FDN compared to other FDN designs. The novel connection of modal excitation, allpass FDNs, and perceived coloration
presents a beneficial design criterion for colorless artificial reverberation.