Improved Detection of Semi-Percussive Onsets in Audio Using Temporal Reassignment

Abstract

Onset detection is a fundamental task in musical signal processing, providing information for higher level applications. Different classes of onsets can be found in musical signals, determined as being hard, or soft, by the initial energy transfer. Most onset detectors are general purpose and attempt to detect both classes of onsets, although some specifically attempt to detect soft onsets. Temporal reassignment operators related to group delay have previously been employed in onset detectors for the purposes of soft onset detection and pruning of time-frequency elements deemed to consist of vibrato. We consider the use of temporal reassignment for the detection of hard onsets and also employ the second mixed derivative of phase as a means to prune the spectral energy. Experimental validation of the proposed approach is given, showing improvements relative to state-of-the-art general purpose onset detectors for the specific tasks.