Sparse Chroma Estimation for Harmonic Non-Stationary Audio

Abstract:
In this work, we extend on our recently proposed block sparse chroma estimator, such that the method also allows for signals with time-varying envelopes. Using a spline-based amplitude modulation of the chroma dictionary, the refined estimator is able to model longer frames than our earlier approach, as well as to model highly time-localized signals, and signals containing sudden bursts, such as trumpet or trombone signals, thus retaining more signal information than other methods for chroma estimation. The performance of the proposed estimator is evaluated on a recorded trumpet signal, clearly illustrating the improved performance, as compared to other used techniques.