An Improved Steady-state/Transient Algorithm for Virtual Bass Systems

Loudspeakers size is a serious problem for many modern audio devices, indeed the use of large loudspeakers is not always possible due to constraints such as size (e.g., smartphones) or cost. Small loudspeakers suffer from a poor frequency response, especially at the lower frequencies. For this reason, many algorithms have been developed to enhance the bass reproduction of small devices, exploiting the missing fundamental principle. Among others, hybrid algorithms separate transients and steady-state sounds, which are processed separately to achieve better performance. In the proposed work, an improvement over a previously known hybrid virtual bass algorithm is proposed. The algorithm for the separation into transient and steady-state components is enhanced by modifying the procedure for the detection of transient events. Experimental results have proven the effectiveness of the proposed system.