Perceptual tolerances for decay parameters in plucked string synthesis

The audibility of variations of decay parameters in plucked string synthesi s was studied by a listening test. The decay was described by an overall ti me constant and a frequency-dependent parameter. Two fundamental frequencie s, tone durations, and types of excitations were used for both parameters. The results indicate that variations between 25 and 40% in the time constan t are inaudible. This suggests large perceptual tolerances for the decay pa rameters. The results are applied in model-based audio processing.