Äänipulssi

An äänipulssi, or sound pulse, is a brief acoustic event that is perceived as a distinct unit of sound. It is characterized by a rapid onset and decay in sound pressure, often occurring in isolation or as part of a more complex acoustic signal. Examples of äänipulssit include a single clap, a snap of the fingers, a short click, or the briefest part of a spoken word like a stop consonant.

The perception of an äänipulssi is influenced by factors such as its duration, intensity, and spectral content. Very short pulses, typically less than 20 milliseconds, can be perceived as a click, while longer pulses can be more easily resolved into distinct temporal features. The energy distribution across different frequencies also plays a role in how the pulse is interpreted.

Äänipulssit are fundamental elements in speech and music. In speech, they contribute to rhythm and clarity, with the timing and characteristics of pulses helping to distinguish phonemes and convey meaning. In music, short percussive sounds, which are essentially äänipulssit, are used to create rhythmic patterns and add texture to compositions. The study of äänipulssit is relevant in fields such as acoustics, psychoacoustics, and signal processing.