Abstract: A method of parametrically encoding a transient audio signal, including the steps of: determining a set V of the N largest frequency components of the transient audio signal, where N is a predetermined number; determining an approximate envelope of the transient audio signal; and determining a predetermined number P of samples W of the approximate envelope for use in generating a spline approximation of the approximate envelope, whereby a parametric representation of the transient audio signal is given by parameters including V, N, P and W, such that a decoder receiving the parametric representation can reproduce a received approximation of the transient audio signal.