Perception of Harmonic and Inharmonic Sounds: Results from Ear Models

Abstract

We report on experiments in which musically relevant harmonic and inharmonic sounds have been fed into computer-based ear models (or into modules which at least simulate parts of the peripheral auditory system) working either in the frequency or in the time domain. For a major chord in just intonation, all algorithms produced reliable and interpretable output, which explains mechanisms of pitch perception. One model also yields data suited to demonstrate how sensory consonance and ’fusion’ are contained in the ACF of the neural activity pattern.With musical sounds from instruments (carillon, gamelan) which represent different degrees of inharmonicity, the performance of the modules reflects difficulties in finding correct spectral and/or virtual pitch(es) known also from behavioral experiments. Our measurements corroborate findings from neurophysiology according to which much of the neural processing relevant for perception of pitch and consonance is achieved subcortically.