Pitch of unequal-amplitude dichotic two-tone harmonic complexes.

Abstract

Melodic interval identification experiments are reported for dichotic tone complexes of two successive random harmonics having different intensity ratios. Experimentally obtained confusion matrices are compared with theoretical matrices derived from Goldstein's optimal processor theory. Wightman's pattern transformation theory, and a newly formulated analytic pitch theory. Results confirm that at relatively low harmonic numbers, the optimal processor theory provides an excellent description of the empirical data, even for large inter-tone intensity differences, but that for complex tones of higher harmonic order analytic pitch perception plays a significant role. At harmonic numbers higher than about six, none of the examined theories or combinations of theories gives a complete account of empirical data, which underscores the fact that aural processing of complex tones is still not well understood.