Opens in a new tab

AES E-Library

← Back to search

Convention Paper

Preference for Harmonic Intervals Based on Overtone Content of Complex Tones

Authors: Fox, Benjamin; Bulla, Wesley

AES Convention 147 · Paper 10316 · October 2019

Abstract

This study investigated whether or not overtone structure generated preferential differences for harmonic intervals. The purpose of this study was to determine if the structure of a complex tone affects the perception of consonance in harmonic intervals. Prior studies suggest harmonicity as the basis for so-called “consonance” while others suggest exact ratios are not necessary. This test examined listener responses across three tonal “types” through a randomized double-blind trinomial forced-choice format. Stimuli types used full, odd, and even overtone series at three relative-magnitude loudness levels. Results revealed no effect of loudness and a generalized but highly variable trend for the even overtone series. However, some subjects exhibited a very strong preference for certain overtone combinations, while others demonstrated no preference.

Details

Published in
AES Convention 147
AES Convention
147
Paper number
10316
Publication date
October 6, 2019
Session subject
Posters: Perception
Affiliation
Belmont University, Nashville, TN, USA (See document for exact affiliation information.)
Type
Convention Paper