Howtosignalprocessing
- How does pitch relate to fundamental frequency?
- Is fundamental frequency perceived as pitch?
- What is the missing fundamental pitch?
- What happens if you listen to a sound with the fundamental frequency removed?
How does pitch relate to fundamental frequency?
The fundamental frequency is closely related to pitch, which is defined as our perception of fundamental frequency. That is, the F0 describes the actual physical phenomenon, whereas pitch describes how our ears and brains interpret the signal, in terms of periodicity.
Is fundamental frequency perceived as pitch?
We have learned that when we hear a periodic sound, the pitch we perceive is based on the fundamental frequency of the sound, rather than on any of the harmonics (also called "overtones" or "partials") which may also be present in the signal.
What is the missing fundamental pitch?
A low pitch (also known as the pitch of the missing fundamental or virtual pitch) can sometimes be heard when there is no apparent source or component of that frequency. This perception is due to the brain interpreting repetition patterns that are present.
What happens if you listen to a sound with the fundamental frequency removed?
There is a very interesting phenomenon that happens when the fundamental is removed, or even several of the lowest harmonics as well. The pitch does not change. The frequency that supposedly causes the pitch is absent, but the pitch does not change. The sound changes timbre because of the change in harmonics, though.
