Terminology — objective vs. subjective terms

• Objective terms are physical, and describe the ‘outer’ world.

  • Intensity or amplitude (dB SPL)
  • Fundamental frequency (Hz)
  • Spectral shape (dB SPL)

• Subjective terms are psychological, and describe the ‘inner’ world.

  • Loudness
  • Melodic pitch
  • Timbre

• Psycho-acoustics is about the mapping between these two domains.

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