A central spectrum theory of binaural processing. The binaural edge pitch revisited

Recently, Klein and Hartmann [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 70, 51-61 (1981)] investigated a new dichotic pitch, called the binaural edge pitch (BEP). They used computer-generated periodic noise signals to generate BEP. In the study presented here, the BEP is investigated in order to evaluate the predictions of the central spectrum theory with regard to this stimulus. Pitch-matching experiments using a nonperiodic BEP stimulus, produced by means of a modulation technique, led to the conclusion that the strongest pitch sensation in the BEP has the character of a weak fluctuating pure tones in noise, which corresponds to a frequency, equal or almost equal to the frequency of the phase transition. This result fits in with the predictions of the central spectrum theory, which, for instance, does not need the assumption of central lateral inhibition for explaining this pitch. Furthermore, it is shown that this theory can also predict the results obtained in lateralization measurements and BMLD measurements using BEP stimuli as well as related stimuli. The results are compared with the data obtained by Klein and Hartmann.