A new theory for multitone masking

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Abstract
To explain masked thresholds of a tonal probe centered between 2 tone maskers, Green (1965) introduced his famous energy-detection model. The model is in some respects inadequate and inconsistent with measurements of roughness, at least 1 psychological correlate of temporal fluctuations. It requires the assumption that tones interact over frequency distances considerably beyond a critical bandwidth. An alternative theory is proposed that allows reconciliation of Green''s measurements with the commonly accepted critical-band hypothesis. This model is based on the hypothesis that the [human] auditory system is capable of performing a spectral analysis of the time pattern of the waveform envelope. Important effects of probe type (noise, tone or complex) and phase between masker and probe seem easily explained by the model. The differences between 2- and 4-tone masking are successfully predicted. As a byproduct, this theory offers an explanation for the just noticeable amplitude modulation (AM) and FM of a sinusoidal carrier.

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