Profile Analysis: A framework for the study of auditory sound spectrum analysis

Profile Analysis (PA) is a research approach developed by David M. Green and his associates, aimed at measuring listeners’ ability to discern changes in the spectral envelope shape of complex tones. PA introduces an innovative method by separating across-frequency spectral envelope shape comparisons within a complex tone and across-time level comparisons within specific frequency channels. This paper revisits the outcomes of several PA studies and examines the correlations between PA and the results obtained from experiments involving harmonic signals and listening tests designed to enhance timbre evaluation skills among sound engineering students at the Chopin University of Music in Warsaw.