Reflections on sound timbre definitions

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Authors

  • Marianna SANKIEWICZ Gdańsk University of Technology, Multimedia Systems Department
  • Gustaw BUDZYŃSKI Gdańsk University of Technology, Multimedia Systems Department

Abstract

The article is concerned with systematic classification of concepts and terms in acoustics. Special attention is attached to definitions of timbre. The article presents a review of definitions of timbre published in the literature. Inadequacy of the currently used IEC definition is shown and a new definition of timbre is proposed. Discussed are advantages of the new definition and the prospects for common acceptance of this definition in acoustics.

Keywords:

sound timbre, systematics of sound notions, standards, objective and subjective definitions