The Function of Phase Difference in the Binaural Location of Pure Tones

Abstract

Synopsis.—This paper offers an explanation of the sound images observed when pure tones of the same frequency and intensity but of different phase are applied to the two ears. Use is made of theoretical curves calculated by Stewart and Fry giving the relation between the position of an actual source and the resulting phase difference $P$ of the sound at the two ears. On the assumption that the listener subconsciously perceives the phase difference and places the image in the position that experience has taught him to associate with that phase difference, most phenomena follow directly from the curves.