An auditory spectral analysis model using the chirp z-transform

In this paper we discuss a new signal-processing approach to implementing an auditory processing model. The model is based on auditory physiology and psychophysics; it uses constant-bandwidth analysis below 500 Hz and constant-Q analysis above 500 Hz, with the analysis filters being implemented with multiple real poles. The constant-Q analysis is performed using the chirp z-transform (CZT). We review the evidence for the auditory model and the properties of constant-Q analysis, and derive the CZT formulation for both causal and linear-phase analysis filters. The paper concludes with an example of speech illustrating the use of the auditory model.