Low-frequency sound design of a car engine using distortion products

When considering the acoustic design of automobiles, low-frequency sounds can increase the excitement levels for users. However, there are several problems that accompany an increase in the low-frequency levels of an engine sound. For example, it is difficult to create a balance between silence and excitement when a sound’s different order components are changed. It is also difficult to generate heavy bass engine sounds in practical scenarios. Thus, the application of distortion products in the auditory system of the cochlea is considered. Distortion products are perceived when two or more sounds with slightly different frequencies are played simultaneously. This study was conducted to examine the possibility of achieving powerful engine sounds using distortion products. At first, the relationship between different combinations of complex sounds and the pitch perception of distortion products was investigated. The results suggested the possibility of synthesizing a low-frequency component using distortion products inside a cochlea.