Low-pass noise can mask harmonics to create the same virtual-pitch stimulus as filtering.

Evidence

Instead of removing some of the spectral components of a harmonic complex tone by high-pass filtering, spectral components can be rendered inaudible by presenting a low-pass noise of sufficient level and steep spectral slope. In this case, the lower frequency components of the complex tone are completely masked, and the frequency of the lowest component of the incomplete complex tone starts near the cut-off frequency of the low-pass filter. — Professor Dr.-Ing. Hugo Fastl, Professor Dr.-Ing. Eberhard, Psychoacoustics- Facts and Models, 715

Categorization

• DEFINE: Explains the experimental technique of creating incomplete complex tones via masking rather than filtering, linking masking to pitch perception.