Psychoacoustic models govern which audio information can be discarded unnoticed

Evidence

Lossy audio coding systems: These systems make use of similar techniques to that of lossless coding but, in addition, reduce the data further by quantizing the signal to minimize the number of bits per sample. In order to achieve this with the minimum of perceived distortion, some form of psychoacoustic model is applied to control the amount of quantization that a particular part of the signal suffers. Because this type of coding removes, or loses, information from the audio signal, it is known as a “lossy coding system.” Unlike the lossless systems, these coders do not preserve the input signal; the output signal is not identical to the original input. The output signal is thus distorted but hopefully in a way that does not disturb and is inaudible to the listener. — David M. Howard, Jamie Angus, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 2581 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Without pitch, loudness, and timbre summaries, raw partial data would overwhelm consciousness; Computational auditory models serve knowledge, audio-quality measurement, and diagnostics — Ville Pulkki, Matti Karjalainen, Communication Acoustics- An…, 821; Quadraphonic audio failed partly from lacking a psychoacoustic foundation. (+11 more)

Broader Connections

• Lossy coding exploits psychoacoustic models to make removed information inaudible #corroborates (0.95) — David M. Howard, Jamie Angus, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 2581
• Psychoacoustic quantization is the only stage in audio coding that removes signal information #qualifies (0.80)
• Psychoacoustic noise shaping boosts perceived CD signal-to-noise beyond actual bit depth #expands (0.80)
• Masking noise prevents listeners from using unintended spectral cues #expands (0.75)