Multi-Dimensional Scaling

  • paired tones are numerically judged according to similarity

    Tone A ---- Tone B ---- 3.5
    Tone A ---- Tone C ---- 2.2
    Tone B ---- Tone C ---- 4.4
  • construct MDS solution

  • interpret dimensions: brightness, percussiveness


    • Problems with Multi-Dimensional Scaling

    • proliferation of dimensions with sample size

    • What if timbre is like smell?

      OR

    • What if timbre has (say) 23 dimensions?