The invention relates to a system (100) for analysing an audio signal (110). In order to obtain an analytical representation (150) of the audio signal (110), the inventive system comprises a device (120) for converting the audio signal (110) into a representation that reproduces a neurotransmitter vesicle appearance (122, 124, 126) in gaps between a plurality of nerve fibres and inner hearing cells of an ear model, and a device (130, 132, 134) for calculating a nerve activity pattern over time on the plurality of nerve fibres, generated as a result of the neurotransmitter vesicle appearance (122, 124, 126), the nerve activity pattern forming the analytical representation (150) of the audio signal. The inventive system (100) thus produces an especially appropriate analytical representation (150) of an audio signal, in which masking effects occurring during the generation of action potentials on nerve fibres are taken into account. The inventive analytical representation (150) is suitable both for examining the audio content and for controlling cochlea implants.
System, method and computer program for analysing an audio signal