Simulated acoustical environments for the evaluation of vocal effort
Jennifer Whiting, Timothy Ward Leishman, Eric J. Hunter · The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America · 2013
Realistic simulations of acoustical environments allow researchers to quickly manipulate the auditory experiences of human subjects. For studies investigating human speakers’ perceptions of their own voices, a mixed-reality environment is most suitable. In this work, we have developed a system to create low-latency real-time convolutions of speakers’ voices with simulated room impulse responses at their ears. The latter are based in part on measured voice directivity patterns. The simulated rooms included classrooms, lecture halls, and auditoria. They were all simulated for human speakers within an anechoic chamber. We also added realistic noise to the simulations, including chatter and other ambient effects, and measured the subjects’ vocal efforts. The ultimate aim of the simulation and measurement system is to assess teachers’ vocal efforts in classrooms and other settings with easily controlled acoustical conditions. However, the setup may also be easily adapted to other studies for speech or music.