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Voice segregation by difference in fundamental frequency: evidence for harmonic cancellation
Mickael L D Deroche1, John F Culling
1Cochlear Implants and Psychophysics Lab, Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA. mderoche@hesp.umd.edu
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|November 18, 2011
Summary
Listeners can use fundamental frequency (F0) differences to separate voices, but this ability is hindered by masker F0 modulation and reverberation. Masker partial phase did not affect voice segregation.
Area of Science:
- Auditory perception
- Psychoacoustics
- Speech processing
Background:
- Auditory scene analysis relies on various acoustic cues for sound source segregation.
- Fundamental frequency (F0) differences are a key cue for segregating voices, especially in complex auditory environments.
- The impact of masker harmonicity, modulation, and reverberation on F0-based voice segregation requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of fundamental frequency (F0) modulation and reverberation in disrupting voice segregation.
- To determine if masker partial phase influences the ability to segregate voices based on F0 differences.
- To examine the interaction between F0 modulation, reverberation, and voice segregation.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments using harmonic complex tones with speech-like spectral profiles were conducted.
- Listeners' ability to segregate a target voice from a masker using a 2-semitone F0 difference was tested.
- Stimuli were manipulated with F0 modulation (5 Hz), reverberation, and varying masker partial phases (random vs. sine).
Main Results:
- Speech reception thresholds increased by approximately 2 dB with masker F0 modulation.
- A further 6 dB increase in thresholds was observed when the masker was both F0 modulated and reverberant.
- Masker partial phase (random vs. sine) did not significantly affect voice segregation performance.
Conclusions:
- F0-based voice segregation is robust but sensitive to disruptions in masker harmonicity caused by rapid F0 modulation.
- Reverberation exacerbates the negative impact of F0 modulation on voice segregation.
- The depth of masker envelope modulations does not independently influence F0-based segregation.
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