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Acoustic parameters critical for an appropriate vibrato
Supraja Anand1, Judith M Wingate, Brenda Smith
1Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA. supraja.anand@ufl.edu
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of the Voice Foundation
|November 27, 2012
Summary
Vibrato appropriateness in singing is influenced by fundamental frequency (f0), modulation frequency (ff0m), and modulation depth (df0m). Optimal vibrato perception occurs at a modulation frequency of 6 Hz, with appropriateness decreasing as modulation depth increases.
Area of Science:
- Vocal acoustics and psychoacoustics
- Singing voice analysis
- Auditory perception of vocal parameters
Background:
- Extensive research exists on vibrato acoustic characteristics like rate, extent, onset, and periodicity.
- However, the specific contribution of various vibrato parameters to its perceived appropriateness remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the psychoacoustical relationship between vibrato parameters and their perceived appropriateness.
- Specifically examining mean fundamental frequency (f0), modulation frequency (ff0m), modulation depth (df0m), and intensity.
Main Methods:
- Vocal samples from eight singers across three pitches were synthesized with manipulated f(f0m) and d(f0m) using the STRAIGHT vocoder, creating 600 stimuli.
- Nine listeners (experts and students) rated the appropriateness of vibrato at 70 and 90 dB SPL.
Main Results:
- Vibrato appropriateness increased with mean fundamental frequency (f0) and decreased with increasing modulation depth (d(f0m)).
- The optimal modulation frequency (f(f0m)) for vibrato appropriateness was found to be 6 Hz, with deviations above or below this value reducing appropriateness.
Conclusions:
- The perceived appropriateness of vocal vibrato is a complex interplay of mean fundamental frequency (f0), modulation frequency (f(f0m)), and modulation depth (d(f0m)).
- These acoustic parameters interact to define the listener's perception of desirable vibrato characteristics.
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