Spectral correlates of glottal voice source waveform characteristics

Area of Science:

• Acoustics
• Physiology
• Speech Science

Background:

• Vowel phonation involves complex airflow dynamics.
• Understanding the glottal airflow waveform and spectrum is crucial for voice production analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the relationship between the waveform (flow glottogram) and spectrum of transglottal airflow during vowel phonation.
• To compare these relationships in singers and nonsingers.

Main Methods:

• Inverse filtering was used to analyze the flow glottogram waveform.
• Spectrum analysis was performed directly on the flow glottogram or indirectly via spectral changes during phonation.
• Phonatory changes were studied under constant vowel articulation.

Main Results:

• The peak-to-peak amplitude of flow glottogram pulses strongly correlated with the source spectrum fundamental amplitude.
• Flow glottogram amplitude varied significantly during phonation, likely due to glottal ab/adduction.
• The negative peak amplitude of the differentiated flow glottogram correlated highly with vowel sound pressure level.

Conclusions:

• Flow glottogram characteristics are closely linked to spectral properties and sound pressure level during vowel phonation.
• These findings offer insights into voice production mechanisms in both singers and nonsingers.