Real-time display of voice source characteristics

Previous research investigating electrolaryngographically derived voice source characteristics suggest that the vocal fold closed quotient (CQ) and fundamental frequency (F0) are useful parameters for assessing and developing voice production skills. This paper describes the design of a real-time visual feedback display system of CQ and F0 based on the electrolaryngograph output waveform, comprising a PC compatible computer with an Ariel PC-56D DSP co-processor board, which incorporates a Motorola 56001 DSP integrated circuit. Details of a pilot study are given, in which the system was used during a number of singing training sessions. Early indications show that this system provides useful visual feedback of progress to both the pupil and the instructor during voice training.