Community Conversation => Transitioning => Voice Therapy and Surgery => Topic started by: Plain Jane on May 17, 2012, 09:40:07 AM Return to Full Version
Title: Playing around with a computer
Post by: Plain Jane on May 17, 2012, 09:40:07 AM
Post by: Plain Jane on May 17, 2012, 09:40:07 AM
Today I decided to do a little experiment to see what a computer can do in terms of a female sounding voice. So I recorded myself as a normally speak. Not really feminine enough to convince, unfortunately. When I was in my early 20's I could keep up with female background vocals. But that was 20 years ago and these days I just don't have the same range as I used to, which hasn't helped my approximation of a female voice.
Anyway, I ran the recording through Adobe Audition (=computer sound processing program). After several "Donald Duck" variations I came up with something more or less realistic. Or at least, as best as I can get it without Donald Duck poking his head around the corner. The result is probably at best androgynous.
In the version I like best I raised the fundamental pitch by only 3 semitones (a minor third in musical terms). Any more than that and ol' Donald makes his appearance. I raised the "formants" by an octave. The difference with the formants to me is subtle, but I think important.
Now if only I could do that in real life.
Anyway, I ran the recording through Adobe Audition (=computer sound processing program). After several "Donald Duck" variations I came up with something more or less realistic. Or at least, as best as I can get it without Donald Duck poking his head around the corner. The result is probably at best androgynous.
In the version I like best I raised the fundamental pitch by only 3 semitones (a minor third in musical terms). Any more than that and ol' Donald makes his appearance. I raised the "formants" by an octave. The difference with the formants to me is subtle, but I think important.
Now if only I could do that in real life.
Title: Re: Playing around with a computer
Post by: NotThereYet on May 28, 2012, 02:36:42 PM
Post by: NotThereYet on May 28, 2012, 02:36:42 PM
Do you pass as female on the phone?
Title: Re: Playing around with a computer
Post by: Plain Jane on May 29, 2012, 10:44:51 AM
Post by: Plain Jane on May 29, 2012, 10:44:51 AM
Usually not, unfortunately. From a singing perspective, my voice is in the baritone range, perhaps bordering on bass.