Voice Analysis Stuff - 11.7.13

• To run the program you need to download Max Runtime at http://cycling74.com/downloads/runtime/ (it's safe, please download the version that is compatible with your Mac/PC (PCs, 32-bit is good))

• Macs
• Please download this external object that the program needs to run: 
• http://cnmat.berkeley.edu/files/maxdl/OSX-MachO/analyzer~_1.4.1.tar.gz (Macs)
• Mac users: in the finder, go to Macintosh HD > Applications > Max 6.1 Runtime > Cycling '74
• Place the Analyzer~ folder in the Cycling '74 folder
• PCs
• http://web.media.mit.edu/~tristan/MaxMSP/WinAnalyzer~.zip (PCs)
• PC Users: Go to Start > My Computer > OS(C) > Program Files > Max Runtime 6.1 > Cycling '74
• Place the WinAnalyzer~ Folder in the Cycling '74 Folder
• PC users must execute this second step: download ftp://ftp.fftw.org/pub/fftw/fftw-3.0.1-w32-pl1.zip
• Unzip the folder and locate the fftw3.dll file
• Keep this window open and go to Start > OS(C) > Program Files > Cycling74 > Max Runtime 6.1 > Support, then copy the fftw3.dll file into the Support folder

• To download the program, please go to https://www.dropbox.com/s/q6fm2dy6aiepobl/VoiceAnalysisFINAL.mxf and download the attachment VoiceAnalysisFINAL.mxf (it's safe, I promise!)

• This program only uses .wav files, so if your files are a different format (.mp3, .m4a, etc), please go to http://media.io/ and use their free online audio converter. Convert it to a .wav file
• This does not convert .flac or .mov files - if you have these types of files, please email them to me to convert them for you!

• You are ready!

This exercise will require both quantitative and qualitative analysis

• The numbers from the Voice Analysis program are there to give you a general idea of what is happening in your recordings
• The average human voice will be somewhere around 60-63 in the analyzer. Bear in mind that even a difference of a point is significant here (it's not like one voice will be 40 and another 70, even when varying between male and female).

• However, once you notice your vocal trends, you will need to do some deep listening to qualitatively interpret how it sounds, and apply those qualitative attributes to a critical explanation of how your two conversations contrast and differ.

• In Summary: you can use the numbers, but you must also use your ears and senses to make sense of what is happening!

In-Class Write Up

• 500 Words

• Explain the contexts of both conversations - what is the contextual source of contrast here?

• What is the average pitch and loudness of your voice in each conversation? How do they differ from one conversation to the next?

• What is the average pitch and loudness of the other person's voice in each conversation? Again, compare both dialogue partners

• Take a moment to just listen to the conversations. What are the subjective qualities that you notice (without taking into account the numbers)?

• Did you tend to mimic the pitch and loudness (tone) of the other person's voice? Or did your voice take on an opposing role (either dominant or submissive) in relation to the other person?

• Please write a few sentences to critically analyze your conversations, combining both qualitative and quantitative data, and applying the data to the theory of what we have studied about how voice works as a tool in performance within a space/context, communication with another and in relation to an audience.