Discrimination of Three Basic Male Voice Types by Voice Range Profile-Derived Parameters

Aims: To assess whether individual voice range profile parameters or combinations of these are able to yield a clear cluster separation of male voices. Methods: The voice range profiles of 256 male conservatory singing students and professional singers were recorded, parameterized into more compact descriptions('features'), and subjected to a cluster analysis. Results: Based on all parameters the frequency dip of the register transition zone was shown to yield the best cluster separation for three basic male voice types. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that parameter combinations of the voice range profile exist that generate a clear separation of voice clusters. This was also the case with female voices as shown in a former study. The clusters may be attributed to the three classic basic male voice types, and in this way our results can provide a fresh angle on the issue of male voice classification. Copyright (C) 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel