Phonetograms of laryngeal source parameters for different vowels and laryngeal mechanisms

Abstract

This paper explores how the laryngeal source is adjusted by the singer when the sung vowel changes. As the source parameter adjustments may depend on intensity and pitch, comparisons are done through phonetograms computed for each vowel. Distinction is made in the phonetograms between the two main laryngeal mechanisms (M1 and M2). Male and female subjects were recorded producing crescendos and decrescendos from C3 to C5 on /a/, /i/ and /o/ in order to obtain a reduced phonetogram for each vowel and each laryngeal mechanism. Sound, electroglottographic signals and vertical larynx position (VLP) were recorded. Investigations were done on the open quotient and the VLP. The results show a smaller vocal dynamic on /i/ (and in a smaller extent on /o/) in each laryngeal mechanism, and differences on the intensity low limit of the highest part of the M1‐phonetogram. Clear tendencies about the larynx position were measured. They are similar for both laryngeal mechanisms, but differ among singers. The Oq seems to be lower on /i/ than on /a/ and /o/ for M1 productions.