Sona-Match, Model 5127

Introduction

Sona-Match, Model 5127, is a real-time program for providing biofeedback of speech spectrum, vowel space, and formant values.

Sona-Match provides a variety of feedback modes. In one mode, it presents a dual-screen, real-time feedback of vowel formant frequencies. In another mode, the spectrum of sibilants is provided using an FFT-derived frequency-by-amplitude response.

Client production can be viewed in real time and superimposed on target patterns for sustained sounds (e.g., /I/ vs. /i/ or /s/ vs. /S/). The program includes a vowel chart mode that plots, in real time, the first formant against the second formant to graphically show client utilization of vowel space and neutralization. (This is especially useful for language training, the hearing-impaired, and dysarthria.) Target IPA symbols can be left on screen for measurement and biofeedback guidance. The program provides graphic and audio feedback of both the target and client’s utterances. Target patterns, available for women, children, and men, are user-alterable.

Sona-Match has many different biofeedback modes. In the example
 above, a single screen is used to present the LPC-derived formant
spectrum (frequency on x-axis and amplitude on y-axis). A target /i/
sound template was stored as a red line. In this example, the client’s
attempt was off target. The program shows the closest vowel and the
spectrum in real time.

Vowel Chart Mode

In vowel chart mode, the first two formants are plotted in real time (F2 on x-axis and F1 on y-axis). This display of vowel “space” provides an intuitive feedback mode because it directly relates to tongue/jaw position. Users can move and add different vowel symbols to customize the application for each client. For example, the formant movements typical of a word (e.g., “read”) can be placed on the screen for the client to match.

In vowel chart mode, the client’s attempt (aqua dots)
 is mapped on a formant chart with target cardinal
vowel positions. In the attempt shown above, the client
 successfully matched the /i/ position.

Sibilant Mode

In sibilant mode, a real-time FFT-based frequency analysis designed for sibilants is provided. A click of a button adds the appropriate target for the client to match.

In sibilant mode, a target spectrum can be stored (note red outline above)
while the client attempts (shown in yellow) to match the template. The
target for the above /s/ sound was not met because of the client’s
lateral lisp.

Spectrum Mode

In the spectrum mode for vowels, an LPC-derived frequency spectrum is plotted in real time with formant values identified. A target can be placed on the screen while user attempts vowels in isolation, or in words, to match the target.

Easy to Use

Sona-Match is easy to use with complete online Help and easy set up. All of the client’s speech attempts are stored for playback so that the client can see and hear critical differences.

Singing Feedback Mode

In the singing feedback mode, an average spectrum of the sung voice is plotted along with a target spectrum (selected by teacher). The user can also bracket a selected portion of the frequency spectrum (e.g., singer's formant) and the ratio of energy in this user-selected portion is calculated in real time. This can be used as feedback to develop targeted sung spectrum characteristics such as development of the singer’s formant.

In the singer’s feedback mode, the average spectrum of the singer’s
 voice is plotted against a target spectrum while the ratio of energy
in the singer's formant is presented. Note the setup dialog
 box for singing.

Features

• Sona-Match is a versatile biofeedback tool
• Many different feedback modes including vowel spectrum, vowel chart, sibilant spectrum, and singing spectrum
• Targets can be easily customized by the user
• Built-in reporting template

Customizable

Sona-Match is delivered with target vowels and display selections. However, all settings can be altered by user and stored as user setups. Vowel tables can be configured for each client.

The user can customize the location and
number of target vowel symbols.

Summary

Sona-Match is a valuable speech biofeedback program for CSL and Multi-Speech that offers a variety of biofeedback modes suitable for articulation training, ESL, singing, language training, the hearing- impaired, and motor speech disorders.

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• Sona-Match, Model 5127

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• Video Phonetics Program and Database, Model 5150

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