Voice conversion through vector quantization

Abstract

A new voice conversion technique through vector quantization and spectrum mapping is proposed. This technique is based on mapping codebooks which represent the correspondence between different speakers’ codebooks. The mapping codebooks for spectrum parameters, power values, and pitch frequencies are separately generated using training utterances. This technique makes it possible to precisely control voice individuality. The performance of this technique is confirmed by spectrum distortion and pitch frequency difference. To evaluate the overall performance of this technique, listening tests are carried out on two kinds of voice conversions: one between male and female speakers, the other between male speakers. In the male-to-female conversion experiment, all converted utterances are judged as female, and in the male-to-male conversion, 57 % of them are identified as the target speaker. © 1990, Acoustical Society of Japan. All rights reserved.