A computer-controlled system for the subjective evaluation of speech samples

A system is described which uses a Honeywell DDP-516 computer to prepare and execute subjective evaluation tests of prerecorded speech material. The system utilizes two ordinary tape reproducers for the storage and fetching of speech samples. Both tape drives are under computer control. On-line access to any desired speech sample in the repertoire makes possible the use of sequential testing strategies. The capabilities and design limitations of the system are discussed. Two subjective investigations on the effects of the source function on speech quality have been carried out using this facility. These are described briefly.