WhisPER. A MATLAB-based software package for performing listening tests.

The WhisPER project

WhisPER is a software package for performing experiments in the field of perceptual audio evaluation and psychoacoustic measurement, controlling the interaction with both the subject and the playback environment. It was developed by André Wlodarski and Simon Ciba within both their graduate theses at the audio communication chair in 2008. The idea was to provide a software library which would

• cover important test methods including popular quantitative and qualitative approaches,
• be structured modularly, be running on a widespread algorithmic language like MATLAB and be easy to extend,
• comprise a GUI system easily accessible to experimenters without advanced programming skills, and
• be able to control complex sound reproduction environments utilizing the OpenSound Control (OSC) protocol.

The emerged version is intended to be further developed by the audio communication group and its students. Future work might include evaluation as well as upgrades by new test paradigms. Any questions about WhisPER can be directed to Alexander Lindau or Frank Schultz.

Current features

Implemented test methods

So far three test methods have been implemented. These are:

• Adaptive psychophysical methods for threshold seeking: Staircase, PEST and an approach based on Maximum-Likelihood and Bayesian parameter estimation; the methods utilize the n-alternative-forced-choice (nAFC) paradigm for n=2,3 or 4;
• Repertory Grid Technique;
• Semantic Differential.

Playback control

There are two possible ways for the stimuli's playback:

• playing 2-channel .wav files using the audio interface of the local machine;
• controlling playback environments by sending up to 6 OSC commands per stimulus.

System requirements:

• 32-bit version of Windows XP or Vista; to run the program on another system like Mac OS X or Linux, modifications of the MATLAB code will be necessary;
• MATLAB version 7 or higher;
• Display resolution of at least 1280x800 pixels.

Download

The current version of WhisPER is freely available as scripts in protected M-file (P-file) format and may be downloaded from here (ZIP, 1,7 MB). The zip-file also contains a user manual (in the subfolder 'doc') which should be consulted before using the program.

Note that the usage of WhisPER is under the complete and sole responsibility of the user. Neither the authors of WhisPER nor the audio communication group do assume any liability for the program's proper performance or take responsibilty for any harm or damage resulting from its application. Note further that evaluation and testing of WhisPER has not yet been entirely completed. If you notice any bugs please report them to us so that we will be able to fix them.

References

Ciba S, Wlodarski A, Maempel H-J (2009) WhisPER - A new tool for performing listening tests. 126th AES Convention, Munich, Paper 7749 [download (PDF, 660,0 KB); Note: this material may not be reposted without the explicit permission of the copyright holder!]