Fundamental Frequency-Sound Pressure Level Profiles of Adult Male and Female Voices

Fundamental frequency-sound pressure level (fo-SPL) profiles were determined for 12 female and 10 male subjects. Profiles were obtained by having each subject produce the maximum and minimum sound pressure level of which he was capable, at 10% intervals of his fo range. Comparison of male and female profiles showed similar values for frequency range in semitones, maximum and minimum SPL output, and total SPL range. A minimum SPL of 50 dB was necessary to produce a steady-state frequency for all subjects, and the maximum level ofr an acceptable fo was 126 dB SPL. The fo-SPL profiles obtained with the amateur subjects used in this study had a somewhat wider dynamic range than those obtained in earlier studies which utilized trained singers producing musically acceptable tones.