Subjective listening test (Matlab App)
Authors: Miguel Ferrer, Gema Piñero, Laura Fuster
Summary: Subjective listening tests of paired comparisons (Matlab App)
Abstract
This Matlab app designs, runs and analyze subjective listening tests based on 'The Method of Paired Comparisons' by H.A. David (Oxford Press, NY, 1988). This method was proposed for any kind of items to be compared, and this app applies it to a set of sounds. The tests are designed to select the preferred sound in a paired comparison, and also to evaluate some features of the sounds from a psychoacoustic point of view: loudness, annoyance, clarity, sharpness, etc.
Downloads
Sound Quality Tests Matlab app. Your Matlab version must include the “APPS” tab. Go to the “APPS” tab and click on the ‘Install app’ button. Then select the file ‘Subjective Tests.mlappinstall’ from your download folder and Matlab will install it under “MY APPS” line.
Testsound - User guide.pdf. Brief introduction to the windows provided in the app to design a new test, and run and analyze an existing test.
This software has been very useful for the research shown in the following papers. Please cite one or both at your convenience in case you use this software:
Example
You can download this file containing the recorded sounds of 4 toys for children. You can design a listening test with all of them, which allows for a maximum of 4*3=12 comparisons, or use only 3 songs with a maximum of 3*2=6 comparisons in case you want a shorter test. Our suggestion is to use these sounds in order to experience the different options of the app before running your own paired comparison test. Enjoy!
Important information
If you are thinking of contacting us, please do not e-mail the authors to ask for installation guidelines or the app itself. The package is self-contained and has been tested under many different versions of Matlab on Windows and Mac operating systems, although for Mac the letters and windows are poorly scaled. Note that we will NOT help to debug user-generated code that was not included in the provided software package. If, however, you notice a bug in our code, please be so kind to contact the author.
The software package is supplied "as is", without any accompanying support services, maintenance, or future updates. We make no warranties, explicit or implicit, that the software contained in this package is free of error or that it will meet your requirements for any particular application. It should not be relied on for any purpose where incorrect results could result in loss of property, personal injury, liability or whatsoever. If you do use our software for any such purpose, it is at your own risk. The authors disclaim all liability of any kind resulting from your use of these programs.