Installation: First, this software is for Windows (sorry Mac users). There is no need to install the Speech monitor just make sure that the fmodex.dll file is in the same folder as the SpeechMonitor.exe file. you can keep everything on the CD, or copy the files to your hard drive so that you do not need the CD every time you run the program (this is the recommended approach). You do need to use a microphone and headphones. If you try to use speakers you will create a feedback loop. If the software does not seem to be working check to make sure the volume setting on your microphone is too low or the volume for the headphones is too low.
Software Use: This software is intended to be used by Speech Language Pathologists and individuals with speech difficulties (specifically stuttering and Parkinson's disease). Some people have increased fluency and voice control under delayed auditory feedback (DAF) or frequency-shifted auditory feedback (FAF). It is best to experiment with different levels of DAF and FAF (upshifted and downshifted) to find the best setting for each individual.
Functionality: The software has built-in
functionality for recording so that the individual can compare their
speech under different settings. At this time there is no
functionality for playing the recordings back from within the
SpeechMonitor, this functionality will be integrated
soon. It is important to note that it does not record the DAF or FAF
effects, so in the recording you hear exactly what the individual
sounds like to other listeners.
You can begin recording at anytime, but once the recording is
started you can not start the DAF/FAF if it was not already going
when the recording began. Also, if the DAF/FAF is running you can
not change the delay setting while a recording is in progress. If
you are recording you need to stop the recording, change the delay
setting and
then begin a new recording. If you are not recording, you can change
the delay on the fly. You can change the FAF setting at any time,
regardless of whether you are recording.