simple vocal training aid

simple vocal training aid

The idea for this vocal training aid came from a colleague who also sings as a soloist in a choir. She asked if I could use my 3D printer to make her a kind of simple headphone so she could hear her own voice more realistically while practicing on the go (where she doesn't have equipment like a microphone and headset available), for example, while driving. (Note: please DO NOT use while driving – your attention should always be on the road, and any distractions, including the altered acoustic perception provided by such headphones, should be avoided for your own safety and the safety of others! ;) )

The underlying principle is that when speaking and singing, your voice is transmitted not only through the air but also through your bones. Therefore, your own voice sounds different to you than it sounds to others, something most people have probably noticed when listening to themselves on video. (At least for me, it happens every time.) The funnel shape of this device, to put it very simply, is designed to allow more air sound to reach the ear, thus reducing this effect – similar to pressing your hands flat against your head in front of your ears or folding your earlobes forward with your hands. (You can find many such "tricks" online. Feel free to try them out yourself.) However, your hands remain free, and you can do other things at the same time.

Since I'm not a singer myself, I can't definitively confirm the effect or effectiveness, but I can say that your voice does sound different when wearing it. My colleague, however, was thrilled to finally have a simple aid that she can use practically anytime, anywhere. And since she mentioned that other singers are always looking for such simple aids, I decided to upload it here in case anyone else wants to try/use it.

I'm absolutely open to (and grateful for) feedback and criticism (since this is my first model please be kind :) ), suggestions and advice. If there are any desired changes, I can try to implement them. Otherwise, the model is freely available and may be further developed, modified or improved by anyone. The only restriction: NO COMMERCIAL USE. (Yes, there are people who make a living from music — and more than enough others who benefit from those people. But apart from these, music — especially as a hobby — should simply bring joy and allow you to forget about money and other worries for a few minutes.)

Have fun printing and singing!