In science fiction movies and other fictional settings, sometimes
"voice modification devices" are worn to alter a character's voice,
like in terms of pitch. This doesn't seem too farfetched (as computer
software exists that serves that function), and I wonder if such
devices exist and are available to the public. Specifically, is it
possible to purchase some sort of wearable voice modification device?
And if so, from where?

Hello,

Such devices do exist and have been marketed in the past to single
women who live by themselves to "change" their voice to a man's voice
so they seem less defenseless. You can buy them from stores like Radio
Shack (they don't seem to carry voice changers anymore though) and
they're called "Voice Changers". They also make software for your PC
which accomplishes the same goal, I'll give you a link to buy a
physical voice changer, and a link for software. Enjoy having fun with
it!


Search Strategy:

"voice changer" on google:
://www.google.com/search?q=%22voice+changer%22


Additional Links:

Voice Changers (one on left is portable, one on right is phone
hookupable):
http://www.1stopselfdefensesecuritystore.com/voicechanger.htm

Voice Changer Software AV VCS (shareware 21-day trial):
http://www.softdepia.com/internet/chat/voice_changer_software_av_vcs.html


Thank you for the opportunity to answer your question, if you require
more information, please clarify the question, or if you find this
answer satisfactory, please feel free to rate it. Thank you!
   
skermit-ga

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Request for Answer Clarification by rogomo-ga on 30 Oct 2002 22:23 PST

Actually, I was wondering more about the existence of a device that's
a bit less conspicuous when being used in person, such as something
that fits around the neck or in the throat (the opening scene from the
Charlie's Angels movie comes to mind). The voice changers you've
linked to are really only viable to use when not actually in the
presence of other people. Is there some sort of voice changer
available that could be used in actual conversation with someone
without their noticing, or is that truely science fiction?

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Clarification of Answer by skermit-ga on 30 Oct 2002 22:27 PST

I am not aware of such a device which does not mean one doesn't exist.
Commercially, voice changers have not gotten much smaller than the
example that I gave. But you never know what's in a government gadjet
lab, or on the R&D desk of a lab waiting to hit the market in 5 years.

Thanks, this explains a lot!

The maim problems with making a small throat mounted unit for face to
face conversation is the voice would come from two locations almost a
foot apart, so the percentage of each that is heard would change with
small changes in position of both persons. Also a thoat microphone
sounds a bit unatural. If they were equally loud, detection of the
voice changing device would be likely. Small size and louder than your
voice is difficult in a tiny unit. Perhaps the user could learn to
whisper with the voice changer making the speach natural, but
different, but still intelegible. Because of difficulties learning to
use the unit without detection (even in emotional situations) I should
think the market is tiny, so production may be zero, even though they
could be mass produced to retail for $19.95   Neil

How does this subject relate to the medical devices used by people who
have had their vocal cords removed?  How large are these devices?  How
do they work?  Can one operate them silently?  If so, they might allow
one to talk over a cell phone without disturbing one's neighbors....