Sparse Autoencoder Insights on Voice Embeddings

Abstract: Recent advances in explainable machine learning have highlighted the potential of sparse autoencoders in uncovering mono-semantic features in densely encoded embeddings. While most research has focused on LLM embeddings, the applicability of this technique to other domains remains largely unexplored. This study applies sparse autoencoders to speaker embeddings generated from a Titanet model, demonstrating the effectiveness of this technique in extracting mono-semantic features from non-textual embedded data. The results show that the extracted features exhibit characteristics similar to those found in LLM embeddings, including feature splitting and steering. The analysis reveals that the autoencoder can identify and manipulate features such as language and music, which are not evident in the original embedding. The findings suggest that sparse autoencoders can be a valuable tool for understanding and interpreting embedded data in many domains, including audio-based speaker recognition.