Abstract: A computer-implemented method and apparatus that adapts class parameters, classifies data and separates sources configured in one of multiple classes whose parameters (i.e. characteristics) are initially unknown. A mixture model is used in which the observed data is categorized into two or more mutually exclusive classes. The class parameters for each of the classes are adapted to a data set in an adaptation algorithm in which class parameters including mixing matrices and bias vectors are adapted. Each data vector is assigned to one of the learned mutually exclusive classes. The adaptation and classification algorithms can be utilized in a wide variety of applications such as speech processing, image processing, medical data processing, satellite data processing, antenna array reception, and information retrieval systems.