Sibilance refers to the high-pitched, hissing sounds that often occur when recording vocals. It is caused by an excessive emphasis on the 's', 'sh', and 'ch' sounds, which can be distracting and unpleasant to the listener. In this blog post, we will explore what sibilance is and how it can be controlled in audio recordings. We will also examine how sibilance correlates with the Fletcher Munson Curve, the human ear’s natural frequency response.
What is Sibilance?
Sibilance is a common problem in audio recordings that can be caused by a variety of factors. It usually occurs when recording vocals, as the human voice naturally emphasizes certain consonant sounds that create a high-pitched hiss. This sound can be particularly noticeable when using certain microphones, preamps, or compressors, which can amplify or exacerbate sibilant sounds.
Controlling Sibilance in Audio Recordings
Fortunately, there are several ways to control sibilance in audio recordings. One of the most effective methods is to use a de-esser plugin, which is designed to reduce the level of sibilant sounds. De-essers work by detecting the frequency range where sibilance occurs and reducing the volume of that frequency range. Another way to control sibilance is to use a pop filter or windscreen when recording vocals. These accessories can help to reduce the intensity of sibilant sounds before they are recorded. SOAP can also help tame excessive sibilance and plosives.
The Correlation Between Sibilance and the Fletcher Munson Curve
The Fletcher Munson Curve is a graphical representation of how the human ear perceives sound at different frequencies and volumes. It shows that the ear is more sensitive to mid-range frequencies and less sensitive to high and low frequencies at lower volumes. As the volume increases, the ear becomes more sensitive to high and low frequencies. This is important to consider when recording audio, as sibilant sounds tend to occur at higher frequencies. By understanding the Fletcher Munson Curve, audio engineers can adjust the frequency balance of a recording to minimize sibilance and improve overall sound quality. Side note, this is why a baby’s cry in a restaurant can feel so loud. A babies cry and the sounds the correlate with intelligibility of speech occur in the frequency range that our ears are most sensitive to!
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Sibilance can be a distracting and unpleasant problem in audio recordings, but it can be effectively controlled using de-essers, pop filters, and wind screens. By understanding the Fletcher Munson Curve, audio engineers can adjust the frequency balance of a recording to minimize sibilance and improve overall sound quality. With careful attention to these factors, it is possible to produce recordings that are clear, balanced, and free of distracting sibilance.
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