Vocal clarity and warmth are essential qualities in any audio recording or live performance. However, achieving these qualities can be challenging when vocals sound harsh or piercing. Harshness in vocals often results from an imbalance in the frequency spectrum, with certain frequencies emphasized to the point of discomfort. In this article, we will explore the frequencies that tend to make vocals sound harsh and discuss how to address this issue for a smoother and more pleasing vocal sound.
The Culprit Frequencies for Vocal Harshness
- High-Midrange Frequencies (2 kHz – 5 kHz):
- The most common culprit for vocal harshness is an excess of energy in the high-midrange frequencies, typically in the 2 kHz to 5 kHz range.
- Overemphasis in this region can make vocals sound abrasive, strident, or piercing.
- Sibilance Frequencies (5 kHz – 8 kHz):
- Sibilance, characterized by harsh “s” and “sh” sounds, is often found in the 5 kHz to 8 kHz range.
- Excessive sibilance can be fatiguing to the ears and detract from vocal clarity.
Identifying and Addressing Harsh Frequencies
- Sweeping Technique:
- To identify harsh frequencies, use an EQ plugin with a narrow Q (bandwidth) and boost it significantly.
- Sweep the boosted frequency across the spectrum while listening carefully. You’ll notice specific frequencies that sound harsh or overly pronounced.
- Once identified, reduce (cut) the harsh frequencies rather than boosting them further.
- De-Esser:
- A de-esser is a specialized tool designed to control sibilance. It dynamically reduces the level of frequencies in the sibilance range.
- Place a de-esser in your vocal signal chain and adjust its settings to target the specific sibilance frequencies. This helps prevent harsh “s” and “sh” sounds.
- Multiband Compression:
- Multiband compression allows you to compress specific frequency ranges independently.
- Apply multiband compression to the vocal track and focus on taming the high-midrange frequencies where harshness often resides.
- Broad EQ Reduction:
- If you notice general harshness throughout the vocal track, consider making broad EQ reductions in the 2 kHz – 5 kHz range.
- Be cautious not to overdo it, as removing too much in this region can make the vocals sound dull.
- Re-Evaluate the Mix:
- Sometimes, vocal harshness may be a result of the overall mix being too cluttered or unbalanced.
- Reassess the mix and make sure that other instruments and elements are not occupying the same frequency space as the vocals.
Preventing Harsh Vocals During Recording
- Microphone Selection: Choose a microphone with a smooth frequency response and consider using a pop filter to reduce plosives and sibilance during recording.
- Microphone Placement: Experiment with microphone placement to find the sweet spot that minimizes harsh frequencies and captures the desired tonal qualities of the vocalist.
- Proper Gain Staging: Avoid excessive gain during recording, as it can lead to distortion and accentuate harshness. Maintain appropriate gain levels to capture a clean signal.
Conclusion
Harshness in vocals can be a common challenge in audio production, but it is manageable with the right techniques and tools. High-midrange frequencies, especially in the 2 kHz – 5 kHz range, and sibilance frequencies in the 5 kHz – 8 kHz range are frequent culprits. Identifying and addressing these frequencies through EQ, de-essing, and other techniques can lead to smoother, more pleasing vocal recordings. Additionally, taking preventative measures during recording, such as microphone selection and placement, can help mitigate harshness from the start, allowing for a more enjoyable and polished vocal performance.
