Sibilance — the sharp, harsh “sss” or “shh” sounds you hear on vocals — is one of the most common (and annoying) vinyl playback issues. Luckily, it’s usually easy to fix. Here’s a quick guide to eliminating sibilance and enjoying smooth, distortion-free highs.
1. Check Your Cartridge Alignment
Misalignment is the top cause of sibilance.
If the cartridge isn’t angled correctly, the stylus can’t track the groove cleanly.
Fix:
- Use a proper alignment protractor
- Make sure the stylus hits both null points accurately
- Keep the cartridge square in the headshell
2. Set the Correct Tracking Force
Too little = mistracking
Too much = distortion
Fix:
- Set tracking force to the manufacturer’s recommended number
- Use a digital scale for accuracy
3. Adjust Anti-Skate
Incorrect anti-skate causes sibilance that leans to one side.
Fix:
- Match anti-skate to your tracking force
- Adjust until distortion is balanced or gone
4. Clean or Replace the Stylus
A dirty or worn stylus can’t trace high frequencies properly.
Fix:
- Clean with a stylus brush or gel pad
- Replace if worn (elliptical 300–500 hrs, microline 1,000+ hrs)
5. Check for Inner Groove Distortion (IGD)
Sibilance often gets worse near the end of a record.
Fix:
- Ensure perfect alignment
- Upgrade to a microline stylus for best tracking
6. Inspect the Record Itself
Bad pressings or worn grooves can also cause sibilance.
Fix:
- Compare with a digital version
- Try a different copy if yours is damaged
Final Takeaway
Most sibilance issues come down to alignment, tracking force, and stylus condition.
Dial these in correctly and you’ll enjoy cleaner, smoother vocals across your entire record collection.