Simple Explanation

A high-pitched, hissing sound produced by certain speech sounds, especially when pronouncing "S" or "Z."

Concise Technical Definition

Sibilance refers to the high-frequency, hissing sound produced when pronouncing sibilant consonants such as "S," "Z," "SH," and "ZH." These sounds are characterized by sharp, unpleasant peaks in the frequency spectrum, often leading to undesirable audio artifacts in recordings or live sound, particularly in professional sound reinforcement. Sibilance is typically considered undesirable in audio, as it can be harsh and distracting to the listener, especially if too prominent in a recording or performance.

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Think of it like the harsh, hissing sound you hear when someone says the word "sizzle" or "shh." That sharp, breathy "s" or "z" sound is what we mean by sibilance. In music or speech, too much of this sound can be unpleasant, like nails on a chalkboard.

Industry Usage Summary

In audio production, sibilance is often something that sound engineers work to control, especially in professional sound reinforcement, recording, and mixing. Excessive sibilance can cause distortion or listener fatigue, so it's typically reduced using de-essers or other equalization techniques to soften these harsh peaks. In vocal recording, it’s important to strike a balance—while some level of sibilance is natural, too much can make the recording sound sharp or "brittle." This is particularly important in both music and speech applications, where clear, comfortable listening is key.

Engineering Shortcut

A sharp, high-frequency sound created by certain consonants like "S" and "Z," often problematic in audio recording and sound reinforcement.

Full Technical Explanation

Sibilance refers to the sharp, hissing sounds produced by certain consonants such as "S," "Z," "SH," and "ZH." These sounds occur when air is forced through a narrow space between the tongue and the roof of the mouth, creating a high-frequency sound wave. While these sounds are a natural part of speech, excessive sibilance can lead to audio distortion, creating peaks in the frequency spectrum that can be harsh or unpleasant to the ear. In audio production, sibilance is controlled to avoid these undesirable peaks, especially in vocal recordings, where it is often reduced using a de-esser or EQ filter. In professional sound reinforcement, too much sibilance can distract the listener and reduce overall clarity, which is why it's important to manage it for the most balanced sound possible.