Opens in a new tab

AES E-Library

← Back to search

Convention Paper

Factors Influencing the Spectral Clarity of Vocals in Music Mixes

Authors: Hermes, Kirsten

AES Convention 146 · Paper 10174 · March 2019

Abstract

Vocal clarity is one of the most important quality parameters of music mixes. The clarity of isolated sounds depends heavily on spectral factors and can therefore be manipulated with EQ. Spectrum is also an important factor in determining vocal timbral and quality parameters. An experiment where listeners rate the spectral clarity of equalized vocals within a noise backing track can provide insight into spectral predictors of vocal clarity. Overall, higher frequencies contribute to vocal clarity more positively than lower ones, but the relationship is program-item-dependent. Changes in harmonic centroid (or dimensionless spectral centroid) correlate well with changes in clarity and so does the vocal-to-backing track ratio.

Details

Published in
AES Convention 146
AES Convention
146
Paper number
10174
Publication date
March 6, 2019
Session subject
Speech
Affiliation
University of Westminster, Middlesex, UK (See document for exact affiliation information.)
Type
Convention Paper