Glossary → Audio engineering
Audio engineering
Sibilance
Sibilance is the high-frequency energy of 's', 'sh' and 'ch' sounds, concentrated around 5–8 kHz, which close condenser mics render piercing.
Controlled sibilance reads as clarity; excess reads as harsh. The de-esser exists specifically for this band, and mic choice changes how much you need it.
Related terms
De-esserA de-esser is a frequency-targeted compressor that tames sibilance — the piercing 's' and 'sh' energy concentr…
FrequencyFrequency is how many times per second a sound wave cycles, measured in hertz (Hz) — perceived as pitch, with …
Frequently asked
What is Sibilance?
Sibilance is the high-frequency energy of 's', 'sh' and 'ch' sounds, concentrated around 5–8 kHz, which close condenser mics render piercing.
Why does Sibilance matter?
Controlled sibilance reads as clarity; excess reads as harsh. The de-esser exists specifically for this band, and mic choice changes how much you need it.
What terms are related to Sibilance?
Closely related concepts: De-esser, Frequency — each has its own entry in this glossary.