Audio Sibilance Map

Audio Sibilance Map | Online Free Tool | Elysia Tools

Tool usage guide

Learn when to use this tool, what it supports, and how real users apply it.

Key facts

Category: Media
Input types: file, range, number, select
Output type: json
Sample coverage: 4
API ready: Yes

Overview

The Audio Sibilance Map analyzes your audio files to pinpoint harsh high-frequency speech sounds like S, T, and SH. By detecting zero-crossing density, peak levels, and high-frequency energy, it generates precise timecoded regions and de-esser guidance so you can target only the problematic moments without dulling the entire vocal track.

When to use

When preparing a podcast or voiceover track for editing and you want to locate harsh sibilant sounds without listening to hours of raw audio.
When configuring a dynamic EQ or de-esser plugin and you need precise frequency bands and timecodes to target.
When cleaning up dialogue recordings with inconsistent microphone placement that caused sudden, piercing S and SH sounds.

How it works

1Upload your audio file to the tool.
2Adjust the sensitivity threshold, minimum region duration, and select the target focus band (such as Speech, Bright, or Lower).
3The tool analyzes short windows of the audio for high-frequency speech energy, zero-crossing density, and peak levels.
4It outputs a JSON map containing timecoded regions, identified sibilant characters (S, T, or SH), and recommended de-esser settings.

Use cases

Automating vocal cleanup workflows by feeding the generated JSON timecodes into DAW automation scripts.
Fine-tuning de-esser plugins by identifying whether the harshness lies in the lower 3-8 kHz band or the higher 5-11 kHz band.
Quality-checking audiobook narration files to ensure sibilance levels meet distributor specifications.

Examples

1. Podcast Dialogue Cleanup

Podcast Editor

Background

An editor is working on an interview where one guest spoke too close to a condenser microphone, resulting in piercing 'S' sounds.

Problem

Manually finding and drawing volume automation for every harsh sibilant sound in a 45-minute episode is taking too long.

How to use

Upload the guest's audio track, set the focus band to 'Speech Sibilance (4-10 kHz)', and set sensitivity to 0.75.

sensitivity: 0.75, minimumRegionDurationMs: 40, focusBand: speech

Outcome

The tool returns a JSON list of timecoded regions showing exactly when the harsh 'S' sounds occur, allowing the editor to apply targeted de-essing.

2. Vocal Track De-essing for Music Production

Mix Engineer

Background

A mix engineer is processing a bright lead vocal track that has harsh 'SH' and 'T' sounds clashing with the high-end of the instrumental.

Problem

Applying a global de-esser makes the entire vocal sound dull and muffled during non-sibilant parts.

How to use

Upload the lead vocal stem, select the 'Bright S / SH (5-11 kHz)' focus band, and set the minimum region duration to 30ms.

FAQ

What audio file formats are supported?

The tool supports standard audio files up to 100MB.

How does the sensitivity setting affect the output?

Higher sensitivity detects softer sibilant sounds, while lower sensitivity only flags the loudest, most piercing peaks.

What are the focus band options?

You can choose Speech Sibilance (4-10 kHz), Bright S/SH (5-11 kHz), or Lower T/CH (3-8 kHz) to match the speaker's vocal range.

Can I use the output directly in my DAW?

Yes, the output is a JSON map of timecodes and frequencies that you can use to automate de-essers or volume envelopes in your DAW.

What is the minimum region duration setting?

It defines the shortest duration in milliseconds a sibilant sound must last to be flagged, preventing ultra-short transients from cluttering your map.

sensitivity: 0.65, minimumRegionDurationMs: 30, focusBand: bright

What this tool helps you do

Run this tool

Inputs

Result

Examples that match this tool

Continue with connected tools and hubs

Inputs

Result

Learn when to use this tool, what it supports, and how real users apply it.

Key facts

Overview

When to use

How it works

Use cases

Examples

1. Podcast Dialogue Cleanup

2. Vocal Track De-essing for Music Production

FAQ

Copyright-Free FLAC Audio Samples

Copyright-Free MP3 Audio Samples

Copyright-Free WAV Audio Samples

Copyright-Free Raw PCM Audio Samples

Audio Plosive Reducer

Audio Remote Guest Rescue

Audio Vocoder

FFmpeg Audio Noise Reduction

Audio Encoding and Format Conversion Tools

Audio Editing and Cleanup Tools

Audio Preview, Tone, and Effect Generator Tools

Audio Measurement and Inspection Tools