The affect of audio enhancement on vocal timbre

Abstract

In acoustic singing, performers learn to finely tune their resonance in order to control the spectral output of their voices. However, in amplified singing styles, microphone frequency response, equalization, and other editing tools can affect our perception of resonance. These effects can have positive and negative impacts on the spectral output of a singer’s voice that teachers must be aware of when training Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) artists. This presentation will include information on how audio equipment can alter the timbre of the voice, affect our perception of registration, and alter the singing power ratio.