Achieving Sabrina Carpenter's Vocal Sound in "Espresso"

Understanding Vocal Clarity

One of the first steps to achieving Sabrina’s vocal sound is shaping the tone with equalization. The SSL EQ is a classic choice for this. Instead of just cutting unwanted frequencies, the SSL EQ is used to boost the high end carefully. This boost adds a sense of "air" and brightness to the vocal, making it sound open and clear without harshness.

The key is to focus on the upper midrange and high frequencies, around 8kHz to 12kHz. This range enhances the presence and shimmer of the voice, giving it that polished, mic-like clarity. Avoid overdoing it, as too much boost can make the vocal sound brittle or sibilant.

The Power of Formant Shifting

A subtle but powerful trick in Sabrina’s vocal processing is the use of formant shifting. Formants are the resonant frequencies of the vocal tract that shape the character of the voice. By shifting these slightly, you can make a voice sound younger, brighter, or more polished without changing the pitch.

In "Espresso," a +0.4 formant shift is applied using a plugin like Little AlterBoy. This tiny adjustment makes the vocal sound more youthful and pop-friendly while keeping it natural. It’s a delicate balance—too much shift can make the voice sound artificial, but a small nudge adds just the right amount of polish.

Doubling Vocals for Width and Sweetness

Layering vocals is a common technique in pop music, but Sabrina’s sound uses a clever double-doubler approach. Instead of relying on one doubler plugin, two are stacked: Waves Doubler and iZotope Vocal Doubler.

This combination creates a thick, wide vocal texture that fills out the chorus without cluttering the mix. The doubled vocals add a "wall of sugar" effect, making the voice sound larger and more engaging. The trick is to keep the doubles subtle and well-timed so they enhance the lead vocal without overpowering it.

Crafting the Perfect Reverb and Delay Space

Sabrina’s vocals don’t sit in a dark or cavernous reverb. Instead, they live in a bright, watery space that adds sparkle and depth without pushing the voice back in the mix.

Plate reverb is the go-to choice here, with settings adjusted to keep the sound clear and shimmering. The reverb time is kept short to medium, avoiding muddiness. A carefully timed delay adds extra dimension and sparkle, bouncing off the vocal in a way that feels lively but controlled.

This combination of reverb and delay creates a glossy space that complements the vocal’s brightness and keeps it upfront and present.

Practical Tips to Try at Home

• Use an SSL-style EQ or any high-quality parametric EQ to boost the high frequencies gently around 8kHz to 12kHz.

• Experiment with formant shifting plugins like Little AlterBoy, starting with very small shifts (+0.3 to +0.5) to brighten the vocal tone.

• Layer two different vocal doubler plugins to create a wide, lush vocal effect. Adjust the mix levels so the doubles support but don’t overpower the main vocal.

• Choose a plate reverb with a bright character and keep the decay short to medium. Add a subtle delay with a short feedback to add sparkle.

• Record vocals with a clean, high-quality microphone and a quiet environment to capture the natural brightness before processing.

  
  

Final Thoughts on Getting the Espresso Vocal Sound

Sabrina Carpenter’s "Espresso" vocal sound is a blend of careful EQ, subtle formant shifts, layered doubling, and bright reverb space. These elements work together to create a vocal that feels polished, youthful, and full of life.

You don’t need expensive gear to get close to this sound. Focus on the processing techniques and use plugins creatively to shape your vocals. With practice, you can add that glossy pop sheen to your own recordings and make your vocals stand out in any mix.

Additional Techniques for Vocal Enhancement

Exploring Compression Techniques

Compression is essential for controlling dynamics in vocal recordings. It helps maintain a consistent level and adds punch. Use a moderate ratio, around 3:1 to 4:1, to smooth out the peaks without squashing the life out of the performance.

Experimenting with Vocal Effects

Adding subtle effects like chorus or slight distortion can enhance the vocal's character. A touch of chorus can create a sense of depth, while a hint of distortion can add warmth and grit. Just be careful not to overdo it; the goal is to enhance, not overwhelm.

The Importance of Vocal Performance

Finally, remember that the performance itself is crucial. A great vocal sound starts with a great singer. Encourage your artists to deliver their best performance. This energy will shine through in the final mix.

By incorporating these techniques, you can elevate your vocal productions to new heights. Remember, the journey to achieving that perfect vocal sound is a process. Keep experimenting, and don’t hesitate to try new things. Your unique sound is waiting to be discovered!