Unlocking Sabrina Carpenter's Espresso Vocal Sound Tips and Techniques

If you’ve ever listened to Sabrina Carpenter’s hit song "Espresso," you know there’s something special about her vocal tone. It’s bright, clear, and polished, with a glossy pop finish that makes the vocals stand out without feeling overproduced. This sound is what many producers aim for when working on modern pop tracks. The good news is you don’t need expensive gear or a high-end studio to get close to that signature vocal vibe.

Sabrina Carpenter Vocal Sound Tutorial

This post breaks down the key techniques and tools that shape Sabrina Carpenter’s vocal sound on "Espresso." Whether you’re a singer, producer, or audio engineer, these insights will help you add that sparkling, professional quality to your own vocal recordings.

Vocal microphone setup capturing bright and clear vocals

The Role of EQ in Creating 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.

Using Formant Shifting to Add Youthful Shine

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.