Understanding the Vocal Fry Score
Vocal Fry is the technical term for the deep, creaky, or gravelly sound that can sometimes occur in speech, especially at the end of sentences. Think of it like a "vocal static" that can affect a voice's smoothness.
Our Vocal Fry score measures this quality on a 0.0 to 1.0 scale. While a tiny amount can make a voice sound more relaxed and human, too much can make it sound unclear or tired. For most uses, a lower Vocal Fry score is better.
Vocal Fry Reference Chart
This chart helps you understand how different levels of vocal fry can impact the listening experience.
| Vocal Fry Score (0.0-1.0) | Fry Level | What It Sounds Like | Impact on Listening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 - 0.15 | Low (Ideal) | Clean, crisp, and smooth. The voice is consistently clear. | Excellent clarity for all types of professional content, from narration to corporate training. |
| 0.15 - 0.35 | Moderate | Slightly gravelly or creaky, often as sentences trail off. | May sound more casual or relaxed, but could slightly reduce clarity for some listeners. |
| 0.35+ | High | Consistently creaky and raspy. The "vocal static" is very obvious. This is more common in deeper, male TTS voices. | Can be distracting and may make the voice sound unenthusiastic, unless a "gravelly" character is desired. |
Behind the Score: What 'Vocal Fry' Means
Vocal fry happens when there isn't enough air passing through the vocal cords, causing them to vibrate in a slow, irregular way that creates the characteristic "creaking" sound.
Our system is trained to detect these specific vibrations. We measure how often they occur and how prominent they are to generate the final score, giving you a clear indicator of the voice's overall smoothness.
How to Use the Vocal Fry Score
- For professional narration, e-learning, and corporate content: Aim for a voice with a score below 0.15. This ensures your message is delivered with maximum clarity.
- For casual content or specific character roles: A voice with a score in the 0.15 to 0.35 range might be perfectly acceptable if you're aiming for a very relaxed or informal style.
- What to be aware of: Scores above 0.35 indicate significant vocal fry. While generally undesirable for clarity, you may find this quality in some deeper male voices where it adds a gravelly character, which could be useful for specific creative projects.