SonaLab - Real-Time Vocal Analysis Software
Glottis & Airflow·声门与气流族

H1−H2

Harmonic Difference

A one-dimensional readout of fold thickness: the dB difference between H1 and H2.

Phonation Balance
H1−H2: the dB gap between the first two harmonicsdB2201320H1H2H3H4H5H6H1−H2(dB)Positive = thick (TA-dominant) · negative = thin (CT-dominant)
Harmonic stems: H1 and H2 highlighted, the dB gap between their tops is H1−H2 — a one-dimensional readout of fold thickness.

What it is

The energy difference between the first harmonic (H1) and the second harmonic (H2) of the spectrum, in dB.

It is a thickness gauge for the vocal-fold vibration pattern: the more fully the fold body (TA-dominant) vibrates, the stronger the low harmonics — H1 > H2 (a positive difference, thicker); when only the thin edge layer (CT-dominant) vibrates, the higher harmonics gain relatively — H1 < H2 (thinner).

Where it comes from

After the FFT, simply measure the dB gap between the first and second harmonic peaks.

It is insensitive to recording level (a relative measure) but fairly sensitive to the microphone’s low-frequency response.

How to read it

High values read thick (chest quality, a modal leaning); low values read thin (head voice, a falsetto leaning). High notes naturally thin out; if the low range also stays thin, the voice sounds frail. The TA/CT Balance chart draws it as a continuous curve.

Where it is used