Audio Problem Detector

Scans audio for common technical and tonal problems. Returns a severity-coded list of detected issues with frequency locations and suggested fixes.

Parameters

Parameter Type Default Description
file_path string required Path to audio file

Example Output

$ detect_problems vocals.wav

Problem Detection Scanned: vocals.wav (3:24, 48kHz/24bit, stereo)

Issues Found: 3

SIG Sibilance at 6.8 kHz Severity: moderate | Peaks at 0:42, 1:15, 2:33 Suggestion: De-esser targeting 6-8 kHz range

MOD Mud buildup 200-400 Hz Severity: mild | Consistent throughout Suggestion: High-pass or gentle cut at 250-350 Hz

LOW DC offset detected Severity: low | +0.003 offset on left channel Suggestion: Apply DC offset removal

No issues: clipping, ISP, hum, harshness, resonances

What the Numbers Mean

Severity codes:

  • SIG (significant) — Likely audible and worth addressing. Yellow flag.
  • MOD (moderate) — Noticeable on careful listening. Worth considering.
  • LOW — Technical issue but may not be audible. Optional fix.

Problem types:

  • Clipping — Samples at 0 dBFS. Causes digital distortion. Always fix.
  • ISP (Inter-sample peaks) — Peaks between samples exceed 0 dBFS. Causes distortion in DA converters and lossy codecs.
  • DC offset — Non-zero baseline. Reduces headroom and can cause clicks at edit points.
  • Noise — Broadband noise floor above acceptable levels.
  • Hum — Power line interference at 50/60 Hz and harmonics.
  • Sibilance — Harsh “s” and “t” sounds, typically 4-10 kHz.
  • Mud — Excessive low-mid energy (200-500 Hz) that obscures clarity.
  • Harshness — Aggressive upper-mid energy (2-5 kHz) that causes listener fatigue.
  • Resonances — Narrow frequency spikes from room modes or equipment.

Example Prompts

Quick check

Are there any problems with my vocal recording at vocals-take3.wav?

Mix problems

Check my mix for any technical issues before I send it to mastering

Sensitive scan

Run a sensitive problem detection on master.wav — I want to catch everything

  • full_diagnostic — Includes problem detection plus all other analyses
  • analyze_spectrum — Detailed frequency view to investigate detected mud/harshness
  • analyze_loudness — Check if clipping is related to overlevel
  • fix_audio — Automatically apply corrective processing for detected problems

Pro tip

Run problem detection early — before you start mixing. Fixing DC offset, hum, or sibilance at the source is always better than processing a mix that already has these issues baked in.