Ever wondered why some notes feel effortless while others crack or don’t come out at all? The answer lies in phonatory threshold pressure (PTP)—the minimum air pressure needed to start and sustain sound. In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we break down what PTP is, how it’s calculated, and why it matters for singers.
Discover how PTP affects vocal efficiency, vocal fatigue, and even vocal warm-ups. We’ll also debunk common myths about breath pressure, including the idea that “more air is always better” and that pushing harder is the key to volume. Instead, learn smarter, science-backed techniques for singing powerfully without strain.
👉 Try the simple vocal exercise in this episode to explore how little pressure you actually need to sing clearly. Plus, get a sneak peek into next week’s deep dive into ring and twang—two powerful tools for enhancing your voice without overworking your breath.
🔬Phonation Threshold Pressure Formula:
Pth = 0.14+.06(Fo/|Fo)^2 kPa
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📌 Links & References:
Elliot, N., Sundberg, J., Gramming, P., 1995. What happens during vocal warm-up? Journal of Voice 9, 37–44. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0892-1997(05)80221-8
Titze, I.R., 2000. Principles of Voice Production, 2nd printing. ed. National Center for Voice and Speech, Iowa City, IA.