CORRECTIVE EQ
THE VOCAL CHAIN: STEP 1/6
Corrective EQ is the process of using an EQ to fix problems with your recording, and it is best done before any other processing in your vocal chain. Usually, this just means using a High Pass Filter to remove unwanted low-frequency rumble.
- A) Vocals are especially susceptible to low frequency rumble. Mics get bumped, cars drive by, AC units are running – all of these can cause unwanted low rumble.
- B) A High Pass Filter at anywhere between 40-100Hz will greatly improve the quality of your vocals. Set the frequency depending on your particular vocalist – be careful not to cut into the fundamental frequencies of their vocals, or they may sound too thin. Use INF EQ or the EQ modules in VMR such as FG-S to clean up your recordings with Corrective EQ before the Compressor.
COMPRESSION
THE VOCAL CHAIN: STEP 2/6
Compression is a key component in creating an up-front, clear, and full vocal mix. These are all tips used by professional vocal engineers to achieve amazing results:
Series Compression is when you use two compressors, one after the other. This allows you to blend tones of multiple styles of compressors (like opto + FET), and also get a more natural sound because each compressor doesn’t have to work as hard.
Gain Reduction is a good way to see how much compression you are applying.
- A) 3-5dB of GR is a good range for lighter compression.
- B) 6-10dB of GR is a good range for heavier compression.
- C) Parallel Compression is very useful for achieving a more natural vocal tone, and it’s easily accomplished with the Mix knob.
TONE SHAPING EQ
THE VOCAL CHAIN: STEP 3/6
After your Compression, it’s a good idea to apply some Tone Shaping EQ. This EQ is used to apply boosts and cuts that will shape the overall tone and help your vocals sit better in the mix.
- A) Remove any unwanted low frequencies with a High Pass Filter. (even if you used corrective EQ, this is still helpful since compression can bring out these low frequencies)
- B) Cut in the low mids (150hz-500hz) to remove muddiness.
- C) Boost in the high mids (1khz-6khz) to add clarity.
- D) Add air to your vocals with a High Shelf and Bell Curves above 10khz.
- E) There are amazing vocal presets designed by legendary producer Oak Felder in Infinity EQ.
DeESSING
THE VOCAL CHAIN: STEP 4/6
A DeEsser is a special type of processor that reduces the harsh sibilant sounds of a vocalist. (like “s”, “sh”, “t”, etc.)
Place the DeEsser after Compression & EQ.
Compression & EQ may cause sibilance to be even more harsh, which necessitates a DeEsser.
- A) Start at 0 and slowly bring up the DeEsser Amount, until it sounds natural. Be careful not to apply too much DeEssing, or it may sound like the vocalist has a lisp.
- B) For especially bad sibilance, manually edit the harsh sounds using clip gain. Even if you don’t think you need a DeEsser, it’s generally recommended to still use one because the limiting that occurs in Mastering can bring up sibilance even more if it is not DeEssed in the mix.
FRESH AIR
THE VOCAL CHAIN: STEP 5/6
Fresh Air is a specialized high frequency processor that works incredibly well on vocals.
Boosting high frequencies with EQ can sometimes add harshness.
Fresh Air adds smooth air without any harshness.
- A) Mid Air boosts presence & clarity.
- B) High Air boosts sizzle & crispness. Use directly on individual vocal tracks or on a vocal bus.
REVERB & DELAY
THE VOCAL CHAIN: STEP 6/6
Reverb & Delay are a critical factor in giving your vocal space and depth in the mix.
Typically used as Send FX.
- A) Can also be used on individual vocal tracks as Inserts, utilizing the Mix Knob to adjust the amount of reverb/delay signal.
- B) Increase the Predelay on Reverbs for more clarity, 10ms – 20ms is a great starting point. Set the Reverb level in context with the mix, too much reverb can cause muddiness.
- C) Dial in the Feedback according to the pacing and tempo of the song.
- D) Make your vocal bigger and wider by using a Ping-Pong Delay.
- E) Shape your Reverb & Delay with EQ and Filters.
Bedroom Vocal Mixing, Wrapped Up
You don't need a commercial room for great vocals, home recording rewards preparation. In a home studio, microphone techniques and positioning beat expensive studio equipment, and understanding signal flow keeps noise out of the chain. When mixing vocals recorded in a bedroom, lean on vocal editing first: clean takes need less vocal processing. Then apply the vocal mixing techniques above, subtractive EQ, compression, then creative audio effects and sound design. The best vocal mixing tools for vocal mixing are the ones you already own, used with intent.