MIXING
VOCALS
AT A
HOME
STUDIO
Mixing vocals is always a challenge. Carving out vocals is
an important part of the mixing process. Mixing vocals can
be a bit tricky because we tend to do things instinctively.
Flaws in the vocal mix are quite easy to spot but overcoming
them is a mystery that you'll have to learn to unravel.
Let's jump right into it. The “In your Face” Vocals:
To get that lush studio quality sound in your home
studio, you’ll have to have to, atleast partially, sound
treat your recording space. This is to ensure that
there are no standing waves or unwanted resonance
in your room. After having recorded your vocals, we
can move on to using EQ to make them sit better.
Usually, I use the Avid Protools stock plugin 7-Band EQ to
tweak my vocals. First, start with the HPF and roll off around
80Hz for male vocals or 110Hz for female vocals. Make sure
that you're not taking away from the vocals while you're
filtering out the unwanted lows as you might lose the natural
tone of the recording. Now try to find the honky region
around 250-500Hz with a notch filter and then bring it down a
few dB. Add some more bite around 4-5KHz and then a shelf
around 8Hz to open things update. Now audition the vocals
along with the rest of the tracks to get a better context.
Compression on Vocals:
Depending on the levels, apply a gentle compression on
vocals by setting the threshold around -10db. Now apply a
ratio of 2:1 or 3:1, keep in mind to not squash t he dynamics
and details in your mix. Have a medium attack time and set
the release time based on how it sounds on the track and not
by the numbers on your compressor. For heavier genres like
rock music, push the attack slow so that it sounds punchy in
your mix. If you want the vocals to sound heavy in your mix,
then use parallel compression by blending in the compressed
track with the original to get that in-your-face sound. I use
a virtual amp (Sans-Amp Guitar amp, in my case) to add a
bit of dirt to the compressed track and then blend it with the
original vocal track to get that solid analogue vibe in the mix.
Using Effects like REVERB and DELAYS:
Using effects on your vocals is gives it depth and
ambiance. Generally, I use a plate reverb for the vocals
with a fair amount of wetness. The Waves R-Verb is my
go-to options, but the regular stock plugin will do great
as well. Select the Plate reverb option on an aux track
and send in the vocals based on the effect required.
Delays can create an interesting effect in your mix. On
vocals, a medium delay or a short slapback delay helps
in creating that aural room space in your mix along with
your reverb. You can also achieve different rhythmic
effects by adjusting the parameters such as delay time.
Word of advice:
Always trust your ears and know your speakers as it is
important how the mixed is translated by the monitors in
your room. There is a misconception that stock plugins don't
really match up to third-party plugins and VSTs. If used
properly, they can be used to achieve great sounding mixes.
Unnecessary or expensive processing can backfire and make
things sound worse, in turn. Lastly, remember to always rely
on your ears and feel of the music while making judgements.
Author: Baba.L.Prasad. He is the owner and chief Sound/Mix and Mastering Engineer at Digi Sound Studio. He also teaches
Sound Engineering and Music Production courses. For more details, visit www.digisoundacademy.com
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