This means taking care of some of the problem areas of the vocal recordings so that you can when you add EQ and compression, you aren’t going to exaggerate these issues further. For this reason, it’s always best to mix vocals in context with everything else.īefore getting into the heavy lifting of mixing vocals, it’s always best to set yourself up for success. Because of this, it’s critical to make make sure that as you add EQ, compression, and effects, you are listening to how these moves affect the rest of the tracks.Ī simple low-end boost on the vocals could sound great in solo, but in the context of everything else, it could make the rest of the tracks sound muddy. It can be tempting to want to isolate your vocal tracks so that you can hear the finer details of the voice, but mixing is all about making the individual elements work together.

When mixing vocals, avoid using the solo button. So when possible, always try to record your vocals as clean as you can at the source.

If your recordings are full of distortion, you’ll never be able to get rid of it in the mix. To help you get set up to record properly, check out this article on the 7 essential pieces of equipment needed for home recording This means choosing a good microphone, using proper mic technique, and gainstaging your levels correctly. A great mix always starts with great recordings. This should come as no surprise to you but if you have poor quality recordings, no amount of EQ or compression can salvage your vocals. Before we start, there are a couple of quick things you must know… Great Vocal Mixes Start With Great Recordings

How to compress vocals