Vocals Mixing + Processing

Question 1

It is important to know how the vocals were _____ to know how to mix them.

Answer 1

how the vocals were recorded

Ex: straight though the interface might need more compression/EQ

Ex: Some vocals already have EQ and compression already on it

Question 1

What are two parameters to start with when working with vocals?

Answer 1

EQ and compression

Question 2

What is a good general ratio, attack, and release starting point for vocals?

Answer 2

4:1
2ms
100ms

*want to watch out for overcompressing vocals

Question 3

T/F

Cutting out the breaths in vocals makes a cleaner mix

Answer 3

False

Having breaths in vocals sounds more natural to listeners

doesn’t mean you can’t cut out any awkward ones or others to make certain sections smoother

Question 4

Explain the serial compression techniques for vocals?

Answer 4

Using two compressors for different reasons.

Compressor 1 to attenuate peaks (fast attack/release)

Compressor 2 to even out (slow attack/release times)

Question 5

For lead vocals what type of compression chain is ideal to apply so it doesn’t come across overcompressed

Answer 5

Light compression on the vocal directly
Parallel compression that’s more aggressive (fast attack/release)

Question 6

When sending vocals to parallel compression what should the send levels be at?

Answer 6

It should be maximum so the compressor is getting the full signal

Question 7

When to use a standard EQ vs dynamic EQ/multiband compression?

Answer 7

EQ for static frequency issues

Dynamic EQ/Mutliband compression for issues that are inconsistent or change over time

Question 8

When boosting the high frequencies of a vocal you might notice emphasis on _______

Answer 8

sibilance

Question 9

Where should a De-esser be placed on the processing chain?

Answer 9

At the end - it reduces gain on the harsh frequencies to attenuate. If placed before compressors it could change the affect of the compressor

*doesn’t mean you can’t add it earlier but better to try to do most clean up at the end first

Question 10

What is a benefit to adding saturation to a part of a vocal?

Answer 10

It can give it a bit of contrast to give it some more presence and keep things interesting?

EX: keeping verse lead clean while adding saturation to the chorus lead

Question 11

When adding reverb keep in mind the ____ setting because the added effect can enhance some problem frequencies

Answer 11

EQ settings

Question 12

When adding delay its good to start from _______ before moving to more complex

Answer 12

simple / quick delays

Question 13

A popular delay to use is a slap delay. What is it?

Answer 13

Quick delay time with little to no feedback

Question 14

When adding multiple delays make sure to vary the _______ because things can get too cluttered

Answer 14

the position/timing of the delay

*tip: can add a chorus before the delay to affect the position of the signal
*also can adjust the frequency that’s being fed into the delay in the native parameters

Question 15

When working with reverb and delay sends with a dry vocal. How to set it up so the delays also get the same room sound?

Answer 15

Send the delay returns to the reverb return as well

*the more reverb added to delay the more it can push it back in the mix which could be good for evening everything out

Question 16

When stacking background and lead vocals the sibilance can also pile up. What can you do about attenuating that?

Answer 16

Can have more aggressive de-essing on the background vocals