Mixing Vocals in a Live Mixing Setting (2024)

Mixing vocals… it’s something that took me a while to figure out.

If I’m honest, I used to struggle a lot when I started. Sometimes the vocals were too low, or sometimes they just stuck out in a weird way, like a sore thumb.

And it was frustrating, let me tell you. I realized that if the vocals aren’t right, the whole mix falls apart. But after lots of trial and error (and watching way too many tutorials), I learned that it’s all about the basics: EQ, compression, and little touches like reverb or delay. You gotta get those right to make the vocals really sit in the mix. So, in this guide, I’m gonna walk you through these essential techniques that helped me, and I hope they help you too.

Setting up EQ when Mixing Vocals

EQ is like a houses foundation.

If it’s not solid, everything else crumbles. The first thing you’ll wanna do is clean up the vocal with a high-pass filter.

Don’t worry, it’s just a fancy way of saying we cut out the super low sounds that don’t need to be there.

High-Pass Filter: Start by rolling off the low-end frequencies below 80-100Hz. These are mostly rumbles or noise that muddy up the vocal.
Midrange Focus: Vocals can sound boxy between 200Hz and 500Hz, so dip those frequencies a bit to reduce that muddy sound.
Enhancing Clarity: If the vocal needs more brightness, give it a gentle boost around 2-4kHz. This helps the vocal shine through the mix without sounding too harsh.
Dealing with Harshness: Speaking of harsh, if the vocal is cutting through too much, ease back on the 5-8kHz range.

Controlling Dynamics with Compression

I remember compression being super confusing at first, but it’s just about keeping the volume more consistent.

Think of it like gently squashing the loudest parts so everything sounds smooth.

Attack and Release Settings: A moderate attack and release helps smooth out peaks while still keeping the vocal performance natural.
Ratio and Threshold: Start with a 3:1 or 4:1 ratio and adjust the threshold so that only the loudest bits are being compressed.
Makeup Gain: After compressing, you might need to bring the vocal back up in volume, so use makeup gain to balance it out.
Parallel Compression: If you’re feeling adventurous, and you have the ability, try parallel compression. It keeps the vocal punchy but still natural by blending a compressed version with the original.

Add Some Depth with Reverb and Delay

Reverb and delay are like spices—you don’t want too much, but a little bit can make things interesting.

Choosing the Right Reverb: A short plate or hall reverb can add depth without making the vocal sound like it’s in a cave. Adjust the decay time to match the vibe of the song.
Pre-Delay: Use pre-delay to make sure the vocal still feels upfront even though there’s reverb on it. It gives the vocal a little space to breathe.
Delay Effects: Subtle delays, like a slapback or a timed delay, can give the vocal width and movement without losing clarity.
Automation of Effects: Try automating the reverb and delay so different sections of the song have different levels. It keeps the vocal fresh and interesting.

Stomp Sibilance with De-essing

Sibilance is that annoying “S” sound that cuts through too sharp. You’ll wanna tame that down, but without making the whole vocal sound dull.

Identifying Sibilance: Sibilance usually lives between 5-8kHz. A de-esser will help you target those harsh “S” sounds.
Adjusting De-esser Settings: I you have a de-esser, set it to only tackle the loudest “S” sounds. Don’t go too crazy, or the vocal will lose its natural brightness.
Manual Editing: Sometimes, even a de-esser doesn’t do the job. In that case, you can manually lower the volume on specific “S” sounds using clip gain.

Balancing Vocals in the Mix

Now that your vocal sounds good, you need to make sure it fits with the rest of the track.

This part can be tricky, but it’s all about balance.

Vocal Riding: You’ll probably need to automate the vocal volume to keep it sitting just right. Don’t worry, it’s pretty normal to do a lot of adjustments.
Panning Background Vocals: If you’ve got background vocals, and a stereo set up, try panning them left and right to give the mix a wider feel. It makes the lead vocal stand out more.
Reference Mixes: Always compare your vocal mix with professional tracks. It’ll help you hear if your vocal is sitting where it needs to be.

What are Some Common Vocal Mixing Mistakes to Avoid?

I’ve made these mistakes, so you don’t have to.

Over-Processing: Less is more. Don’t overdo the reverb or delay, or you’ll drown the vocal.
Too Much Compression: Be careful not to squash the life out of the vocal with too much compression. You still want some dynamics in there.
Neglecting the Context: Mix your vocals with the other instruments. If you solo the vocal too long, you’ll end up making it too loud or out of place in the mix.
Ignoring Phase Issues: If you’re layering vocals, check for phase issues. You don’t want your vocals to sound thin or weird.

Practical Tips for Beginners

Finally, here are some quick tips to keep in mind.

Use a Reference Vocal Chain: Start with a basic chain: EQ, compression, reverb. Tweak it to fit the vocal you’re working with.
Keep It Subtle: Small adjustments go a long way. Don’t make big changes unless you absolutely have to.
Trust Your Ears: Don’t get stuck looking at numbers or settings. Listen to how the vocal feels in the mix.
Take Breaks: Ear fatigue is real, especially when mixing vocals. Take breaks to keep your ears fresh.

Mixing vocals might feel like an uphill battle , but with these techniques, it’ll start to click.

Just remember: EQ, compression, reverb, and de-essing are your best friends.

Keep practicing, trust your ears, and don’t be afraid to experiment. You’ll get there—just keep at it, and before you know it, your vocals will sound polished and professional.