Transform Ordinary Vocals With This Vocal Processing Guide
Are you tired of your vocals sounding dull and lifeless in your mixes? You’re not alone! Many home producers rely on basic effects like tuning and simple reverb, but there’s a world of vocal processing techniques that can elevate your tracks to a professional level. In this post, I’m going to share a comprehensive vocal processing chain that will revolutionise your approach and help you achieve stunning results.
Step 1: Assess the Vocal
Before diving into processing, take a moment to listen closely to the vocal track. Identify areas that need adjustment, particularly in terms of EQ. For example, if the vocal has excessive sibilance, it’s crucial to address this early in your processing chain.
Step 2: Dynamic EQ with Pro-Q3
To tackle unwanted sibilance, I recommend using a dynamic EQ like FabFilter's Pro-Q3. By setting it to act as a De-Esser, you can reduce the harshness by cutting frequencies above 5 kHz whenever the 'S' sounds occur. This subtle adjustment can make a significant difference in maintaining a smooth vocal sound. Additionally, applying a gentle low-end cut will help remove unnecessary rumble that could clutter the mix.
Step 3: Brighten with Color EQ
Next, it’s time to add some warmth and brightness to the vocal. Using a plugin like the Color Box, you can quickly enhance the overall tone without having to dial in specific frequencies manually. This method gives the vocal a rich, warm quality while ensuring it stands out in the mix.
Step 4: Introduce Chorus for Depth
Once the EQ is dialed in, it's time to add some texture. A subtle chorus effect can create a lush, spatial sound that adds depth to the vocals. If you have a plugin like Roland's Dimension D, it can deliver a rich, spacious effect. If not, any stock chorus plugin will work; just keep the settings light to avoid overwhelming the vocal.
Step 5: Add Reverb for Ambiance
Now, let’s introduce some reverb to create a sense of space. I suggest using a room reverb with a short decay time—around 3 seconds—and a low mix level (around 2%). This will keep the vocal sounding present while giving it a slight lift without getting lost in the effects.
Step 6: Compression for Cohesion
After establishing the spatial effects, it’s time to glue everything together with compression. A compressor can help tighten the vocal performance, making it feel more cohesive. A ratio of 4:1 and a gain reduction of about 5 dB will work well, enhancing warmth and clarity without sounding overly processed.
Step 7: Add Flavor with Echo and Flanger
On a separate bus, you can further enrich the vocal with echo and flanger effects. Use a quarter triplet delay on the echo to add movement while keeping the feedback low to maintain clarity. The flanger will add additional depth, ensuring it stands out without interfering with the main vocal.
Step 8: Sidechain Compression
To ensure that the effects don’t overpower the vocal, set up a sidechain compressor. By sidechaining the echo and flanger to the vocal, you can create a dynamic balance that allows the effects to breathe without clashing with the main vocal line.
Step 9: Final Touches with Additional Reverb
For an extra layer of sparkle, consider adding another instance of reverb—like a plate reverb—on a separate bus. This will enhance the overall vocal presence and give it a polished finish. Adjust to taste, and listen to how it complements the initial reverb.
Step 10: Doubler for Richness
Finally, to achieve a thicker, more vibrant vocal sound, use a doubler. The Ensemble plugin in Logic works wonders, allowing you to add multiple voices with a wide stereo spread. This effect acts as a cherry on top, making your vocals sound rich and full.
Conclusion
By following this vocal processing chain, you can transform ordinary vocal recordings into extraordinary performances that truly stand out in your mixes. Each step is designed to enhance clarity, depth, and richness, helping your vocals shine.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with these techniques and tweak them according to your personal style. With practice, you'll master the art of vocal processing and take your mixes to the next level!
Download The Project Files
Fill out the form below to access the audio files used in this example and obtain the Logic template. This way, you can practice with the same vocal tracks I used and replicate the vocal chain included in the template!
