Compression settings for vocals?

[Forenzikks]

I need help on just how much I should compress my vocals to try and help them get fattened up...I also read that taking down the mids by EQ ing it help s it to sit in the mix better which is also a problem Im having so if I EQ the mids down a bit how much compression should I apply....i.e. ratio and threshold and attack release.....these are rap style vocals and I added a little chorus type effect to make em not seem so cheap sounding.....peace

 

[vulcanofga]

First of all I don't think there is a standard setting for vocals for eq or commpression.

Secondly, there are several things to consider and listen for before you turn a knob on the equilizer or compressor.

1.What range is the vocal?
2.What are the frequincies of the other instruments in the mix?You would'nt want to crowd other instruments or put the vocal in the range with another key eliment in the mix.
3.Does the vocal have a big dynamic range?Some vocals are very soft then very loud and some compression would help bring up the soft and bring down the loud.
4.Where do you want the vocal in the mix?Some panning of the vox and or the other eliments might save you some eq and that will help keep distortion out of your mix.
5.What kind of mic and pre-amp are you using?If your vocal sounds "cheap" as you mentioned maybe you need to change mics or mic positions.

I hope this helps you.I would also suggest going to www.artistpro.com or www.prorecording.com for some good tutorial on mixing and recording.

 

[crosstudio]

i wouldn't advise reducing the mids on hip-hop vocals unless you are going for that washed out rock-rap sound. for rappers most of their voice is in the upper mids. you don't want to EQ that out. if anything you are reducing the 'fat' when you EQ the mids out of your rappers throat.