mixing techniques

[gullyjewelz]

any one got any tips or tutorials on best ways to mix, eq rap vocals that are more "low-bass" than "nasal" . . .

i think im gittin better with mixin n eq'in my vocals (though i know i got a ways to go) . . but seems like the strategies/settings i use for my vocals dont work as well on other dudes voices who have more bass in their natural voice - i have more nasal in mine.

im not really goin for any "special" "stand out" sound on their voice, just want a clean, natural, but polished sound to their vocal - other than the raw drop

i've been doin some experimenting, but still seems a little lacking when i listen to the final "mix" of their vocals . . . any tips? techniques? settings?

 

[BillyBo]

i got a great tutorial from Change not too long ago when he helped me out with my mixing techniques. it was when we were working on our colab and i was trying to get my vocals to stand out in my songs better. long story short, he gave me the following "guidelines" for vocals:

Compression: 3:1, -18 Threshold (between -24 and -15 should work)
De-Essing: i use default settings in Adobe Audition for de-essing. works great for hard S's.
Reverb: light and natural. 75% on main vocals, 95% for backups/overdubs

not trying to steal Change's 'moment' on this one, but it was great advice. Give Change ALL the credit.



Bless.

 

[bigwillz24]

any one got any tips or tutorials on best ways to mix, eq rap vocals that are more "low-bass" than "nasal" . . .

i think im gittin better with mixin n eq'in my vocals (though i know i got a ways to go) . . but seems like the strategies/settings i use for my vocals dont work as well on other dudes voices who have more bass in their natural voice - i have more nasal in mine.

im not really goin for any "special" "stand out" sound on their voice, just want a clean, natural, but polished sound to their vocal - other than the raw drop

i've been doin some experimenting, but still seems a little lacking when i listen to the final "mix" of their vocals . . . any tips? techniques? settings?

Have him back off the mic a little. If the voice is already bassy the proximity effect of the microphone is going to enhace it. Or if you have a decent sounding room and a mic with an omni pickup pattern give that a try.

I'd probably still end up cutting 120-220 Hz out. Then I may or may not add a little usually no more than 3 db in the 4 to 8 k range.

YMMV
Will

 

[mentalattica]

This might work for you or might not. HPF between 80hz - 100hz, sweep between 180hz - 250hz to find where you need to cut. Sweep again around 5000khz - 8000khz to find where you can boost. Boost somewhere around 12khz to add a little air.

That's just general stuff, but it should get you somewhere in the ball park with bassy rap vocals.

 

[mentalattica]

Willz beat me to it...lol but it's about the same advice. But try to track to where you won't need an eq fix if you can.

 

[quietb03]

i got a great tutorial from Change not too long ago when he helped me out with my mixing techniques. it was when we were working on our colab and i was trying to get my vocals to stand out in my songs better. long story short, he gave me the following "guidelines" for vocals:

Compression: 3:1, -18 Threshold (between -24 and -15 should work)
De-Essing: i use default settings in Adobe Audition for de-essing. works great for hard S's.
Reverb: light and natural. 75% on main vocals, 95% for backups/overdubs

not trying to steal Change's 'moment' on this one, but it was great advice. Give Change ALL the credit.



Bless.

Yeah, those are typically decent settings for compression but we all know it varies by the track. Also, don't be afraid to add a few dB's of makeup gain if you need to.

 

[BeatsBuY]

Remember that compression settings also depends on how hot or soft the recorded signal is. Also, the type of vocal being recorded. You may have to change the settings (Threshold) a little... Overall good topic...

 

[BillyBo]

@ quietb03 and BeatsBuy: i know the gain has to be adjusted post-compression, but the "default" i was taught to use really helped in the overall sound of the vocals. the "small" stuff comes after that. it beats dry vocals with a little EQ. now they really sound fuller, without being reverbed too much.

 

[gullyjewelz]

thanks for all the responses - im gonna start usin each of these for my trial n errors this week!!

 

[Change of POETS]

Have him back off the mic a little. If the voice is already bassy the proximity effect of the microphone is going to enhace it. Or if you have a decent sounding room and a mic with an omni pickup pattern give that a try.

I'd probably still end up cutting 120-220 Hz out. Then I may or may not add a little usually no more than 3 db in the 4 to 8 k range.

YMMV
Will

Agreed. Mic placement and proximity is the first place I'd start.

I try to avoid EQing my vocals at all, unless I have to. The clean signal from mic to DAW is best left alone. I only EQ if the song calls for it. Even then, I try to limit it to subtractive EQ if I can.

When you start pushing the 4k to 8k range higher, you'll run into sibilance inssues. At least, I have found that to be a common problem on folks I've recorded.

And as for the compression settings, remember Bill... We discussed your vocal chain, the level you were tracking at, and other factors which helped determine a good starting point for you. The same settings may not work for someone else...