need help mixing in vocals

[a27thletter]

ok, heres my problem, in general i just cant get the vocals in any of my songs to sound right, i always either mix them too quiet or too loud for the rest of the song, its mostly too quiet, then when i noticed i was doing it, i over compensated and started making them too loud, i know its probably just something you learn to feel, but can anyone give me pointers on getting them to a good comfortable volume. do i need to set them a tab louder than the rest of the mix, or just the exact volume level as the rest, i'm sorry, i know this is a hard question but its just something thats bugging me.

 

[EleKtriKaz]

Are you using compression on your vocals? If not, it will help a lot. Try using a ratio of somewhere around 3:1 and start out with a slow attack and fast release, adjust the attack and release as needed. It should help bring your vocals "forward" in the mix and give you a better idea of how loud they need to be.

 

[tallman]

I totally agree with the compression comment. Find the "normal" vocal level, and set the compression so it triggers only *above* this level. If the voice is *extremely* dynamic, two stage compression will do the trick. Set a compressor at about 1.5:1 that is *always* triggering even on normal vocal levels.. this will reduce the overall dynamic range. Then set another compressor to compress HARD when the voice goes beyond a certain *peak* level you have determined. This is to stop the vocal from suddenly jumping out at you. This effect tames the voice without completely removing the singers ability to .. well.. emote.

Once you have done this, you will find it much easier to make the vocal sit in the mix.

Some people mix vocals by the meters. I have seen it work for some people, but it never works for me as well as just playing it by ear.