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Vocal Mixing

IN LOGIC PRO

Chain Order (Start to Finish)

  1. Gain

    Set healthy peaks around -12 dBFS.

  2. Surgical EQ

    Remove mud and harsh resonances.

  3. Compression

    Control dynamics and add consistency.

  4. Tone EQ

    Shape musical balance and clarity.

  5. Saturation

    Add harmonics and perceived density.

  6. Space

    Use subtle reverb or delay if needed.

  7. Limiting

    Catch peaks and cap final level.

EQ, Compression, and Metering

EQ Targets

  • High-pass where possible
  • Cut boxiness first
  • Boost for intent, not volume

Compression Targets

  • Ratio 3:1 to 4:1
  • Attack 10-30 ms
  • Aim 2-6 dB gain reduction

Metering Targets

  • Keep peaks below -6 dBFS
  • Watch low-end buildup
  • Prioritize Intelligibility clarity

EQ Moves

RangeMoveWhy
80-120 HzHigh-pass filterRemove low-end rumble
200-400 HzLow-mid cutReduce mud and congestion
2-5 kHzPresence boostImprove lyric clarity
10-16 kHzAir boostAdd openness
6-8 kHzDe-ess supportControl sibilance

Plugin Recommendations

EQ

  • Vocal Mixing Waves F6 screenshotWaves F6
  • Vocal Mixing FabFilter Pro-Q 3 screenshotFabFilter Pro-Q 3

Compression

  • Vocal Mixing CLA-76 screenshotCLA-76
  • Vocal Mixing UAD 1176 screenshotUAD 1176

Saturation

  • Vocal Mixing Waves J37 screenshotWaves J37
  • Vocal Mixing AMPX ATR-102 screenshotAMPX ATR-102

De-essing

  • Vocal Mixing Waves DeEsser screenshotWaves DeEsser
  • Vocal Mixing FabFilter Pro-DS screenshotFabFilter Pro-DS

Quick Reminders

  • Ride the vocal level before over-compressing.
  • Apply de-essing in stages if needed.
  • Keep effects tucked behind the dry vocal.
  • Reference with a commercial vocal track.