EQ Targets
- Filter only what the arrangement does not need.
- Cut boxiness, harshness, or mud when you actually hear it.
- Boost for a musical reason, not to make the track louder.
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Vocal Mixing
IN LOGIC PRO
Recommended Modular Chain
Clip Gain / Input Gain
Set a workable level before plugins, avoid clipping, and do not use gain staging just to make the track loud.
Cleanup / Corrective EQ
Remove rumble, harsh resonances, boxiness, or mud only if needed; use narrow cuts for real problems.
Dynamics
Compress only when the source needs leveling, punch, control, or tone; leave it alone when it already sits correctly.
Tone EQ
Add weight, presence, or air after the source is controlled and the part works in context.
Saturation / Character
Optional color for density, harmonic interest, or perceived loudness when the arrangement benefits from it.
Space / Sends
Prefer sends for shared reverbs and delays; use insert reverbs only when the effect is part of the sound.
Peak Control
Use clip gain, light clipping, or limiting only when peaks are causing problems; do not limit every track by default.
EQ, Compression, and Metering
Compression Starting Points
- Leveling: 2:1 to 4:1, moderate attack/release, around 2-5 dB gain reduction.
- Modern control often works best as serial compression with light stages.
- Use automation before relying on heavy compression.
Metering Targets
- Leave headroom before buses
- Watch low-end buildup
- Prioritize Intelligibility clarity in context
EQ Moves
| Range | Move | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 80-120 Hz | High-pass filter | Remove low-end rumble |
| 200-400 Hz | Low-mid cut | Reduce mud and congestion |
| 2-5 kHz | Presence boost | Improve lyric clarity |
| 10-16 kHz | Air boost | Add openness |
| 5-9 kHz | De-ess range | Common sibilance area; varies by singer, mic, and performance |
Plugin Recommendations
EQ
Logic Channel EQ
Waves F6
FabFilter Pro-Q 4
Compression
- Logic Compressor
CLA-76
UAD 1176
Saturation
- Logic Phat FX
- Logic Overdrive
Waves J37
AMPX ATR-102
De-essing
- Logic DeEsser 2
Waves DeEsser
FabFilter Pro-DS
Quick Reminders
- Ride the vocal level before over-compressing.
- Use a de-esser before bright EQ if brightness exaggerates harshness.
- Add another light de-esser after compression only if sibilance returns.
- Keep effects tucked behind the dry vocal.
- Reference with a commercial vocal track.