Hey Reader,

For years, I avoided vocals.

They felt like this chaotic element I couldn’t control, especially since I never record my own. Just samples from Splice or packs. Some sounded promising. But in the mix?

They either disappeared or completely took over.

Still, I kept going. Dragging plugins onto the channel. EQs, compressors, reverbs, until it sounded somehow okay. But I had no idea why it worked. Or if it was even good.

That changed with one track: “Bombon” – the first time I actually liked my vocal mix. Not by luck. Because I finally had a structure that worked for me.

🎛 My Vocal Processing Chain

I don’t record vocals. I use vocal shots or loops, mainly from Splice.

Here’s how I make them sound polished and powerful in my tracks:

#1 Control the Chaos

• Sidechain to Kick - Set short release, around 75% – just enough to duck the vocal when the kick hits. Let the vocal breathe while keeping space for your low end.
• Utility (Ableton) - Use it to set the right volume early. If the sample’s too loud or quiet, fix it here.
• Gate - Some samples come with built-in reverb or noise. A gate helps isolate the dry part of the vocal so you can control FX later.

#2 Shape the Sound

• De-Esser - Only if needed. Don’t slap it on just because.
• Pro-Q3 (FabFilter) - I search for harsh resonances and tame them with dynamic EQ. Then I gently duck the 150–250 Hz area, because that’s where my kick, bass & low percs live. No static cuts—just enough to make space without killing the tone.
• EQ Eight - Usually low cut at ~120 Hz, small cut in the low mids (~200 Hz), soft boost around 6–7 kHz for clarity
• Compressor - Fast attack, medium release—to control uneven peaks in dynamic samples.
• Glue Compressor Slow attack, fast release, ~3 dB reduction. This glues the vocal together and gives it more presence.

#3 Enhance & Let It Shine

• Limiter - If I’m producing at mastering level (no headroom), I aim for -6 dB peak on the vocal. Keeps it tight in the mix.
• Saturator Settings: Drive >+5 dB, Output -5 dB. Adds harmonic richness and helps the vocal “cut” through. Subtle—but it works.
• Fresh Air (Free Plugin) - Adds brightness in the mids & highs. Great for that polished “sizzle” effect.
• FX Chain (Different Layer) - This is the creative part. I layer with:
  • Short Reverb (~600ms decay)
  • Mono and Ping-Pong Delay
  • Sometimes Slap Delay, Phaser or other FX for texture
  • In breakdowns, I often automate a longer reverb for atmosphere and space.

🎧 A Few Things I Learned

Not every vocal needs every step. If there’s no sibilance, skip the de-esser. If you don’t hear a harsh frequency, don’t force an EQ cut.

Only use what you hear.

And if your vocal is meant to be the main lead—sidechain other elements to it. Let the vocal win the battle for space.

So now I’m curious: 👉 Where do you still struggle when it comes to mixing?

Reply to this email—I’d love to hear. Maybe I’ll break down your challenge in a future issue.

Stay Productive,
- LEMAN

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