How To Make Vocals Cut Through the Mix Using EQ and Compression

Problems with getting vocals to sound well incorporated into the audio can be due to issues with the low frequency range. This can lead to the vocals sounding ‘glued on’ rather than harmonious with the rest of the music. By cutting the lowest frequencies and using parametric EQ, you can improve the sample. Compression can also be useful to help vocals sound more consistent. That includes bringing down parts that are too loud and highlighting sounds that are otherwise too quiet. Finally, boosting with a few kHz can help bring an edge to vocals.

Key Takeaways:

• Start by cutting the very lows with a filter up to 100 Hz. Then use a parametric EQ to cut the low-mids somewhere from 150 – 250 Hz until it seems to sit better.
• Certain phrases of the vocal tend to get buried in the arrangement. Especially if the vocalist is very dynamic and sings both loud and soft parts.
• If that’s the case then it’s time to pull out the compressor to tame those dynamics. Compression isn’t just for keeping the loud parts at bay, it’s also great for pushing up the quieter parts.

“Start by cutting the very lows with a filter up to 100 Hz. Then use a parametric EQ to cut the low-mids somewhere from 150 – 250 Hz until it seems to sit better.”

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