How To EQ Vocals Correctly

[@Deetronic]

I have simple tip that does great stuff to me - record voice and add just one effect over it - MultibandCompressor [from Wavelab] & load Vocals preset. It sounds very very nice [so very often no additional tweaks are needed].

[@artkor9678]

The best EQ tutorial ever. Clear, concise, and entertaining. Someone who knows it good enough to explain it simply. That's true knowledge. Thanks.

[@itsiREZ]

Thanks Fam.! I appreciate you watching the video! More tutorials coming soon!

[@johnnybrix717]

artkor….if you start eqing your vocals like this your gonna find out that your vocals are gonna sound thin and your gonna run into more problems than your causing

[@powerpointpro3204]

This is THE tutorial guys! Don't close this video in the first 3 minutes! It actually is quality and to the point video. Thanks a lot for this great content :D

[@simianmoonstudios]

"Scanning the spectrum" is a really good and quick technique tip. I do something similar to this myself - but in a slower methodical way, while listening to the entire mix and how the vocal frequencies fit with the other instruments. Thanks to this tutorial, I'll be faster at what I do.

[@itsiREZ]

Cool Boss!! ;)

[@klu8361]

not only do you give good lessons but you make it enjoyable to watch.

[@FlockofSmeagles]

People should do more videos like this. Although you were using a crappy usb mic, you really brought it up to it's full potential. Thank you for helping me, and others that actually pulled something out of this understand the basics of EQ.

[@radaprince]

best explanation, I'm using SE and Adobe Audition 1.5 so I play everything by ear this is the most in depth lesson on EQ I've gotten, you're doing great things here thanks! now I can go make better quality music

[@JayJaeMc]

Keep these coming. By far, one of the better videos I've seen on this subject. Keep doin' ya thing

[@rufus566]

Agree, this is one of the best tuts I have seen. This is the kind of Tuts you get when the presenter has good teaching skills. I am subscribing, and if I need some future mixing, mastering help I am sending it right to him.

[@mantaboo]

Thanks man! This has helped me immensely. You should do more like this. I have been reading on forums and webpage after webpage and watching so many freaking videos and all the information is too convoluted, and here you nailed it in less than 8 minutes.

[@colinmurphy3478]

What you do always depends on how your vocals were recorded and what your mix sounds like. Also tons of pros boost vocals. Instead of cutting 100-150ish - most of time you would just use a HPF set a 100hz.

[@AaronDuckFish]

This is the funniest KZbin video about EQing I have ever seen.

[@USSBARBEL]

Thank you! I'm volunteering in church and have next to no clue. This helps provide a solid base to move forward from. Owe you one.

[@YorozuyaNeesan2010]

Thank you so much for this! I normally rely on a friend to mix my songs for me, but he's really busy, so I thought I'd try and learn things for myself. Another friend kept talking about EQ, but I had no idea what she was talking about. This really helped and you explained things in a way I could actually understand. Thank you so much! Do you have any videos on how to mix vocals with an existing piece of backing music?

[@ThatOneGuyWithAReallyLongName.]

Very creative and very helpful! I was EQing along with this video, and the difference between pre-EQ and post-EQ were stunning.

[@itsiREZ]

Your absolutely correct. 30 sec. is nearly NO WHERE close to being enough time to EQ a vocal correctly, but for a tutorial purpose, I believe it shows enough time to explain the necessities for those who are interested in accomplishing this process on their own. Thanks!

[@cbaxter197]

This was the first video I watched on EQ!!!! Boy was I lucky!!! You broke this down like a champ! I need to watch all your tutorials. Thanks

[@ronnielosangeles]

Dude! You are an EXCELLENT instructor. Clear..... keepin' it simple..... and yet explaining what needs to be known........and humorous!..... Very entertaining and helped me. thanks

[@Muzikmanflames]

One of the BEST Tutorial's I've Seen so far. And I've seen ALOT of Tutorials. Good Job Man.

[@cheddacheese148]

Probably the most fun tutorial I've watched. Very helpful too. I'm just breaking into vocals and this helped a lot!

[@itsiREZ]

Yes. That can be very true & correct, It ALL depends on how the recording sounds to begin with. Then in the mix process, you have to make sure the vocal stands out properly, & by doing so, there is many ways & techniques that you can use to achieve that goal.

[@priorwitness]

Well I liked the video. I found it entertaining. I usually don't mess with the EQ a whole lot when it comes to vocals. I usually boost the frequencies around 60hz and 2k just a tad by about 1.5 to 3 db and then scoop the mids out by the same, but that's it. It's one of the reasons I invested in a Shure Mic. Then I add compressor/audio leveling and reverb to my vocals. It's like the video said, it all depends upon what sounds good to you. A male vocalist who does Hip Hop and R&B will differ on what they need to make their voice sound good compared to what a vocalist does with a Rock track. I'll mess with my EQ settings more after watching this video and see what I can come up with. So thanks for posting!

[@KapitolTV]

why can't every tutorial be like this? very concise and informative without dragging along. Thanks iRez

[@StefanScripca]

Love your style, bro! And nice insight on HOW to correctly eq voices! Great job!

[@itsiREZ]

Thanks Lots! Yes, You take the same approach when EQing Instruments, But depending on which instrument, you need to adjust different frequencies.

[@DBoy0113]

Loved it thanks for this video... All teachers should teach like this make it entertaining for the student

[@itsiREZ]

Thanks! I appreciate it my man.. Most Def. Will keep creating & posting new tutorials in the near future.

[@CipoCipo2x]

Just pure awesome. Felt like listening to a song instead of learning something. Thanks for the effort. Learned a lot.

[@saneman667]

Agree, waves SSL eq and channel strip plug-ins are phenomenal. Waves API ones are also amazing. Izotope alloy is also incredible. Not cheap, but also not a rip off, you will use them forever.

[@Benngrym]

thanks man i been looking up mixing and stuff you are the first person to explain it so i could understand it

[@jonescomplete]

what a great presentation. This was the best possible way to teach EQing. you don't have to stop talking every 3 seconds to mess with the sound. You are awesome.

[@uniqueeyeproductions2644]

Been searching through so many different tutorials and I understand you! Thanks a million Bro.

[@DIXIFREELY]

Man I've watched tons of eq vids here and yours was the best! I hope u do one on compression lol! Subscribed

[@devon-graves-studio-D]

Cutting is the first step, but there is nothing wrong with adding a bit where it needs. a bit at 2.5k adds bite, and a nice high shelf round 8-10k adds presence and sparkle. The key is not to add too much. more than 3db may be too much. The tube eqs sound really good at additive eq. But you have to start with a good mic in the right spot with a properly treated room. EQ should be used as little as possible in either direction.

[@itsiREZ]

Yessir! I really depends on the vocalist and guitar notes that you are playing.. If they share the same Frequency rage, than yes it would be good to EQ them both to create separation. Hope that Helps!

[@FASTFASTmusic]

This was lots of fun - kinda made me think of Sesame Street for Audio Engineers.

[@USSBARBEL]

+JamesMulvale - Thats where I'm at. Sort of an eye opener. 'Cut'?! LOL!

[@skawalker35]

I pretty much do what you do before I saw this :). I totally agree. The only thing I'd add ( which you may do already) is hi-pass filtering. I like to get rid of everything below 80hz - 100hz or so unless it's a kick or bass or something. :). It gets rid of excess crap down there you don't need that muddies up your mix and/or causes "boominess".

[@1Logic2]

Man you don't know how much I appreciate this....

[@JNpMusic1]

what a nice tut mane! i like the way you got your own vocals sat perfect in this demo. also, other vids dont cover such things as this. also i aint commented on a video in AGES! so props to u bro. i stayed away from HZ cuz they do Hert! lol but its something i gotta get in check peace

[@itsiREZ]

Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to Watch it!

[@itsiREZ]

Thanks for your opinion. I appreciate you taking the time to listen

[@CayronMusic]

i just want to pause this vid for a minute and say that this man is first of all A M A Z I N G! i dont usually do this but.... this is the art of learning. Respect from here.

[@MalcolmFlex1]

holly shit!! this is super interactive. i love this video. i wish you were my teacher growing up. wow. just wow.

[@itsiREZ]

Awesome!! Yes EQ is a Huge part and importance when it comes to mixing... Along with, Compression, & different types of Signal processing.. I will be making tutorial on how to mix in the Near Future!!! Stay posted..

[@itsiREZ]

I appreciate you taking the time to watch it! THanks!

[@Grekordz05]

Seriously a great TUTORIAL. not another bs video telling you what to do but NOT actually showing you! Great work Brahhh

[@GuitarToneFreak]

I haven't even gotten to the tutorial part yet - but this dude's back and forth with himself made me laugh - so it got a like from me. Plus, this video's mix sounds good, so it warrants a like. :P

[@jorgepeterbarton]

boost narrow cut wide is one 'rule'. However, there's also another rule, that is that if you can do it with a cut its better than a boost-phase artifacts only are in the frequency band selected, so you don't degrade the sound as much. So that literally means cut narrow cut wide now, depending on circumstance....I'd say it improved a mix i did though translating all the boosts into 'cuts' that effectively do the same thing. If you are seeking to change the tone of the instrument boost though, and with a good EQ... If its more mixing to prevent masking i was told to seek out the boost you want then cut around those frequencies instead. so i see where the rule comes from: people cut to fix problems and don't want to chnge the sound. People boost to change the sound. Instead cutting to change the sound is much more natural, and retains the detail though, so wide cuts make sense.. ..the people who use the rule only go and hi-pass everything or use big shelving cuts anyway..

[@itsiREZ]

Yes. You shouldn't mess with the vocals when printing (recording). Some engineers may add a slight compressor, but no signal processing. All that should be done when mixing.

[@mwc157]

WOW this video helped me understand the EQ-ing process SOOOO much, good shit man this video tutorial was greatly appreciated. NOBODY COULD OF EXPLAINED IT BETTER!!!!

[@hardhead727]

Thanks man really appreciate you doing this tutorial I really understand what EQ is now. If you haven't already please do a compression tutorial also.

[@kenmercermusic]

Finally a video that got to the point and was easy to understand.....thanks dude!

[@RicoElite20]

Most detailed video about eq I've seen yet thanks bro !

[@dukesara]

love it, i use sony music studio 9 and i dont have that 7band EQ, its a great program but just need some plug ins. this video was very helpful by the way.

[@Logansan60]

Aww man! Glad I came across this - I've been having issues with vocals - thanks my dude!!!

[@itsiREZ]

Glad to hear that! Thanks for watching

[@itsiREZ]

Thank you for your input. I will def. keep your suggestion in mind. Much appreciated.

[@brianccolaco]

Even though I learnt this before, I love the way you explained it. Great job.

[@itsiREZ]

Thanks lots man!!!! I appreciate the compliments you gave me! Glad you enjoyed it ;)

[@hcmusic101]

One of the best videos I have seen on EQ!

[@starfishandroid]

I had to follow you on twitter, you gave the best EQ explenation ever.

[@itsiREZ]

Thanks lots James! I appreciate the compliment.

[@zemog630]

Hey JLSDUST. I've also had a problem with distortion on vocals and found that if your mic has a pad switch (usually -10dB to -20dB), record with it on. This will help stop the mic diaphram from being overloaded which I found is one of the main reasons for the vocal distortion/clipping.

[@rbarry7]

Dude, you had me crackin up with all your adlibs. You made it fun to learn and was educational. Thanks I hope you come out with more tutorials. I can write and rap but EQ is definitely my weak point.

[@youngwhite972]

i liked this video it well put together and fun and understanding keep up the good work i just now started following you on twitter will be on the look out for more of your videos?

[@QUickMaine]

Wow this is definitely the best tutorial for explaining all of this thanks a ton! Saved us a lot of pain and time

[@auctionmusic]

anything that is worth while takes time and experience to learn. There is no pill or quickie method....that is what I like about this video....in music you must develop your ear, train your ear...only comes with time and repetition. The guy in this video is oozing experience and skill....no b/s...good stuff......

[@itsiREZ]

THANKS LOTS FAM.!!! YES. DEFINITELY WILL BE DOING A TUTORIAL ON COMPRESSION SOON!

[@spookyvangimp]

This was very informative, exactly what I was hoping to find. It is so nice not to have to sit through loads of nonsense in the hope of learning something new. Thanks, I shall check out your other stuff. Good Luck with all your ventures.

[@djp_video]

Wow. Lots of bad information here. You're talking about cutting some of the frequencies that give vocals their characteristic sound, which exactly what you want to KEEP, not lose when building a mix. And you don't ever even mention how selecting the proper EQ on a vocal is directly related to what else is in a mix. If you EQ vocal like this it is going to get lost in a mix.

[@jeffreysousa2372]

what bad information!? this tutorial was on how to EQ vocals from a bad microphone, you were looking for tutorials on eq'ing vocals to sit within a mix.

[@sebaba001]

Any frequency can be cut from the vocals as long as it is annoying or a bad frequency, it depends on each voice. There is no "never touch this one!" frequency rule. What I saw wrong with the video though was that he was cutting and boosting WAY too much (-10db with a big Q?!?!?), but I guess since this is a video to learn about equalizing he did it in a way that everyone would clearly hear what's going on. There is really no "bad information" in this video, as you say. Basic information, yeah.

[@djp_video]

I Am Trill-Pix Because I don't have that kind of time on my hands. And there's no need. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of videos that cover this topic properly.

[@djp_video]

Jeffrey Sousa There's no excuse for bad microphones these days. If that is the intent, the advice should be 'buy a better mic.' Behringer's $20 dynamic is half-way decent. Heck, even the microphone capsule sold at Radio Shack for $3 (or online for $0.30) sounds pretty good.

[@sebaba001]

If you use a Behringer $20 or a Radio Shack $3 and you don't plan on EQing a bunch, then you gotta reconsider what you think is a good sounding vocal.

[@Crunchifyable2]

If you have the right mic at the right angle and distance, there should be minimal need for EQ. Get it right at the source. The rule I always heard was cut narrow, boost wide. And if you can't figure out where to cut, or if you think you have to cut wide, it will sound better use a subtle but very wide boost at the opposite end to compensate. Beginners really benefit from EQs that have a frequency graph built right in, pre and post.

[@itsiREZ]

Thank You! Much appreciated it! I will Def. work on a compression Tutorial for the Near future. Thanks!

[@OfficialSweetWrapper]

Very good, Ive checked alot of videos and this by far has been educational. Well done mate :-)

[@OtisJiry]

Hey iREZ, really enjoy your posts. I have a question ... I'm a voiceover talent, and wanted to know if the same principles apply to straight VO tracks as to music tracks. I have a bass/baritone voice and am predisposed to boominess. I'm looking to see what would clean it up and give that breathy/airy sound but with the timber of the vocal still there. Thanks.

[@ItsyaboyTrap]

Dope I really need to do this myself for when I record music 🔥

[@ProToolsAvidSchool]

the word cut on the eq means practically REDUCE lower the frequency if you add your increasing the frequency

[@wanghammer]

Fantastic tutorial. Loved the way you delivered it.

[@JacquesCoulombe]

Excellent and original Tutorial! Cool!

[@itsiREZ]

READ THE DESCRIPTION EVERYONE.. IT GIVES PROPER CREDIT. THANK YOU.

[@thedaybreakproject]

Thanks man. A good vid. About the high shelving.... isn't it good practise to up-shelf the high frequencies with the 's's to get more shine or presence (as you called it) in your mix, then to use a de-esser - or better yet, manually reduce every single 's' and 'f'? Like you said, you suck the air out by reducing these freq's right?

[@JustAlliance]

Good stuff! Thanks for making it easy to understand!

[@itsiREZ]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@joetrrs]

the fast track interface has an xlr input, but the mic you have is usb. So that is pretty much useless until you get a mic that has XLR output. I have the RODE NT-2A now though. Had to upgrade my gear a year after using the usb mic.

[@itsiREZ]

Sweeeeeet!!! Glad it did! thanks for watching .

[@lrjohnnie2364]

That was most excellent! I loved the presentation and Your Spirit Really made me smile!

[@Exclusive865]

This is a great video. I like learning and you are a good teacher.Much respect bro

[@MultiVisualeffects]

I love this tutorial and your sense of humor...thanks for posting.!

[@dietermoreno]

best EQ tutorial that I've found yet!

[@h-tinetowing2042]

you have to be a proffesor to be teaching with such clarity my dude

[@RealPhoeNix813]

Im glad to hear that I will definitely be watching that.

[@itsiREZ]

Thanks Lots my man!!! I appreciate you watching.

[@itsiREZ]

THANKS LOTS FAM.! Working on a compression Video! Should be coming out Soon

[@biggenme]

To anyone who's really serious about mixing and learning; One the largest steps forward I ever made was teaching myself how to EQ items in their context. AKA against an entire song or a specific group of offending items like submixes or busses and specifically not doing it while the track in question was soloed. The flip side of that is though there is most definitely a time and place for solo-editing. Of which I usually reserve for 'surgery' and general tone shaping. Thekeyisbalancebtweenthe2

[@musaamusic]

"clarity is all of a sudden in our ears." lol, this was a nice video! thanks

[@atikderventa]

man salutes from Derventa, Bosnia. Oh man you are the king.

[@itsiREZ]

Thank YOU for watching my vid. much appreciated

[@itsiREZ]

GLAD IT HELPED! Thanks for watching

[@Wayz7]

Thanks man, the first video I actually understood about equing

[@itsiREZ]

Thanks for your comments.. This was for a tutorial purpose.. it takes MONTHS and MANY MANY Times of practice to learn EQ.. I did my best with in 10 mins. Thanks!

[@Phlyjb]

SO AWESOME!!!! Wish every class was like this!!!!