My Top 5 VOCAL COMPRESSION TRICKS for a PRO Vocal Sound

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My Top 5 VOCAL COMPRESSION TRICKS for a PRO Vocal Sound
#compression #compressor #vocalcompression
Get ready to start using your compressor plugins like a pro!
It can be hard to grasp how a compressor works. The effect can be subtle, but if you’re not sure how to properly compress a source, you can wind up making things sound even worse!
That’s why I’m taking some time today to share my top 5 vocal compression tips!
I really want to make sure you understand this, so if you still have questions after you watch the video, leave me a comment below! It might just get answered in a future video!
*** at 3:05 I unintentionally miss matched "Above" with "Below" when talking about the Treshold point and the Attack time, and vise versa with the Release time. I guess it was a long day 🤦
Timestamps
0:00 Intro
0:50 Overview of vocal track
1:58 Tip 1 - EQ & De-essing before compressing
2:45 Tip 2 - Attack & Release
3:25 Attack defined
3:45 Release defined
4:04 Attack & release in action
7:30 Tip 3 - Using clip gain automation
12:43 Tip 4 - Using more than 1 compressor
13:00 Compressor 1 focusing on peaks
14:12 Adding a second compressor to smooth things out
15:32 Before and after compression
16:24 Tip 5 - Use Dynamic EQ
18:47 Bonus Tip - Overdo it and then back off
Featured Artist in this video:
www.peggy-polito.fr/
• Clip - Emmène Moi - Pe...
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CUBASE 12 sweetwater.sjv.io/XxQVe5
STEINBERG LICENCE KEY sweetwater.sjv.io/6bBJNN
DAW CONTROLLER Presonus Faderport 16: sweetwater.sjv.io/5bXnGn
STREAM DECK amzn.to/3OFVHaO
MONOGRAM CC monogramcc.com/shop/
SPEAKER CONTROLLER sweetwater.sjv.io/gbvG75
MICROPHONE sweetwater.sjv.io/b3WVKB
POP FILTER geni.us/8AnqW7A
STUDIO MONITORS:
KALI Audio IN-8 sweetwater.sjv.io/XxQVBM
HEADPHONES:
Verum1 V2 www.verum-audio.com/
Austrian Audio Hi-X65 sweetwater.sjv.io/vno7MN
Beyer Dynamics DT770 sweetwater.sjv.io/LPzQ6O
STUDIO MONITOR CONTROLLER sweetwater.sjv.io/gbvG75
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[@mixdownonline]

at 3:35 I unintentionally miss matched "Above" with "Below" when talking about the Treshold point and the Attack time, and vise versa with the Release time. I guess it was a long day 🤦

[@soundescapemn]

I think it's definitely worth mentioning how much easier this is to implement if you have source material as good as this. Like that was an awesome take on her part that's also well recorded. Always, always, always get it right at the source first.

[@LESHED1]

As usual another great Video. High value Tips & Clear and detailed explanations. The way you Speak + Great sound quality is the edge of your videos when it comes to the ears of a none Native English language like me. Thank you, sir, from Israel!!!

[@johncostigan6160]

5 simple tricks and BIG results. (great song, too) The vocal sits nicely in the mix. Thanks Chris!

[@mixdownonline]

Glad you like it, thanks! You're welcome, John!

[@mr.dollar420]

Well done - clear and concise!

[@mixdownonline]

Thank you!

[@lloydbrownmusic]

Another great set of tips Chris. A fave of mine is to use the 'pen tool' across the vocal track as well, so the compressor doesn't work any harder than it needs to. Cheers dude

[@mixdownonline]

You got it, the pen tool is a good one to use for clip gain Cheers!

[@grahamwitcher105]

Great video Chris. Keep up the good work. Thanks.

[@mixdownonline]

Thanks for watching!

[@bobbydreg5597]

Great videos and loving the last two videos vocal performances you used. Some talent coming through your doors.

[@mixdownonline]

Thanks so much!

[@eljodioerrante]

Really interesting. Thank you very much.

[@waynebo248]

Great tips! Thank you! I will definitely put some of this to use next week when I start mixing my next single.

[@mixdownonline]

You're so welcome!

[@gitarman666]

One of the best comp vids I’ve seen! up there with Warren H. and Rick B.

[@EdwinDekker71]

Before anything else I open the file in RX and soften all the Ss and Ts etc. Then declick and denoise. Works great.

[@kennethmorgan6293]

Thank you so much for your knowledge. Its like an online class I'm taking notes and everything I've always made good music but never could get that sound i wanted. Thank you !

[@mixdownonline]

You're very welcome!

[@mosanafitness]

Thanks that was really helpful much appreciated 💯🔥🔥🔥

[@TheSpokenWord38]

Thanks Bro, love the lesson and the sound... chow.. i will save this vid for future lesson as well..

[@mixdownonline]

That's great, I'm happy you like it!

[@thore535]

Great tips very well explained. Vivid, useful and concise. Thank you. (Couldn't quite believe it's almost 20 minutes long. Felt more like ten.)

[@mixdownonline]

Glad you liked it! :-) Thanks!

[@benbilan]

Thanks, Chris! Appreciate your helpful tips!

[@mixdownonline]

My pleasure!

[@letarteaga9108]

man, you should have 5x your subscribers. Every one of yur videos has always been useful for me. Thanks for all this!

[@Harrysound]

I like how you call them tricks. Because there is no right way to do things as we all know but these are good ways to get good expected results. Attack - grab , release - let go

[@stefanmusic]

Great video. Thanks.! One question: Could you tell me what headphones you are using?

[@in2gadgets]

Great set of solid points, Chris - thanks for this :-)

[@mixdownonline]

My pleasure!

[@danielgarcet1130]

thank you Chris for these good explanations, I took notes of the compression

[@mixdownonline]

You are welcome!

[@MuresanViorel]

Just thanks. For All Tips what you gave me.. Its werry helpfull for me.

[@Sylvantunes]

Great Great Great video! Thank you!

[@mixdownonline]

You are welcome!

[@FoolsGames]

I've always struggled with compression, mostly because I understand it in theory but what I've always lacked is the "if you do _this_ then you get _that_ as a result" understanding. When Chris explained that "release" affects how present the vocal is in the mix I immediately understood. Thank you for that (!), and I hope you continue to explain things in ways similar to this so that newbies like me can understand better what you mean. Unrelated: it's good to see you using Cubase! I've been a Cubase user since 1997 (and still don't understand compression...ha!).

[@tekis0]

Hello: I am a professional audio engineer for over 30 years. I also taught at SAE New York for 14 years. Compression was the hardest thing for me to learn AND to teach! The only way to get good at it is to practice. Experiment, make mistakes! Eventually, you'll get it.

[@bf4lvr]

@@tekis0would I be able to message you for some advice?

[@MOP-777]

Thanks you for a Great Tips

[@shadow-sea]

I really like the way you explain thank u for the video

[@mixdownonline]

You are welcome!

[@alyteent]

Thanks for sharing 🙏🙏🙏💯

[@prenumenumedefamilie3418]

Agree if you change the terms"fully compres"s with fully processed signal"And explain you way ! We already have the termini\ology of "fully compress meening "over -compress signal that is not desirable.Sow better mention fully process signal meeaning that the time will rich maximum what he can be set to do per amount of release time !Great !I would like to personal thak you for that PDF ! I NOW THOSE BUT HAVING THEM MARK SOMEWHERE (I WAS SO LAZZY RTO MARK THEM MYSELF) WILL MAKE A GREAT DIFFERENCE !THANK YOU !

[@H2MOfficial]

I’ve been watching all your videos, you’re doing a great job , can you do a video about 3 space reverb in vocals in real time recording for any genre ?

[@Radianation]

Great tips. It seems like some people like to put the de-esser after the compression. I like to fix the signal before compressing, but I am going to try your suggestion of running one before and after. Solid

[@mixdownonline]

That way you don't need to be agresive on one De-esswer, but gentle on 2...If need, of course ;-)

[@producernation]

Thanks !

[@HiMalSaru]

Signed Up. Thank you so much 🙂

[@mixdownonline]

Welcome!

[@ruidepaula]

Excelent LEsson... Love it...

[@mixdownonline]

Glad you liked it!

[@roobscoob47]

Good job, Chris~

[@mixdownonline]

You're welcome!

[@timelinefilmsweddingevents5764]

You are great

[@LANDRmusic]

Looking forward to watching thsi!

[@mixdownonline]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@manykzdj792]

Nice channel!!!

[@mixdownonline]

Thanks!

[@MrMindmist]

what a great easy style. I imagine Chris in his studio producing Jazz like this all the time dancing about his control room the happiest producer in the world ha ha ! peace brother.

[@mixdownonline]

LOL! Love it!

[@orellronnebeck]

I love your videos

[@mixdownonline]

Awesome, thanks!

[@Dgils]

🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩Im in love 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@dexiville]

прекрасно!!👌

[@roses7576]

yo, great video! just a question, what headphones are those?

[@mcsweet1966]

Great Job Chris, I never used the Arturia 76 but I do like the input output Link. That was a great song to test compression with the upfront vocal on what I call a (Mix a la Française) were it`s almost impossible to hide any pumping of the compression . Thanks for the Video If like me you like the way Chris explained and make EVERYTHING simple comme join a great groups of open minded people at the Academy :)

[@mixdownonline]

Thanks Michel :-)

[@painkillerstatuspoint7615]

Itx just stunning bro . Love from pakistan ❤️

[@mixdownonline]

Thanks and you're welcome!

[@tony8236]

very nice Chris. what do you think about the tube compressor and fat compressor of cubase stock? do you think they can work just as well?could the vocal rider plugin work instead of manual automation at the end of the chain?

[@nuurnwui]

What a vocal! Very nice vibrato….

[@mixdownonline]

She's an amaxing signer

[@LuddeB]

Great video explaining! Just wish Fl studio had clip gain, looks so effortless Personally have some difficulties hearing compression unless its overcompressed, guess its something you get used to

[@anantashishsharma]

FL has clip gain, it's volume automation... You'll get a new clip for the automation process

[@Maxxabstract]

My stars I could listen to her sing stand-alone for forever and a day! No idea whats shes saying n yet paying every bit of attention I’ve got on her voice:) lol

[@mixdownonline]

Lol! She's a very good singer

[@eyeslikeoceans]

Are these mixfiles availible anywhere or was it work for you? I'd love to mix this it sounds amazing.

[@PeteEdmunds]

Thanks for the tut Chris. I think I heard The same vocalist in another video of yours. What an absolutely beautiful voice she has. the last time I heard a female voice with that same tone and purity It was on the Jesus Christ Superstar official recording from mid 90s. I was lucky enough to see the stage show too.

[@chrissekely]

Would someone please explain how "hold" differs from "release" and how to use that compressor parameter most effectively? Thank you.

[@prenumenumedefamilie3418]

Having a more release then we want (for a natural sound decay) not meen over compresss !It could be a setting for working "choosing for it character" .What about future house or future pop styles ? or in other words if we have short phrase with long notes and expression as well?

[@lillegendt]

which type of headphone or headset can i use for mixing my vocals will appreciate if you will reply me

[@FUFUWO]

Have you heard of fab filter plug ins?

[@LorentzHallMusic]

Hello Chris! Hope you're allright! Question.. I just recently started recording again after a 15 years break, and before I used Logic. So now I'm trying to get into Cubase. (on PC) I am struggling to understand how you lowered the volume of the pre gain automation directly over the sound file? I've been googling for an hour now, but now I am asking you directly. I googled about pre gain automation and Cubase help explained a way that only shows pre gain automation above the channel in the Mix Console. A limited way it seems. Your way edited the level directly over the audio track, for example 8:29 into your video. How do I do that? :)) Also.. can I edit all automation visually over the track like you did? Best regards, Stellan Stockholm, Sweden

[@maxtofone]

Thanks Chris for this great video and explanations... May I ask what type of headphone are you using in this video. Kind regards and many blessings, MaxT

[@mixdownonline]

These are the Verum1 headphones. I will make a video on them soon

[@maxtofone]

@@mixdownonline Thanks a lot for the kind reply and the headphones model 😉

[@maxtofone]

@@mixdownonline Thank you very much for the kind reply and looking forward to your review on the Verum 1 ;-)

[@prenumenumedefamilie3418]

Well please let me mark something else for the people might be interest ! I will bring in discussion some terms like 'gain -setup" and 'gain-compensation ".To me is not such important the tool i use ,rather the "stuff" i am aiming for ! But for any of this if we choose to work with compressors we should know the meaning of choosing one ! As for character only on creative part and for or just for his action meaning compressing signal !Sow let s split those 2 because we can have mostly of time a mixture between (like a 2 option as well). Choosing a compressor for it character definantly had to know it s native sound-character right?More Analog,More Ataky ,more thumb or body ,more transparent ! Chosing a compressor for it "only compressor thing".Could be a stock one like you bring it here .But also we should be still aware of make-up for gain compensation thing ! Because what we aim for fist place !?!!?!A? To me those 2 setup gain and gain compensation should be set even prior to turn a single knob inside of the comp ! Please give me a like or a comment if i am rong or right !Cheers!

[@TommyPrydeIV]

What headphones are these?

[@DanielGuillaud]

Hi Chris ! Arturia comp are my go to if I no more hardware. Pre gain it’s so powerful tool ,I use the pensil objet for do that . Did you know if we can make it in real time with a fader control ? Je sais pas si je me fais bien comprendre :) ? Merci Chris

[@mixdownonline]

Cool that you work with the Arturia Comp :-) Using the pencil for clip gain is nice also. Yes, you can use Quick Controls to control the PreGain with a knob or fader of any MIDI controller

[@DanielGuillaud]

@@mixdownonline top ! Je vais essayer ça ! Merci Chris et bravo !

[@erkamau9629]

great ! do you use first trick, in solo modo o looking at the vocal IN the mix ?

[@mixdownonline]

Both, but mainly in the context of the mix

[@prenumenumedefamilie3418]

On vu i advice users to diplay also the out signal not just the gain reduction !!!! Sound silly but is not ! I WAS FULL MAYSELF HUNDREED OF TIMES THAT WAY ! THERE ARE 2 THINGS SHOWN ON SAME VU SPECS!!!!Please do not forget to turn out vu as well! That way you will have a direct signal out signal representation !

[@LossLeadas]

what headphones are those?

[@eyeslikeoceans]

What's the song called? I can't find it anywhere

[@jorgecorreia-ccr4544]

What is the name of the band or singer? I like the music.

[@farhanhosseini3881]

First one!

[@LeGaLdeadparliament]

could you plz prompt me a song name? thank you!

[@prabhuja7554]

Shud i compress audio for my Podcast??

[@mixdownonline]

Sure, I do on my KZbin videos...I don't compress a lot, but I do

[@prenumenumedefamilie3418]

Seems a mixing session you show to us here ! As for music production or recording side ! Better working with rec auto pre compression settings !Just a little bit will make llife easier later in the mix ! You can alway having same rec clean and semi processed ! i am telling you magique wil happened on writing those bits ! on processing we can only alter sow we semidistruct those until we comming to a no undo in the processing side!

[@michaelharmon5502]

When you said "below" at 3:35 and "above" at 3:50 you got it reversed. A compressor acts after the signal goes above the threshold. It stops compressing when the signal drops below the threshold.

[@mixdownonline]

Oh shoot 🤦 That was obviously unintentional ... A French Canadian's brains works in mysterious ways sometimes... It was a long day 😕

[@mixdownonline]

Thanks for letting me know 👍

[@joshgsanvo]

I so need the name of this song Anyone? please

[@mixdownonline]

I left links to the Artist in the video description

[@joshgsanvo]

@@mixdownonline Chris mi Amigo! Thanks! unfortunately, the song is nowhere to be seen. I applied a little zoom to the video and was able to read the tracks name on your session :D Gracias!!!

[@KlemDanielsSeattle]

Vocal can be the spoken voice too. Why is it not included when talking about vocal sound???

[@jonwatte4293]

What, no OTT? :-)

[@mixdownonline]

OTT?

[@Jailer_]

it looks like you dont actually cut the lows much! why?

[@renodigitalservice]

I don’t use Cubase Bro!

[@who_is_dis]

I personally don't see the point in any subtractive EQ ... or any EQ before compression... You may as well do it after.

[@mixdownonline]

80% of the time, I will have an EQ before compression so the compressor reacts to what I want it to react to. If I have a vocal that is boomy, I will cut some low mids out of that vocal before compression, and that will make the compressor perform better without being triggered by the low mids too much, in this case I will add EQ enhancement after comp usually.

[@Aabhyan]

you are getting old😉and thanks for the video

[@mixdownonline]

Yes I am LOL

[@monitor4208]

Compresst to death. Kills the emotion. Kills dynamics in songs. From start to end the same noise.