The One Thing I Always Do When Mixing Vocals

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In this episode of MakeMineMusic, Marc Daniel Nelson shares the one thing he does to every vocal while mixing. If it’s too much lo end, muddy or too much harshness, dynamic eq will tighten and clean the problems in your vocal recordings.
Multiband compressors and dynamic EQs are some of the most useful tools available to audio engineers. They allow for dynamic control of defined frequency ranges, providing some of the functionality and benefits of both EQs and compressors. Their ability to correct “problem” frequencies in a detailed and generally transparent way makes them extremely helpful for balancing a single sound or a full mix.
However, these two processors are often confused with one another, as they function on similar concepts and are used in similar scenarios. In this article, we'll cover the technical differences between dynamic EQs and multiband compressors, general uses for the two, and instances in which you should use one over the other.
Digital multiband compressors are designed to function as their analog counterparts do. First, the full signal’s frequency content is split into several bands, usually three or four. These bands allow certain sections of the frequency spectrum to pass through, and on most plug-ins look like band-pass filters on an EQ.
Dynamic EQ is quite similar to multiband compression, with many dynamic EQ plug-ins using common language found in compression.
Dynamic EQs and multiband compressors are extremely similar, and it’s no wonder that they’re often used interchangeably.
The absolute simplest way to differentiate them is that a multiband compressor functions mostly like a compressor, but with some aspects of an EQ. A dynamic EQ functions mostly like an EQ, but with some aspects of a compressor.
Multiband compression functions like normal compression, but can act independently upon separate frequency ranges like an EQ. A dynamic EQ band functions like a standard EQ band, but processes signal non-linearly like a compressor.
Whether you end up using a dynamic EQ or a multiband compressor in your next project, both provide advantages that make a mix engineer’s life much easier. These processors can be used to control frequencies in a way that is transparent and musical, and using them in the proper circumstances is way more time-efficient than writing in gain and EQ automation.
The balance that these processors can help achieve and the time saved can make both your mix and the production process a whole lot smoother.
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[@Producelikeapro]

What do YOU do to every vocal? Let me know below!

[@rudolfbaethge282]

I use Reaper Spectral Edit to DeEss harsh sounds manually.. Prefer that a plugin. To me it's more precise and natural. I also work the vocals first before any track. Like to get the overall feel and work around it

[@davidasher22]

I always high-pass vocals first.

[@RegebroRepairs]

I always sing them badly.

[@Fuse_the_band]

I use three compressors. 1st ratio 2 fast attack just 1-2 db compression. 2nd ratio 4 fast attack slow release 3-4 db compression. 3d ratio 4 slow attack fast release 3-4 db compression. This way the compressors grabs the signal nice and even. What do you think of this?

[@Lettsbet]

I would love to hear more about adding the "perfect" reverb to vocals.

[@phil42069205]

When it’s my vocals, I usually laugh, then cry, and finally delete and beg my children to do it for me.

[@don_ald1]

Amen brother

[@gilbertspader7974]

My voice sounds like a dog being strangled and drowned while being run over by a train.to me. Other people say it’s fine .

[@MrVleker]

Mixing your own vocals is the worst thing

[@yens99]

Been there...are there...though I do think that all that emotion is supposed to be in the vocal performance, not the post processing guy...;-)

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha we've all been there my friend! We are our own worst critics!

[@Birdieblogger]

I'm just a girl, standing in front of her DAW asking it to not rainbow wheel. Trying to be that 2% in the industry with relatively old, but still sharp assed ears. You're my favourite 'teacher'. The only one who creates music around songs that I actually love and sound like I would want it sounding like. Thanks for doing these videos. They have really played a big role in my 'self-education'.

[@marcdanielnelson317]

Thank you, Roberta.. Nice of you to say!

[@domdraper3221]

That is a nice thing to say. I also really enjoy every video that this guy makes.

[@cyrillec135]

Roberta, I’m 47 years old ans pis de engineer since 20 years and continue to learning shit ;-)

[@tomrado5249]

Keep after it

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Roberta! So glad to be able to help!

[@kyleparfait61]

I feel like if I would have had videos like these 10-12 years ago, I'd be in a totally different place in my music career. It's unreal how great the resources are being able to "sit in" with guys like Marc just doing their thing.

[@nickanton7983]

Making the massive mistake of watching this right before I was about to submit a final mix

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha I hear you!!

[@mlrdmn]

lololoo

[@crownorok289]

😂 😂

[@lazwid7879]

Fuck😂😂

[@figlermaert]

Lol. Very tempting to go back to old mixes. Just gotta always go forward. 😅

[@fiddlefolk]

Man, the light just went on for me. If I understand correctly, you are surgically fixing the problem areas before it gets magnified by the compressor and then sweetening the EQ in the area where the surgery took place after compression.

[@rodferguson3510]

EQ-ing is quite an art. This brother has waded in pretty deep. Props.

[@Producelikeapro]

Fantastic Rod!!

[@Birdieblogger]

I know this might seem weedy to some, ... like other aspects outside of my comfort zone are (bass frequencies for ex). But as a vocal producer it's like the shallow end to me! But I'm also a high level vocal coach and this has been fascinating to put a Hz number to the dreaded 'honk'. And my general dislike of low mids as well (including in my own voice). I help singers shape their 'shell'.. their formant- to help them EQ and compress their own voices in the moment. (Why producers love working with me when they track vocalists- especially for radio where the stakes are high!) to see how you can subtly curb some of these 'plug in' triggers before putting it through your chain, is seriously everything to me. The vocal formant for those wondering is like this... think of a trumpet mouthpiece and how your lips buzz against it and it sounds like a duck call. When you stick the horn on which is the resonator, the sound become that of a horn. Stick a larynx on the vocal folds and voila- resonance... but like every human, they come in all shapes and sized and the vocal tone and even pitch or pitch perception can be influenced. It's so fascinating to see the digital side of this. Great way to start a Monday. Grateful for this. Watched it like 3 X now lol

[@sbrown6434]

Dude this is the BEST tutorial I’ve ever seen on audio. The instructor is GREAT.

[@xxllx86]

He’s a genius! So many great videos

[@Producelikeapro]

Fantastic! Yes, Marc Rules!

[@Producelikeapro]

@@xxllx86 marvellous!

[@CLdwyer]

He’s all the way right on with those dynamic freq edits. Amazing. Simple. Essential.

[@CLdwyer]

Marc always has vocals that breathe 💨

[@Producelikeapro]

Fantastic Collins!

[@mickeymiguel2726]

This man is purely genius

[@TomBelknapRoc]

Honestly, one of the consistently-best mixing educators on KZbin, right now, is Mark Daniel Nelson. Great channel, full of such great content. Thanks, Warren!

[@one-eye1721]

I'm only a beginner at mixing but I always find vocals to be the trickiest thing to get to sit well in a mix.

[@pauldavey57]

Mate! I love your segments! So good

[@paulb6630]

Love Marc’s videos . Very useful ! Thanks

[@scottfaircloff9530]

Thanks, Marc! Well done, again!

[@MoveUpMedia]

As always...love your deep, deep attention to detail. You’re helping train our ears to listen for these things.

[@amusik7]

This was solid gold! Thanks for this video - it goes enough to detail to really add value :)

[@AlexeySolovievMusic]

Love this series a lot! Thank you so much Warren and Marc!

[@normclemis1221]

Always something to take in with Marc's videos! Thanks Guys!!

[@m2m]

I absolutely adore Marc Daniel's videos. Thanks Warren for sharing these!

[@rudolfbaethge282]

As ALWAYS, useful, simple and precise. Tks Mark

[@brianturner4818]

I learn something new in every video that Marc does. Thanks Marc and Warren!

[@DDWyss]

I always see something I can use when I watch Marc's videos! Thanks!

[@TantraJames]

Another great video. Your mixes really do sound amazing! It's nice to be reminded of these tricks. Thank you.

[@mattematrix]

Love what you guys are doing. Thanks for all the wisdom en good energy :)

[@jorgerivera8238]

This one of my favorites channels to learn how to mix, thank you Marc!

[@jibeji]

Another very educational video by Marc Daniel. I am always looking forward to seeing new ones.

[@camronbridges4543]

LOVE these videos!! This is honestly what true mixing is.. Thank you!!

[@johnsammers]

As ever - brilliant advice and tips. Thanks PLAP and MDN.

[@BlackenedNL]

What a great tip! I think I have watched every Marc Daniel Nelson video online lol, love his way of explaining and the awesome sounding mixes he does

[@KyleValet]

Dude Thank You....you are always so concise and to the point when you teach something. Best on KZbin..I mean it!!!

[@andrem.musiek]

Always such a pleasure to watch and learn from the best

[@bernardofragale]

Hands down the best mix instructor out there. Thanks!

[@raybeeger1529]

Marc, this video is my anchor! I'm looking it from time to time to set my focus back on less and smaller cuts and a smoother mind set during mixing the vocals. Thank you!

[@Lettsbet]

I was just struggling a bit with my vocal mixes. This episode was perfect. Great info. Very helpful. Made a lot of sense, very quickly. Thanks!

[@Amzegal]

Among all the tutorials out there on YT, I must say Marc's sound always blows me away. He produces deep excitement out of raw music. So great to watch him work. Thank you for sharing

[@JestaHs07]

I always enjoy watching your educational videos. I'm always learning something new each time. I love the reasons why you do everything you do. Very clear! Thank you for what you do.

[@sundamusik]

Always great to see one of Marc's vid, bless.

[@RambowMusik]

This is pure Gold. Going from kinda annoying and pokey to well fitting and smooth in 4 simple moves :)

[@petervad]

Brilliantly explained and demonstrated, thank you!

[@kapitbanda]

this vocal treatment is a gem ! tnx

[@lourf]

Really helpfull. Short and straight to the point. Please keep blessing us with those videos I eat them for diner :)

[@XnazxulX]

Great video. I love how you just made some slight surgical changes and the difference it made.

[@officialWWM]

That guy is a really great singer!

[@WolfTrap1000]

I am really enjoying watching this guys videos, very very informative and delivered excellently. Thank you very much!!!!

[@parkchasemusic456]

Great advice, trying this out, thanks!

[@nathanielbrice8725]

Awesome video yet again! Super handy tips which has inspired me to listen more carefully to my vocals and earlier mixes! Cheers

[@antcall6779]

Thanks marc! You are the best my friend 🤘

[@misterfalur]

thank you so much for this wonderful tutorial to learn from your experience

[@don_ald1]

I'm loving those harmonies

[@joejurneke9576]

Love these discussions!

[@harryjiang73]

Thanks for sharing. This track is so good!

[@davidasher22]

It’s good to hear Marc doesn’t think there’s much difference between dynamic EQ and Multi band compression too. 😆

[@xxllx86]

Why would he? It’s basic.

[@davidasher22]

@@xxllx86 well, it’s not that basic. Dynamic EQs use their input audio signal as a sidechain source to trigger a parametric EQ that affects signal amplitude. Multiband compressors split their input audio signal using multiple filters, and the signal from each filter is run through its own compressor; these signals are then summed together to create the output signal.

[@rileyjordan8114]

@@davidasher22 thanks for that explanation, I had no idea that dynamic EQs used the whole frequency range as the input for compression

[@louierubio]

@@davidasher22 whoa. Thanks for the info. Does that mean they both excel at different tasks? Is there a reason to choose one over the other?

[@davidasher22]

@@louierubio I think it just means that dynamic EQ is more of a precision tool.

[@ronallen2458]

Fantastic and timely as usual!

[@davefalk335]

I dug the first take with nothing added........but I could actually hear how the vocal came to life.......what a skill.......thank you for sharing.

[@johnhahn1877]

Great info, great delivery!!!

[@petesawchuk]

Thanks Marc; I’ll be making use of the Q3’s dynamic EQ capabilities moving forward.

[@blakeeaster609]

Man he’s awesome.....great video.

[@1siriuswolf]

Pure gold! Thanks so much gent's

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@michaelbain6402]

Best mixing channel ever created!

[@TheAliosha123]

Great video as always, thanks Marc and thanks Warren

[@pmamusicproducer]

Inspiring tips as always! Thank you so much Marc! =)

[@hotter99999]

Fantastic explanation, Thank you

[@PatMcGuireMusic]

I just need to say thank you so much Marc for these insights and practical tutorials. I have watched and learned from them all and It has really made a HUGE difference for me at this juncture in my learning and understanding of the many tools and how to apply them in creative ways. I'm a huge fan of your work and very appreciative that you take the time to share your knowledge and keep it all creative and fun. I've had big break throughs and several "ah-ha" moments because of it. That goes for you also Warren! I have learned so much from you as well and look forward to all your videos and series. Thank you for turning us on to other great producers, techniques and music these last couple of year. And thank you both for being kind and gentlemen. Much respect!

[@williamholder2969]

As usual really good, useful, information. Thanks so much!

[@stupendousmusic4190]

Excellent! Definitely learned something. Thank you!

[@markbeeson5674]

Great tip. Thanks Marc.

[@Eyeder]

Hey, Marc! You can create dynamic bands in the EQ display by holding the Alt key (Option on mac i guess) while dragging the result curve or double-clicking in the display. =)

[@xxllx86]

Marc, Bro, I’ve watched your video on your vocal chain. Here are some sort of the same plugins. Love to see you sticking to some core elements of your mixing process. You are a great teacher. Thks

[@michaeltablet8577]

Great video! Thanks again so very much!

[@kalegarner6582]

Yo, I am learning so much from you and I really enjoy the content. It most definitely shows that you know what you're talking about. I think I could really see the difference between the effects and eqing you're doing much more easily if you did more before and after sequences when applying your processing! Thanks for making this stuff man!

[@allpdmusic]

Another great video! Thanks Marc!

[@sgfdancecompany]

Great tools like always, Marc thanks so much for sharing your knowlege.

[@MR_Cellarpop]

Thanks, great video.

[@paradossodelfallimento4317]

This will absolutely improve our productions. Thank you a lot!

[@Producelikeapro]

Fantastic!!

[@AnnaAwe]

I looked up the band on Spotify. Great stuff!

[@AudioScapeEngineeringCo]

AWESOME video, Marc!! ❤🙏👍

[@THZORROMUSIC]

ohhh, new camera perspective! 💯💥🤘

[@MartinLang1625]

Excellent vid. I used to love the old Nectar and tweak it from there.

[@jarcau_vegan]

Subtle. Sneaky. Tricky. Awesome. 🍀

[@bluenotecat]

Superb! Thank you.

[@jaronnix6214]

Love your videos. Thanks!

[@Producelikeapro]

Marvellous!

[@evanfoster9078]

Thanks from Seattle Marc and Warren!

[@BassByTheBay]

Your advice is so direct and practical -- no fluff or BS. Thank you!

[@sin_phany_tv]

Is there any chance you can make this as a preset and send it to me because I can’t see I’m blind and can’t seem to fall along any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[@joewrigley4962]

really helpful video thank you

[@niroshanmadushanka2729]

Great lesson .thanks sir

[@kevinm8370]

Thanks, master Marc.

[@adrianlemusic]

I´m gonna implement this in my mixes. Sounds great!

[@AntiTeatarMusic]

Great video Marc! I do a similar thing at the start of a vocal chain, filtering using ProQ3 hi pass and lately using Gullfoss to tame the problematic areas and Soothe to de-ess and then going into parallel compression chain consisted of 4 or 5 different compressors to up the lower parts without crushing the natural dynamics. All summed up in a Aux Bus I later automate and process it further if needed.

[@oscarherrerar.3496]

wow great work on that one

[@giorgiosale639]

Great Marc, as usual! Top quality content. He is one of the best out there!

[@Producelikeapro]

Fantastic Giorgio!

[@whisperthiefmusic]

I'm going to be honest, I rolled my eyes at the mere mention of dynamic EQ. It's another rabbit hole I thought I didn't want to go down. Another complicated 2 week research thing that I just don't need coz I want to make music damn it!! But you've managed to open my eyes and ears really quickly yet again Marc and I can see that I sort of do this already but with a couple of EQ plugins to cut and clean up the stuff i don't like before I get into the style and tone choices for the song. This is just a more sophisticated version of that, that seems to have way more accurate results than just plain cutting out information from the vocal. Thanks yet again engineering Yoda of mine!

[@EJCAudio]

Perhaps think of it as automated EQ? Static EQ is fine for a lot of things, but sometimes you fix an issue on one part of a song, then it causes an issue elsewhere. Dynamic/Automated EQ is a good solution for that. Doesn’t need to be scary or complex :)

[@Lordsallakh]

NO NO!! the multiband compression is THIS and dynamic EQ is THAT! great video as always ty Marc and Warren

[@TheSakuraGumiLTD]

another simple bit of gold

[@thecart1594]

Wow that was awesome..and thats a good song too.Thanks

[@FADY-MAALOUF]

An incredibly smart, talented and gorgeous fellow ! Thank you for your great advice

[@michaeltravis1524]

excellent information (again). you helped me save a superb vocal take I did. It had a lot of proximity issues (is that the right word?). Basically I was not keeping proper distance from the mic and it sounded very nasal and honky, but with careful dynamic EQ and compression, I was able to make the best of it. thanks for that. Im just a bedroom producer. Music is my therapy. Your channel is a sublime source. being able to virtually sit with you as you discuss your philosophy, approach, and technique is just....amazing (and that's the RIGHT word).

[@davidallenhammond2777]

Thanks Marc, excellent technique, really made that sound great! Something for me to shoot for. :)

[@DouglasShibata1]

Warren and Marc no words to thanks for so much pro tips. Always a mind blow and change something in my workflow; to better clearly. If i can ask something to the future, make a video with multiband compress on vocals pls. Have great day and thanks again. Mix Like A Pro for me is one of the best channel on KZbin.

[@salsachevereofficial5730]

Excelente como siempre!. Saludos desde China!.