Vocal Mixing For Pros - Using EQ, Compression and FX | Featuring Michael Johns

This is how I approach how to mix a vocal in a track from top to bottom. I discuss spot EQing, De-essing, Compression, EQ, Dealing with Sibilance, Harshness and using Effects like Reverb, and Delays. I am demonstrating with a demo I did with my dear friend Michael Johns, an Australian singer that performed on American Idol in 2008. He finished in 8th place and died unexpectedly in 2014 at the age of 35 of dilated cardiomyopathy. He was a dear friend and one of the best human beings I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He is greatly missed by his friends, family and his lovely wife Stacey.
If you want to hear some of my vocal production work, check out the Needtobreathe album "The Reckoning" (2011 Atlantic Records) that I Engineered and Produced.

[@georgeholdcroft6957]

Wow. I played over 100 shows with Mike 2009-2014. Clicked this video for Vocal Mixing tips. What a surprise. Loved that guy. Thanks for sharing this Rick!

[@jeffrey.a.hanson]

That’s gotta be wild…He sounds unbelievable! Sounds like an SM57…really brings out some amazing harmonics in his voice. Don’t need to comment on vocal control. For fun, I’m gonna sing this and then have Melodyne analyze both our vocals. See what a pro could do on one take vs my comping of 10 takes lol.

[@manulovesyoumadly]

2:50 Spot-EQ look for: harsh notes that need 3k taken out of them, plossives that need to have bottom end taken out of them 3:22 first word "come" plossive at the beginning wind sound at the and low cut 110Hz 3:53 "close" plossive c at the beginning, spot-EQ just that 4:20 "breath" plossive b at the beginning, spot-EQ just that, steeper low cut curve 5:00 lot of wind spot-eq whole phrase 5:50 balance vocals in the track, EQ, Compress, De-Ess 6:20 about singing with a handheld directional mic (SM57, SM7) in front of the speakers (great pitch, great performances) 7:00 Compression 8:04 De-Esser 9:26 EQ 10:18 Reverb EQ right after, always low-cut 140Hz, high-shelf 11k (+8db) 3 sec, long pre-delay (106ms) -> voice stays upfront and intimate think about the tempo of the song, are there spaces in the vocals for reverb? (if no, better use delays) 12:43 Delay 500ms don't time it perfectly to the tempo 14:09 Throw-Delay single repeat, quarter note, eq it, low-fi, pan it to one side 15:23 Double Tracked Vocals different EQ

[@jacklandy5704]

Thanks. Really appreciated

[@sempopo]

Thank you!

[@jimmyjamesc7834]

He’s whipping through the spot EQ shortcuts. Trying to figure out how to do this with this plugin. Any help appreciated.

[@JonGodsun]

RIP Michael Johns...your a good man Rick for honoring him and sharing your talent and wisdom. Thank you!

[@createlovehappy]

I just want you to know that this is massive value. I went to music production school in 2006-2008 and I wish my instructors taught me less bs and more real world practical “this is how you really do it” stuff. I did do an amazing internship with Joel Jaffe at studio d in Sausalito, ca where I learned deca tree mic techniques and some basic stuff. It ended way before I was ready and I felt completely lost and not prepared enough to get work as a producer or engineer. As a result I had to find work elsewhere and support my family however I could. My only regret is that I didn’t seek out the producers that made the records I loved and learn from them instead. Anyway great Channel I love what you do. Maybe it’s not too late for an old guy like me @ 54.

[@Bamagolfandguitar]

Create Love Happy it’s never too late, my friend. Especially if your goal is producing. It isn’t a gig that is physically demanding, so you can enjoy it well into your later years and not be at a disadvantage to the younger cats because it’s all about technique and know how. So go get in the studio and get after it! 🔊 🎶 🔊 🎶

[@createlovehappy]

John O'Mary Oh man. This is just what I needed to hear today. Thank you for the kind words of encouragement. I sold my drums and a lot of gear. Kept a few great mics, guitars, bass and a keyboard. Still have my digi 003. Used to run a dual g5 pre intel. But need to get a laptop that will work with the 003. Anyway thanks man.

[@JAFOpty]

Rick it would be great to include some screen capture video, it is a bit difficult to see your screen with the camera.

[@GistOfItMedia]

69th like

[@IchBinJhono]

@Cazador Nocturno but the audio would also be better off a screen recording

[@elmer8170]

Yeah but hes litherally saying everything he does, thats the point. Its not a genius deconstructed video where we wanna see the screen so much, its more about the tips he has to give

[@CIRCLEOFTONE]

For pops/plosives I found a great trick where you highlight the small area and use/automate the "edit gain" and reduce it by 6 or more Db. It actually sounds good. It sounds emotive and not thin/dropping out. It's much more natural than a de esser. It's just a split second of reduction. The less in the chain the more head voice you retain. I love your long pre delay reverb trick.

[@thedirtygood]

Rick, I really wish you'd do more videos like this. The technique to spot EQ the vocals for plosives was a lightbulb moment for me being self-taught at mixing. I'm certain I'm not alone in that.

[@rubentavares4662]

that plosive at 3:22 shook the damn camera

[@dickeyjones6992]

Rick, Iv'e been learning from your videos for a while now and want to tell you that they have helped me a lot. This was very good for me to see how you did this. I am sorry for the loss of your friend Michael Johns. He was a real talent and I am sure he is looking down on us all as we listen to this and learn. God Bless.

[@ThomTremblay]

What a voice. Incredible. Just in my work, I've come across so many incredibly talented people that are never heard by the masses. I guess we can just be happy we were able to hear them. Sorry that you lost your friend. Thank you for sharing some of his gift.

[@starttherebellion9146]

God I remember Michael Johns' performances so well on AI. You could have knocked me over with a feather when he was out in 7th on a freak vote. To this day he's one of my favorite vocalists ever. Such a fantastic voice. Given the time and the right songs he could have been a legend. - So cool that you actually knew him and worked with him. I tell ya, the more I find out about you the more I am in awe of you Rick.

[@CIRCLEOFTONE]

You are the man. This is gold.

[@hungliketictacs]

Thanks for making these Rick, they will forever be a reference for future music lovers.

[@karisonicaudio]

good master always think about up coming talents

[@naturligfunktion4232]

I’ve been producing for over ten years now and the more I do it, I feel that it is all about polishing an already great performance. Take this video for example. Rick doesnt do that much, but it sounds great. It does so because the singer did a great take. And that is what it is all about

[@NICUofficial]

within the first 4 minutes I already had my mind blown (not uncommon with your videos) I just never realized that vocals are being edited to this level of detail (or rather I don't think I realized WHAT level of detail was being edited) "Spot-EQ'ing" and the phrase "you know what, I'm actually just gonna EQ the entire word" MIND. BLOWN. That one sentence says so much, in so few words, to a newer producer like me this is definitely going to improve NICU's upcoming self-produced album. every little edge I can get on my vocals - from performance to mastering - means the world to me EDIT: "If there's NO SPACES, there's NO ROOM for REVERB" gah these are just hitting so hard RN also the song is really pretty. and he does have a great voice. sorry to hear we lost him.

[@fredoviola]

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for these excellent tutorials!!!

[@JMWatts79]

I've followed you for about three to four years, and I'm going back through older videos I've previously missed. Your friend, Mike, had a great voice. I wish you had a complete vocal track so you could finish this for him, and though it's been a while, I'm very sorry for loss, Rick.

[@backspin6698]

Why is it always the good and beautiful people that goes first. And the bad and evil stays and makes the world a bad place. Nice song and tribute Rick.

[@alirezahamed8893]

woww what a voice and what a great song never felt so amazing watching a mix tutorial i wish the song was actually out😢

[@FisVii77]

Really like this vocal Mixing correction stuff, Look forward to more in the future. Thanks for Sharing Rick.

[@IAmMinnian]

This was amazingly helpful. More mixing tutorials please. Thanks Rick

[@GoodVibeTribe]

Another incredible tutorial. Thank you so much for sharing this very personal moment and introducing us to a great friend of yours.

[@jonesofohio]

Great song Rick. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on vocal mixing and for a great channel.

[@markkroos]

Gosh what a gorgeous voice. Thank you for sharing this, Rick, and the info is awesome.

[@schance1666]

wow, what a singer. thanks again for shining a light on a lost star and for all the amazing production advice... so inspiring. Thanks, bud.

[@brianlee9898]

Always grateful for you sharing your knowledge!

[@lloyddarbon5034]

Always great to see the way you do things. Thanks Rick :)

[@Arufured0]

Rick, please, release this 8 songs including this one! Just lovely material! It would be a great tribute and honor to Michael Johns and his family, no doubts.

[@christinekolyan5821]

Thank you Rick Beato !! Love the videos you make :) You are a great man.

[@briangurnett]

Holy poop. Such great information. As always. No fluff. As always. Thank you. If I were to have a request, it would be to hear your thoughts on mic-ing vocals. Mic types, placement, in-line effects or compression before the computer... Thanks again, man.

[@behemoth123]

Great Rick! looking forward to more mixing and recording videos! thats what i do too and i always love to see what other people are doing.Thank you!

[@JohnKesselChannel]

i found this post very touching. it's clear you loved your friend. this was an important engineering lesson. i still lack the ears to tell what does what. i'm glad there are pros like you that will share their craft and knowledge.

[@danbroussard8714]

I enjoyed watching your work. And I liked your choice of vocals and how you addressed the parts. Thank you.

[@tonymirabal8832]

I am having such a great time studying these, Thank you,

[@bigbillrecords]

Thank you for publishing this video. As someone who is building something bigger than himself in this music endeavor, the knowledge from this video is invaluable and will come in handy when I get to work with actually gifted singers. I believe it will help polish my vocals, too, in the meantime since that is all I have now for the exhibition tracks I am making. While I use FL Studio exclusively I was able to identify the plugins I would use for each of the tricks you mentioned. This is GOLD. Thank you.

[@ljones2087]

😂😂😂

[@PhilBaker]

Thanks for all you do, Rick!

[@juliandevilliers6435]

Great video. Thanks for sharing Rick. Great vocalist there wow!

[@guitarsword1]

Awesome Rick. Great vocalist , loved the tune.

[@dennismenezes9423]

Great great work ! I'm starting to watch your videos . . this is the second, I'm following, I don't have knowledge about recording, but, it's great to watch the process. Here in Brazil, at least in Rio, at the music university, we don't learn to much about it, we have to find ways to learn, produce ourselves . . and it's so important for musicians nowadays . . In the video "The Story of My Musical Background" , the phrase "upload my brain to youtube/my kids in the future" . . that was deep . . philosophically modern ! It made me stop to think about the times we live in . . ! I don't know if you have it those videos, but, one about the minimum of equipaments (and good ones) that we need to have to record ourselves, one instrument . . and what are they for . . like "sound table"/audio interface, I've already seen people saying that you need one, but the programs already have those functions . . anyway, those questions from someone who knows nothing . . Sorry my english, hugs from Brazil ! :D

[@hartleygabolinscy3152]

❤️🌹🌹🌹❤️ A BIG Thank you, (NZ) Now I have more faith to tackle my recordings. I can learn right here and appreciate your way of work and instruction. BRILLIANT.... and I ain't young. LOVING THIS.

[@Morres-music]

GREAT vid! Learned a lot out of this....and WHAT a beautiful song and what a great lyrics....and what a great voice! Wish I wrote it! It would fit me perfectly.

[@BasilSimon]

Thanks for this Rick. I value this because I record my own vocals and often lose objectivity due to an annoying helping of self loathing! Its good to hear another producers approach! I'd be interested to know your rates for mixing too. Shoot me a PM if you can! Have a great day!

[@docgnft6681]

Thanks Rick. Like the music theory vids... but the production/mixing videos you do are PHENOMENAL! Great tips to troubleshoot tracks and make them sound the best they can. Your experience really evident and I love the nuance in your approach. This is kind of education that one would ONLY get if they were your assistant engineer. Thanks so much!! TtT Ps. If it is not obvious... I'd love anything more along these lines.

[@tomlebeau7921]

Love all your mixing videos! Make more please!

[@ayMillmusic]

This is really some of the best tips you can get on the web. Amazing video Rick, thanks for sharing and I'm sad to hear about Michael. Thanks for showing us this. Take care!

[@HubLocationSound]

So many nuggets of wisdom in this video. I’m shocked it only has 1800 views... Really valuable advice.

[@MarkBennett007]

Thank you Rick…….. very informative also very touching.

[@newsomething8682]

Thank you for this aspiring music and lesson!

[@aricunono6272]

Sounds a hit and this tut was gold. Thank you,

[@lleevv1052]

Great video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@louiegroenewald]

Great Video. Lovely explanation. This seems like a very nice guy.

[@janwaldekranz2641]

Thanks for another great moment with my super teacher!! I am almost going back from Logic to ProTools just because you use it. I gave it up because I found it to often crashing.

[@DerSaitenspringer]

Well done Rick! Great work!

[@metalmix7773]

Wow! I'm stunned! Amazing how easy it is to learn this stuff these days.

[@glenfordholder6441]

great tutorial bro great singer he was.

[@PMandersloot]

thanks Rick:) I really enjoy your video's! They always seem to inspire me

[@paoloribaldini]

Spotted the video, liked and put it on my playlist for production before seeing it...

[@CarloMartinYrure]

Such a good song Rick. 👍👍

[@frankpratte8358]

I've always wanted to look over someones shoulder as they mix. This is absolutely great.

[@lukeweiler1192]

Cool video good watch I’ve been struggling getting a vocal sound I’m happy with. I think EQ and compression are where I’m screwing up. Watched your video on compression and your video on EQ and now this. 🙏👍👍👊🏻thanks for dropping the free knowledge rick!!

[@deangoritz9625]

If i would've have been smart enough to win your contest, i would rather spend an hour hanging in the studio with you Rick, love it. Brings me back to the days i worked in a studio

[@giantessmaria]

Wow, when he kicks into the high register around the 17 min mark it gave me chills! Top notch vocalist...would have loved to hear him sing some Robert Plant, early Zep ...!

[@nielshanne5417]

This is so good! Thanks Rick!

[@JimStanardMusic]

Beautiful voice

[@heythere6983]

I really like the way his voice starts getting shaky for effect, you can feel his heart churning . Nice tone and feel for sure . The song sounds nice.

[@JanDaggry]

Thank u so much for sharing your expertise and you're hart feldt emotions about your long lost friend. Ive lost a good friend of mine to suicide for a couple of years ago, just thought of him again yesterday. It reminds me to live as much as i can while i'm here. Hugs all round

[@eastlake93]

Bless you Rick.

[@hotrodbod1]

Absoltely BEAUTIFUL voice Rick! So SORRY for ALL our LOSS!

[@Meshakdann]

This is very interesting, i learnt and even take notes. I just wish this song was finished😍

[@protoman247]

Amazing work

[@jerryk3280]

Wow, what a great voice! And nice production as well :)

[@suckmebeautiful631]

Helped me out on getting started, great video to get the gears churnin'

[@randalscandal1588]

RIck, you are fantastic.

[@MarkAnderson-ip9iw]

Great song..

[@diablilloperdio]

Great track!

[@D_punkster]

Great insight indeed. Though i couldn't actually see exactly what you were doing in some other other instances. Camera focused fully in the screen for more detailed screen info would make your tips even more clearer. Great, priceless tips and tricks all round. Thanks!

[@shashankchauhan5009]

Thanks Rick🙏

[@Rogijimbex]

Terrific! Thank you

[@ianmacdougall8812]

There s something there in that song. A man of your ability can probably strengthen the chorus but the verse is very good. Hope you finish it!

[@DreErdna]

Amazing!!!

[@forgepro8659]

Can anyone on here explain how to set up the "spot-eq," that he is using on the vocals? I have looked for days now and can't find a way that explains how that is set up. BTW, great stuff Rick. Glad folks like you are in the world to share and shape future engineers!

[@metalion667]

Forge Pro - I'm not a pro tools user but I seem to remember you can place 'audio suite' fx on the actual clips instead of the whole track,;that's what I think he's doing and then bouncing or rendering those fx straight away, that's why you see the waveform changing afterwards.

[@ChristopherRoss.]

Yes, using the audio suite, pull up whatever plugin you need, cut out your selection and hit the process button on the bottom. Be careful though, once it's rendered you've commited. Ctrl z is the only way to change it.

[@eye3Production]

super useful, thank you thank you thank you, keep it coming

[@weslaycock466]

Great video appreciate you.

[@-marino2782]

Sounds like it could be a great song. You should finish it for your friend. Could be a great song. Chorus is powerful

[@jermainesmith6315]

Thanks. Sorry for your loss.

[@Gemberland2004]

He a beast. He break it down to the tea

[@SorenAraujo]

You Sir, are outstanding, Rick. Pretty please, could you make a video on spot eq? Thanks indeed! Greetings from the tiny islands of Cabo Verde.

[@lacerdabruno1]

So sorry for Michael, thanks Rick for showing us his talent!

[@webjammer1]

Excellent information and presentation for mixing studio vocals. How about a video for those of us that do live recording and have to deal with cymbals and snare in the vocal mic.

[@marcushawkinsmusic]

whoot whoot! If you ever need a drummer for one of your videos.... I live in Georgia!!

[@TheAlphahot1]

I love you man!!

[@jaimomo65]

Great video and great surprise, same monitors than mines ;-)

[@helgyd]

those mixing routine vids don't get much views as I see but they are a great help and very insightful

[@tonebox8205]

this stuff helps me a lot thanks man good job really good job :)

[@xinkay]

Hi ! Thanks for sharing - great ideas. Maybe you can do for us one video about mixing with reverb and delay?

[@nicebluejay]

great video, thx

[@millmoormichael6630]

Thanks RB! God knows I love reverbs but I’ve become to be into a super dry vocal ala Mac Miller. That would be a great tutorial! 👍

[@WeSaveHorses]

Let's finish this! I will play and record drums. You do some arranging. Add some bass guitar. Get it mixed and mastered. Then...we can do a video montage of Mikes life and career. Just a thought. Thanks Rick. I really dig what you do.

[@trulyronson]

He Rick, have you ever thought about finishing the song? I would love to give it shot! This song is up my ally...

[@JensHilzensauer]

Thank you for your awesome videos! I got a recommendation for screenrecording (including audio): Screenflow. That way you could even release mix/production course videos. I'd buy them. ;-) All the best from Germany.