Let's start by talking about vocals. Vocals are probably one of the most important, if not the most important parts of a song. Most mainstream music today has vocals at the forefront of the song and it generally leads the melody. The music tends to act as a carrier for the vocals but the song really shines through the lyrics and vocal line. Obviously this isn't true for everything, but it is true for a lot of music today. Since vocals are so important, we're going to look at using EQ to enhance a vocal track and help it shine through the mix.
First I'd like to say this:
Do not use EQ to try and fix a vocal track.
What we are trying to do is enhance tracks and not fix them. Make sure that you are spending the time necessary at the recording stage to get a good solid vocal track. Now, it may be the case where you are mixing for a client and don't have control of the recording quality. In that case, you just have to do what you can. But it in most cases, get it right at the source.
Once you've got a great vocal take and you're happy with the recording quality, it's time to mix. I personally recommend saving the vocals for last, though this is just my preferred method. The reason I do this is to help the vocals sit right in the mix. Once I know everything else is where it needs to be, it's easier for me to determine where I want the vocals to sit.
How do I know if the vocal even needs EQ?
Well, in truth, it may not. I'm a firm believer in knowing why you are using EQ or compression before you start using it. It's tempting to just start slapping on plugins without thinking intentionally about what we plan on using it for ahead of time. With that said, most of the time a vocal track can and will benefit from some EQ work.
Where do I begin?
Start by rolling off some low end. Maybe anything less than 100hz. You are basically just putting a high pass filter on the track at this point to get rid of unnecessary information in the bottom end. What you do next will depend on the type of mic used and what the vocal take sounds like.
Let's say you used an SM58. These are dynamic mics and are generally warm, if not a little muddy. You'll probably want to cut some mud out of the song. Try doing a 3 to 6db cut around 200 to 400hz and see if that helps to take out the nasally and boxy sound. You may also want to boost around 2 to 4kHz to add some high EQ, helping the vocals to cut through the mix. If you used a condenser mic, then the vocal is probably pretty clear and present to begin with. You will probably want to do very minimal EQ and only cut or add where you feel it is necessary.
The key here is to know what you are listening for, and this really just takes time. The exact frequency in which you'll need to cut or boost will depend on many factors and the sound of the vocal take. If you know what to listen for and how to use EQ, then you will know what it is you are trying to achieve and how to get there.
How do I EQ background vocals?
After you've used an EQ on your main vocal line, you will probably want to do some EQ on the background vocals or harmonies as well. This is where you use EQ to create balance. What you want is for the lead vocal line to cut through the mix while the background vocals help it along without taking away from it. One way I do this is to roll of some high end and low end off the background vocal track. I'll generally put a high pass and a small low pass filter to get a nice warm and round sound for the harmonies. When the level is set right, this usually helps them to support to vocal track in a way that doesn't cut through too much.
Hopefully these tips will help you next time you are using an EQ on a vocal track. Remember to listen to the track and think intently about what it is you are trying to achieve. Know that EQ is a tool that well help you get there, but it is not meant to fix problems. Rather, use it to enhance an already great sounding track.
On the next tutorial we will be looking at EQ bands, and how many you need in your plugin. See you next time!
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