VOCAL

EFFECTS &
MIXING
BACKING
VOCALS

By Rob Mayzes
 Reverb
Try using a subtle short reverb to add width and depth to the
vocals.

Can use either a plate or a room reverb

Bring up the volume until you notice the reverb, then bring
it back a touch
If the reverb tail is still audible, apply a gate to the reverb
and side chain it to the lead vocal

Delay
Use a stereo slapback delay to create a space around the
vocal.

Use different delay times on the left and right to add

stereo width
Use a low feedback amount (0-15%)
Use shorter times (around 50ms) for faster songs or less
space around the vocal
Use longer times (up to 200ms) for slower songs, sparse
mixes or more space

Use a mono timed delay to add depth and interest to the

vocal.

A whole note delay usually works best

To make the delay more obvious, adjust the timing
manually rather than using the sync function
Create delay throws by automating the send level or delay
time
 Backing Vocals
There is no need to spend a lot of time processing the
backing vocals.

Send all of the backing vocals to an aux buss and apply

compression and EQ there
Spend time balancing the various parts (in solo if
necessary)
Use LCR panning and pan hard left/right or occasionally
dead center
Can be more aggressive with compression as there is no
need to spend time manually automating the levels (start
with around 5dB of gain reduction)
Use a faster attack time to put the backing vocals further
back in the mix
Apply EQ that is the direct opposite of the lead vocal
(boost where the lead vocal is cut, cut where the lead
vocal is boosted)
Boost the highs to bring the backing vocals forward and
add air to the mix, or cut the highs to push the backing
vocals further back in the mix
Use a small amount of short room reverb to put the
backing vocals further back in the mix (avoid using delays
on the backing vocals)