Welcome back to our blog series where we break down the essential tools and techniques for mixing vocals. Vocal mixing is a deep subject and something that requires continued practice to master. There are many different tools to learn, and it can often be confusing knowing where to start.
In part 1, we covered the fundamentals of vocal mixing, and the initial consideration you need to make before you start working on your mix. In this post we will be delving into the topic of vocal compression and exploring some of the different types of compression that are commonly used.
This guide is intended for beginners and singers who may not be super savvy when it comes to the technical side of things. Follow these tips to help take your vocal recordings to the next level!
Vocal Compression
There are many options to choose from when searching for the right Vocal compressor. Each type has unique characteristics that make it better suited for specific tasks in vocal mixing. Luckily, the stock compressor plugin found in Logic Pro X is able to emulate many of these compression models, allowing you to select the mode that is perfect for your vocals.
FET Compressors (Field Effect Transistor)
The key characteristics of the FET compressor include fast attack and release times for capturing transients in your vocal. FET Compressors are typically noted for their ability to deliver an aggressive compression without sacrificing transparency. FET Compressors also add slight harmonic coloration for warmth and presence. The main benefits of FET Compressors are that they are great for adding energy and punch to vocals, and work extremely well on dynamic performances, controlling peaks effectively.
Optical Compressors (Opto)
Optical Compressors (hardware) use a light-dependent resistor to control compression.
This delivers a smooth and natural-sounding compression that generally performs best using slower attack and release times compared to FET compressors.
Optical Compressors are known for adding a warm, musical quality to vocals, and are Ideal for leveling out dynamics without sounding overly processed. Due to these characteristics, Optical Compressors are best suited to use on Ballads and softer vocal styles that require a gentle, smooth touch. They are also excellent for subtle leveling in singer-songwriter or acoustic genres.
VCA Compressors (Voltage Controlled Amplifier)
VCA Compressors offer clean and precise compression, allowing for more fine control over parameters like attack, release, ratio, and knee. VCA Compressors are also known for being able to handle aggressive compression without distortion. This makes them a fantastic tool for mixing vocals when you desire a tight, controlled compression, and can bring a sense of punch and consistency to a vocal track.
A VCA Compressor is best used in dense mixes where vocal precision and consistency are crucial. This type of compressor works exceptionally well for genres like EDM or hip-hop where vocals need to stay upfront and clear.
Multi-Band Compression
As well as these types of compression, when mixing vocals we are also able to make use of multi-band compression. Multi-band compression works the same as a regular compressor except you can tweak the compression settings for different frequency bands of the voice. Thai can be extremely useful when you need to finely calibrate your compression levels to help blend a vocal in with your track and also to tame any problematic areas of the vocals, such as low-mid boominess, or harshness in the upper frequencies.
Layering Compressors for Vocals
In practice, engineers often layer multiple compressors to achieve a polished vocal sound:
First Compressor - Transparent or optical compressor for gentle levelling of dynamics.
Second Compressor - A FET or VCA compressor for adding punch and bringing the vocal upfront.
Multi-band Compression (optional) - Targets harsh frequencies or sibilance in the mid/high range.
De-esser
In addition to making use of compressors when mixing vocals, we also typically use a de-esser to help achieve a smooth and silky lead vocal.A De-esser is a specialist type of compression plugin that works by applying a large amount of compression to a specific frequency range. This frequency range is typically in the 5 khz - 8 khz range and is designed to target harsh sibilance or “ess” sounds provided by the singer, which can often sound quite harsh.
Logic Pro X has a stock De-Esser 2 plugin that is a great tool to use when mixing your vocals. We recommend using this first in your plugin chain to help tame any harsh elements of the voice before applying further processing such as compression or EQ.
Thanks for checking out this blog article. In part 3 of this series we will be exploring vocal EQ and discussing how you can use EQ techniques to get better sounding vocals.
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