The 7-Step Vocal Chain
Gain staging, subtractive EQ, compression, additive EQ, de-essing, spatial effects, automation.
Gain Staging
Peaks around -12 to -6 dBFS for headroom.
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High-pass at 80-100Hz. Cut boxy 200-500Hz and nasal 2-4kHz with narrow Q, 3-6dB cuts.
Compression
Two compressors in series: first slow attack 30ms catching peaks (2-3dB), second faster 10ms smoothing (1-2dB).
Additive EQ
Boost presence 3-5kHz, air at 10-12kHz shelf, warmth at 200-300Hz. Broad, gentle 1-3dB boosts.
De-essing
Target 6-8kHz sibilance. Threshold catches only harsh S sounds.
Reverb and Delay
Plate reverb on send (1.5-2s decay, 30-50ms pre-delay). Stereo 1/4 note delay at 15-20% wet.
Volume Automation
Ride fader phrase by phrase. Push vocal up 1-2dB in chorus. More reverb in sparse sections.