Hip-Hip Mixing Vocals 101: Compression

Our first step in mixing vocals in Pro Tools is to compress the vocals. Let's take a listen to how the vocal files sound naturally, with no editing or processing whatsoever. The first thing you'll notice is the vocals are quite rough and rugged.

For the sake of editing, let's go ahead and move the fader down on the vocal track so it slightly sits behind the mix.

Play back the files again with the vocal track brought down. Compare the vocal sound to a commercial recording you like. Notice how the vocals sound very "raw" in comparison? That's because they're not compressed.

Compression does two things for vocals. One, it can help a vocal track stand out better in the mix by sitting better within the overall mix itself. By compressing, you're making sure that the loud and soft parts of the vocals are even. Without it, the soft parts will get buried in the mix, and the loud parts will overpower the mix. You want the vocals to have a nice, smooth sound in the mix. Second compressing brings out the tone of the overall vocal sound better, allowing it to make a punchier impact.

Let's click on the insert area above the track, and insert a basic compressor select the preset "vocal leveler". If your rapper is very dynamic, like the artists on my page Slapside Entertainment, you'll want to bring the "attack" -how fast the compressor kicks on peaks/valleys - a little lower.

Now, you need to compensate for the volume loss you incur when you compress. Anytime you bring a compressor into the mix, you're changing volume, and you need to compensate for it. Move the gain slider up until you're satisified with the added volume. Listen to the mix now. Notice that the vocals lay much better in the mix.

Mixology digirack compression settings:

Thresh: -6.0

Comp ratio: 2 to 4 range

Attack: 1.2

Release 150 to 300 range

Knee: slightly adjust in the 100 range

Any questions feel free to contact me:

e_morla@yahoo.com

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