My Favorite Vocal Chain (83% of the time)

My Studio Gear List:
--------------------
I personally purchase my gear from Sweetwater and have for over 12 years -- these are affiliate links, meaning you can support my channel by using Sweetwater. The reason I trust Sweetwater is because they have the BEST customer support I have ever seen, two year warranty, free shipping, and they have they best reputation in the industry. You will never see me recommend buying pro audio gear from Amazon

--------------------
Logic Pro X: (use the app store)

Sample Libraries / Plugins I HIGHLY Recommend:
_____________

[CHRYSTALIZEmusic]

I thought this video wasnt gonna be useful but then I CHANGED MY MIIIIND

[HardheadedInsight]

The value of information in this video is damn near priceless. Once you know the process and can execute it, you've gotten past the most difficult part and never gave up.

As for the ones who are still trying to wrap their head around the mixing process as a whole while still learning on their own the individual processes within it, LISTEN to this advice:

Do NOT over confuse yourself by watching countless other YouTube videos in an effort to move past wherever you are in the process. You will waste hours, days, and months collectively trying to put a sense together behind the bits and pieces of information that you will collect from all the half-ass information out there that's totally irrelevant to the actual information you need to help your certain situation and your mind's understanding.

Instead, save this video. Rely on it. Rewatch it. Follow his processes. Try his processes. Whatever sense you need to put together to further your understanding will end up being found within your own trial and error and it will come waaaay faster this way than not. It's one of the most critical pieces of advice I can give after 4.5 years of learning on my own and can 100% say it's the advice I wish I had gotten.

Good luck and enjoy the journey!

[AndreasSchaefer-xhqi]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:

00:42 🎙️ The crucial first step in any vocal chain is ensuring proper recording, maintaining audio levels around -6dB, and addressing room acoustics to avoid issues like clipping and unwanted reflections.
01:25 🎚️ Corrective EQ comes next, focusing on subtle adjustments rather than aggressive moves. Shaving off frequencies below 100Hz and addressing harsh tones in the vocal are key considerations.
05:18 📉 Initial compression aims for 3-5 dB of reduction, using a 2A-style compressor to control peaks and maximize volume without causing clipping.
06:41 🎤 De-essing is essential to manage sibilance and prevent issues during later stages of mixing. Adjust de-esser settings carefully to maintain natural vocal characteristics.
11:21 🎛️ The plugin chain starts to deviate based on the desired outcome. Adding EQ with a color-giving plugin like Vintage EQ or Oxygen can enhance specific frequencies for desired tonal characteristics.
11:50 🔄 Serial compression, using a second layer of compression with a different character, is introduced. Choosing a compressor with color, grit, and punch is crucial in this step.
13:34 🔊 After all the processing, the vocal transformation is evident. Even though the volume remains similar, the vocal sounds punchier, more aggressive, and louder due to the applied compression and EQ adjustments.

[Leous]

Knowing the basics on EQing vocals can change everything, thank you Nathan!

[eaglein]

Don’t hate in those frequency sweeps. You listen for constant ringing frequencies that pinch the ear more than the others. It works wonders if you know what you’re listening for.

[JeffyG]

The EQ advice is really helpful. I’ve been trying to do too much with a single channel EQ - mostly subtractive. These extra steps with small adjustments are key to success.

[Fiveash-Art]

Thank you so much for using Logic's built in plug-ins for this ... really makes it easier since this is what I'm familiar with.

[vewilli]

Watched it again after about 7 months and again I say I‘d need your years to hear all the subtle changes and your knowledge what and how to get your results! 👍🏻👏🏻

[tatemcmillan]

This was great man. Made me realize that I’ve been doing a little too much with all the plugins. When I listen to some of my first songs (although they’re not as cleaned up as what I do now) had a raw quality to them that really gave the track some life. Sometimes less is more, thanks to

[stevierico]

You’re a good engineer and producer. Respect.

[DbpLukcy]

One of the best videos ive watched yet thank you again my friend

[MelodiousEtude]

this is probably the simplest and most efficient vocal compression demonstration I've seen in a while. THANK YOU.

[menacemalatoent]

Found your channel 2 days ago, and you have helped my mixing skills tremedously already. Thanks!!

[DbpLukcy]

Thank yu for pionting out and going over and breaking down the exact changes your making

[jdeery]

This video was so helpful. I’ve been working with most of the elements in the chain, but so much more informed on the aspect to be considered as working though. Fantastic job!

[vewilli]

If only i had your musical hearing skills and your knowledge how to correct vocals with a perfect vocal chain! 👍🏻👏🏻🙏🏻

[kushlinfield]

Thank you for all your help, Bobby from Queer Eye!

[rodstone]

Dope guide! Gonna check out your other stuff!

[ManiacalMidget]

I record in a fully finished and carpeted, thick concrete basement. (Old school recording). The only noise I get is if my dogs bark upstairs or if anybody walks around upstairs. My studio room is very flat in terms of reverb but if I clap, it does this stutter back echo. Not if I yell though. I always have to do de-essing

[petrikaivanto]

I don't have time to see most of your great videos with monitors or headphones, but incredibly even with a cellphone speaker I could hear most of the differences in the high end. Really well made video.