How to EQ a Vocal - Behringer X32

EQing a vocal is one thing that can be tricky, in this video I teach you how I approach my EQ when it comes to a live vocalist on stage.

Join my X32 Fundamentals Course:

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:27 Initial Listen
01:51 Thoughts when mixing Vocals
02:37 Using Low Cut with Vocals
05:43 Low EQ Band to Reduce Muddiness
08:48 Reduction of Midrange on Vocal
10:33 Adding in "Air" into a Vocal
13:31 Boosting of Mid-High Freq on a Vocal
16:04 Where the Air Boost does not work
19:28 Example Pre & Post EQ

[johnwibbens]

Drew - Thanks so much for helping out those of us who are not "professionals" but still have the responsibility to do this job! It would be helpful for us if you produced an updated version of your "Case Study" with the newest X32 updates. We are trying to set up some scenes for a complete live band much like you original effort. 🙂

[banogadjo]

Thanks a lot Drew for your tutorials. I'm using a X32 Rack for my gigs. All your courses are very precious for me.👍🏿👍🏿

[rjcvdlinden]

one other EQ-trick for cut through vocals: subtract/scoop out mid-high 'gaps' in instrument channels (keys, lead guitar) that compete in that range. gives room to the vocals vs. the band. EQ is not just the channel itself, but the whole context of the mix.

[ArmedSldier]

I have never read any instructions for behringer x32. All my knowledge comes from the experience I got while using the mixer. However, if it weren't for your films, all this knowledge of mine would just be an unorganized mess. Your films are outstanding - starting with a nice ambience, ending with relevant information. I will certainly recommend this playlist to any newcomer who comes to our venue. These tutorials are hands down the best on youtube!

[DuesGibGolfandLife]

Another great video building on your previous ones. It’s good hearing the adjustments so I know how they can affect the sound. Give me more confidence to boost and not just cut

[gajdet]

Hi Drew! This video was quite informative. You threw me a curveball though. Up front, you mentioned the vocals should punch through to the front of the presentation. To me, it sounded like the instruments were on top. Then the reveal. The vocals needed compression! Excellent video!

[TL-wuid]

Using EQ in live performance depends on the type of mic, speaker, room ambiance, speaker placement, and number of people around... many factors. Not an easy job! This video may only be good in studio. In live, feedback happens for sure if not careful 😅

[joshuasilva]

Thanks for helping me understand on how to get vocals to sound so clean in a P&W mix. Please keep bringing more content like this on the Behringer X32 console, I really want to use/get one of these consoles, they just look really great to use haha

[solvesmith]

Thanks for the great work on this!!! Just helping out at our church soundboard and new to everything

[tumeloruiters]

You are extremely helpful brother, God Bless you and your family!!!

[edtsch]

Thank you so much for this excellent advice! I will try these out next time I run sound at our church. I find some women's voices to be especially challenging and I'm glad you included one, although the singer in your example does not seem to have the nasal tone that I don't know how to improve. I believe these ideas will give me a good starting point, though!

[tomputc]

Very nice video on the x32 and mixing in general, thank you!

[ipyanadavid]

Thanks so much for this information about sound you make me feel like I am professional in sound. God blessing you

[elestiloespecialoficial]

Great video Drew! I’m excited to learn the dynamics part

[vlotos]

Nice song, perfect explanation. thanks so much. and let God bless you

[jasonalexander]

Great helpful Video Drew. Huge difference with your EQ changes. Could you please do a video on the de-sser as it doesn't seem to be as easy to use as a stock DAW de-sser. Thanx

[timpadgett]

thanks for the detailed explanation. the repetition and speed you are explaining at are very helpful. 2 follow-up questions that are potentially touched on in other content.

1) what do the colors represent in the bars? does it match the channel labels, or are frequencies also represented by colors on the display? or something else?
2) is it possible to translate bad frequencies you are hearing in a room to the visual graph on the display? or is that something you more have to know what frequency you are hearing to supress it on the meter?

[gwillsmultimediatechsolutions]

Hi drew, thanks so much for this informations, it’s quite helpful 👍

I would love to have a video on how effective to apply gate on vocal😊

[pvalenti]

I'm not comfortable with a maxed out channel fader. In this circumstance I would add compression and make up gain to get the vocal to sit right in the mix at 0dbvu

[fincaman]

I'm 74 and I find that young soundmen have the vocals much lower in the mix than I do but then I learned sound in an era when vocalists could sing !!!