How to Make Lead Vocals More Present in a Mix

Even in a busy mix, you'll want her voice to stand out.

Recording an entire mix of sounds into a cohesive song isn't all that different from folding an old road map back the right way or convincing a large group of puppies to nap. There are a lot of parts, moving in different directions, that you have to corral to get the mix you want. There are many sound elements that go into a mix, and if you want lead vocals to stand out, there are specific steps you can take.

Instructions

1. Keep your lead vocals near the center, on the spectrum between left and right on your speakers. Other primary sounds, such as deep bass, should also stay in the center.

2. Maintain a frequency of around 1 kHz for your lead vocals, especially if you want the words to be easy to hear. Only the kick and bass should stay under 100 Hz.

3. Resist the temptation to add reverberation to your lead vocals. Ironically, this will actually make them blend in to the rest of your mix. Instead, use delays; this will keep the vocals consistent while allowing you to build depth and volume.

References

• Indaba Music; Tutorial: 12 Common Mixing Mistakes; January 2011.
• Tune Core: Mixing Your Music
• Producer Today: Make Your Mixes Stand Out