Jay Kahrs

Contributing Editor

Last month I covered some general things about recording vocals. This month I've got some specific things

that you can do to add the icing to your vocal cake.

When I'm tracking vocals I try not to use any EQ. The main reason for this is that it's really hard to go back

and match the sound that you had a month later when you decide to re-sing the first line of the last verse.

If I EQ the vocals I do it while I'm mixing. Here are some quick rules of thumb:

- Boosting between 150-250hz will make the vocal thicker. Cutting the same frequencies will obviously make it

thinner.

- I always put the high pass filter in when I'm tracking and mixing. It keeps the vocal from getting tubby and

muddy.

- Playing with 1-3khz will give the track more "cut." Try not to add too much as these are harsh frequencies.

Instead of adding here, try cutting this frequency in the track that's "covering" the vocal sound.

- Adding EQ somewhere between 5-7khz will add some presence and bring out sibilance if you add too much.

- 10-12khz and up will add "air" and some sparkle.

Remember that eq should be done with your ears and not your eyes. There's a reason you can add or subtract

15db or more on each band. And remember that it doesn't have to be a pronounced effect to make a real

difference in the mix. Another reason to use as little EQ as possible is to avoid nasty side effects like phase

shift. That can make your track sound really unnatural, but, that may be what you want.

Reverb: I usually put a short (1.5 - 2.5 second) reverb on vocals if it's a medium tempo pop / rock track. That

will make them a little fuller sounding and add some space. Even a "dry" vocal can benefit from just a tiny

amount of reverb - even if it is almost inaudible, it will help. Remember not to overdo it - I don't like to have my

vocals swimming unless the singer can't sing (like me) or you want that spacey / trippy thing.

Delay: I also like to add some delay to the lead vocal. A long delay ( > 250 ms) will reinforce the vocal and

make it stronger if it's matched to the tempo of the song. A short delay can "enlarge" the sound of the vocal -

use a setting near 30 ms to "double" the vocal, and keep it low in the mix. It will make your vocal fatter,

without adding an obvious effect.

The bottom line is to experiment. Use this as a starting point for your own presets. When I start to mix a song

I usually know what reverb I want to use, but sometimes the best reverb is no reverb. Remember - if it sounds

good - it is good.

Keep those ideas coming to me because this is your column. I'll write about what you want to know more

about. Even if it's onion rings and Kool-Aid...