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How to Equalize Vocals Professionally

Understanding how to properly adjust the frequencies of a vocal will allow you to fine tune a vocal and achieve a professional sound. With an equalizer, you can effectively emphasize the frequencies that make the vocal sound better while de-emphasizing the frequencies that make the vocal sound muddy and unclear. However, each vocalist will require different amounts of equalization. Some vocal performances need few equalization adjustments to sound professional while others will require more work.

Things You'll Need

  • Equalizer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the frequencies of your vocal below 60 Hz to 200 Hz. This will de-emphasize the low end in vocals that can sometimes make them sound unclear. Adjust this frequency setting based on the vocal on hand. Be careful not to take too much low end away, as this can make the vocal sound thin. High female vocals can usually be cut up to 200 Hz while low male vocals might not be able to be cut higher than 60 Hz.

    • 2

      Boost the frequencies of your vocal around 3 KHz to enhance the clarity of the vocal performance. Adjusting this range so that the vocals are crisp and clear will help give the vocal a professional sound. This is because this frequency range is most sensitive to the human ear.

    • 3

      Boost the frequencies of your vocal around 5 KHz to increase the presence of your vocal. Doing so will help it stand out and cut through the music. Cut the frequencies of your vocal around 5 KHz if your vocal is too present sounding in the mix. Doing so will help it sit back and blend into the music.

    • 4

      Boost the frequencies of your vocal from 10 to 15 KHz to brighten the top end of the vocal. This will give the vocal a polished and airy sound.

Recording Music

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