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How to Set Up EQs for Vocals

Although many vocalists sound good without equalization, others can greatly benefit from some corrective equalization. Many times, this results from the sound a microphone imparts on a vocal. Fortunately, vocal equalization can transform a live or recorded vocal. Proper equalization can remove unwanted frequencies from a vocal and enhance the desirable frequencies of a vocal.

Instructions

    • 1

      Insert a software or hardware equalizer onto the vocal track. The process for doing so will depend on your recording or mixing setup.

    • 2

      Decrease the gain of the equalizer around 200 Hz to remove muddiness from a vocal. Doing so will add clarity to the vocals.

    • 3

      Increase the gain of the equalizer around 3 KHz for added clarity to the vocals. Be careful not to increase the gain too much in this area, as this can cause the vocals to sound "hard" and unpleasant.

    • 4

      Reduce the gain of the equalizer around 3 KHz to enhance the "breathy" sound of the vocals.

    • 5

      Increase the gain of the equalizer around 5 KHz to add presence to the vocals.

    • 6

      Increase the gain of the equalizer above 10 or 15 KHz to brighten the vocals and enhance the "breathy" or "airy" sound of the vocals.

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Recording Music

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