13/04/2019
Steps For Applying EQ To Vocal Tracks:
1.) The sound you want for your vocal recording start before you even apply an EQ to the track. Its starts with the type of mic you use, the position in the room you record in and the mic placement. The closer the mic is to your mouth, the more upfront and 'bassy' it can sound. Its called the proximity effect. So chose those 3 things wisely.
2.) For me, i always record the vocals dry with no EQ, compression and effects. Because those can be applied in a non-destructive way when you are mixing the song
3.) After the vocal tracks are recorded, I always cut before i boost. This goes for all tracks, not just vocal tracks. So I always cut when its an option.
You have to consider all the other tracks in the song when you EQ vocals. The kick, bass guitar subside in the low frequencies and guitars and piano subside in the mid range frequencies and that is where the vocals sit also.
I'll apply a high-pass filter to cut out the low. Use your ears to determine the range. If you are going above 150hZ, then you may be over doing it.
Next, ill check out the 300hZ to 400hZ range as this is where some muddiness can come from. so maybe cut a few dB with a Q range between 1 - 2dB.
Sibilance usually hangs out around the 5 to 7kHz range. But this range is very important to your vocal's sound. So boost a little bit in this area as well, just be careful not to over do it. If the vocal is very sibilant, you need to cut there also. As with everything, use your ears, as these are just guidelines and every vocal track is different.
Now listen to your vocals in the mix and see where else you may need to adjust. Maybe you need to add a little air to the vocal. If you do, boost between 8kHz to 10kHz
Always EQ your vocals while listening to them in the mix. Never solo and adjust the EQ, because you are no listening to the vocal alone. You are listening to the vocal in the mix with everything else.
Remember that your ears are the final judge and every vocal track will need different things cut and boosted.
Good luck,
CJ Jacobson
