In almost every genre, the vocal is the most important element, but it’s also a frequency hog. To get a vocal to sit perfectly, you have to be gentle with your EQ. Professional vocal mixing involves targeting specific “problem zones” that occur in almost every recording:
- The Mud Zone (200Hz – 500Hz): Cutting here removes that “boxy” sound that makes a vocal feel like it was recorded in a closet.
- The Nasal Zone (1kHz – 2kHz): A small dip here can make a harsh voice sound smoother and more expensive.
- The Air Zone (10kHz+): A subtle high-shelf boost provides that “expensive” shimmer found on professional pop records.
The Masterchannel Advantage
A common frustration is having a vocal sound great in the mix, only to have it get “buried” once the track is mastered. Masterchannel is built to prioritize vocal presence. Our engine analyzes the mid-range clarity of your track, ensuring that the “space” you carved out for your lyrics remains intact. The result is a master where the vocals feel “expensive” and sit right at the front of the stage, regardless of the playback system.
