Compressing Vocals – A Quick Tip

If you are going for a very natural vocal sound, don’t compress more than 6-8db using a relatively slow attack and quick release – compressor ratio around 4:1.  To hold the vocal with more control and a sort of smooth and rounded sound, increase the speed of your compressor’s attack a lot and slow the release a little bit. If you have a nice compressor, you can get away with more gain reduction without noticeable pumping or aural oddities. Of course it depends on the style of music you are mixing for, but many times I use a ratio of 4:1 with a fairly fast attack (~ 30ms) and a med-fast release (~ 125ms). A hi-pass compressor-filter set around 120hz works well to eliminate some rumble and I often use a dynamic EQ compressor to further target any problem frequencies – typically problems with sibilance or muddiness. Feel free to comment and leave your own vocal compressing tricks below!

- Mike with the mic

CCM Recording Studios