The 3 Biggest Mistakes You're Making When EQ'ing Vocals

Jan 24

Over-EQing: One of the most common mistakes when using EQ on vocals is over-EQing, or applying too much EQ to the vocal track. This can result in a thin or artificial-sounding vocal, as well as a loss of natural harmonics and character. It can also cause the vocal to sound harsh or fatiguing to the listener. To avoid over-EQing, it is important to be mindful of the amount of EQ being applied and to make small, incremental adjustments rather than drastic changes. It's also important to use your ears to evaluate the sound and make sure that the EQ adjustments are enhancing the vocal rather than detracting from it.

Not using a high-pass filter: Another mistake when using EQ on vocals is not using a high-pass filter to remove unwanted low-frequency content. Vocals often contain a lot of low-frequency noise such as breath, popping, and plosives, which can detract from the clarity and intelligibility of the vocal. Using a high-pass filter can help to remove this unwanted low-frequency content and make the vocal sound cleaner and more defined. It's important to note that not all vocals need to be high-passed, some vocals might need to keep some low-end for a specific genre or emotional effect.
Not considering the context of the mix: A final mistake when using EQ on vocals is not considering the context of the mix. The vocal is just one element in a mix, and it needs to fit in with the other elements. If the vocal is too prominent or too recessed in the mix, it can cause the mix to sound unbalanced. It's important to use your ears to evaluate the mix and make sure that the EQ adjustments on the vocal are enhancing the overall sound of the mix, rather than detracting from it. Additionally, it's important to keep in mind the genre and the emotional impact of the song, and make sure that the EQ adjustments are suitable for that context.

In conclusion, when using EQ on vocals, it's important to be mindful of over-EQing, using a high-pass filter, and considering the context of the mix. By avoiding these mistakes, audio engineers and music producers can ensure that the vocals sound polished, professional, and blend well with the other elements in the mix, resulting in a well-balanced and cohesive final product.

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