Mixing the Lead Vocal

Develop a multi-stage vocal processing chain for a lead vocal.

Apply surgical EQ and a de-esser to clean up a vocal track and tame harsh sibilance.

Use serial compression (multiple compressors) to transparently control vocal dynamics.

Apply subtle pitch correction to tune a vocal performance without creating artifacts.

Blend reverb and delay sends to create a space for the vocal that fits the song's context.

Use automation to ensure the lead vocal remains present and intelligible throughout the mix.