I've been in the industry for 20yrs and lately feel like I've been chasing my tail more than I need to...this was a good reminder to not overcook things too much...the less is more approach...a very pleasant watch :-)
These boot camp tips are super helpful my friend! Moving the compressor before the EQ to give it less to do - I don’t think that idea would ever have occurred to me tbh lol! Amazing advice, more please 👍🏼
Thank you Mike for making this video. I’m a opera singer recording at home and can’t get the vocal to sound good into my 2 track orchestra or piano. - I see so many videos where people use the fab EQ and cut as I copied but still end up with a vocal that doesn’t sound like me anymore. If I don’t process it it sounds boxy and not balanced. This video I’m going to try out tomorrow morning. I bought most of the Fab filter plug ins and they are awesome to work with. Happy you used them in this video to demonstrate. Thanks again Mike. Looking forward seeing more videos on male vocals or maybe even opera singers ;-) would help a lot -
You can maybe check out his "Fundamentals of mixing" course, the intro (22 lessons, lots of hours) is on youtube. I think he also does this and some other stuff with vintage processing, like focusing sounds by low passing and high passing them in almost all tracks. If you have a decent recording you won't need much. We tend to overdo stuff in part because of all the misinformation online. I've been doing my own stuff for 17 years now but only now I found my first teacher :D And I did a bunch of those (insert name) academy online courses and almost all of them are shit... Even if it's Bob Ross or CLA's brother, its all shit! It's most of the time, a mix overview "Oh, this compressor on, this compressor off" and you won't learn anything. Mike will teach you the thought process, and you will be able to apply it to whatever you might want to work with. I followed the "fundamentals of mixing" on youtube, unsubscribed from netflix and subscribed to Mike's school 3 weeks ago. Finished watching the first series and am halfway through the second, 'cus pandemics, and learned more stuff in 4 weeks than in the last 10 years :) And bottom line, it's probably simpler than what you are thinking :) Take care!
@@athamz9872 Thank you so much for your reply, I really appreciate it. I checked out Mikes website and there is a lot to choose from. What I do mainly is work with 2 tracks orchestra or piano tracks and add the vocals to it - lately I started more in Luna to compose again using Shape which is fun, however, the instrumentals and my vocals are my top priority to get that for once and for all correct even though a 2 track is of course recorded in another space and limited, still, I am sure something good can come out when done correctly right? I guess for Mike with what I work is probably simple - I will e mail him from the website and see how he can help me in the best way...I also did a course in the past and I did learn a lot from it, however, most of these courses are focused on pop music or rap or rock - nothing on classical vocals and 2 tracks orchestra. I presume working with a classical tenor is very different in treating the vocal than when work on a rock song or rap - you can't really compress the heck out of it and when I not compress enough the vocal sounds dynamic and dull completely not how I sing - The EQ trick and compression trick he did in his video did make a big difference compared to how all the other videos are teaching with cutting everywhere the bad frequencies out - I still ended up with a not good sounding vocal...so yes, Mike explains it in a very relaxed and good way I understand and can copy in my session...Your story is truly impressive and I read it several times - I can feel your heart in it...thanks so much my friend - let's see what it brings me :-)
@@joshrainbow-IceTenor Hey Josh thanks for the kind words. Yes, the classical stuff needs a different approach probably. Maybe more similar to jazz with even less compression, but I have no idea what I'm talking about :) There is also a lot to be said about mic selection, placement, rec level and so. I'm sure Mike will sort you out. Let me know how it goes please, I'm hooked :D Cheers my friend!
You just have to tailor your eq curves to your voice, copying settings won't work, every voice is unique so it requires unique attention to whatever is needed, for instance the performer has a similar voice type to Ariana Grande, but even if they are similar you cannot treat her vocal exactly like you would treat Ariana's. They still require different treatment... :)
This video right here is absolute Gold, Mike. Along with the reverb vids it's such good knowledge. Thanks again man. Those who have Ears to Hear, will Listen.
This is what makes pro-q such a killer processor. There’s a 6db swing cutting the midrange in half, the low end woof is almost eliminated but it still sounds natural.
Great video Mike!! I have been stripping my mixes back to primarily a channel strip and have been loving the results. This is a fantastic simplified vocal approach! Thank you!
Hey Mike! - I think you should add this one to the playlist you already have on boot camp tips. I watched them all and didn't find this one there. Amazing content by the way!
your bootcamp tips are really helpfull; please keep them coming ;)) A series on VERY competitive loudness would be VERY (;) ) appreciated Thx for the videos !
great video, i already use the low ratio compression "trick" on vocals, works fantastic also on bass. btw regarding the hammer... Jeremy Clarkson wouldn't agree with you
Hi there. Question: Why would a fast attack make a vocal brighter? The consonants in the vocal are the attack and the vowel comes after... the consonants are in the presence range while the vowels are the body of the vocal... where is the logic here? Wont a fast attack reduce the consonants in the vocal and as a result give a warmer duller sound?
A fast attack is not necessarily an instantaneous attack. A 1ms attack time with a hard knee will sharpen the transient and make it more detailed and present.
Hello! Thank you for a great tutorial. I have one question, though. Do you sometimes apply subtractive EQ on top of the low and high shelving EQ curves and a HP filter? The reason why I am asking is because I am sure there are cases where certain frequencies just poke through and you want to get rid of those using the conventional way of boosting with a high Q and searching for them.. If so, do you apply it after the first EQ? I am just wondering what your approach is if it is such a case. By the way, I tried the method on a vocal track and it does sound nice:) Thank you once again and I look forward to many more great lessons!
Thanks for the great tips again. There's some great things to try in there. However, are you suggesting that we should never use the standard zero latency setting ever on the Pro Q3? Linear phase on everything seems a bit OTT, plus there's artifacts that linear phase creates too. That's the most confusing thing you've said in the video and I don't know why you've said it? Why does it sound hideous?
@@imaginarytube All EQ's are zero latency and introduce phase shift, unless they're specific linear/natural phase. All the classic API's, SSLs, Neve etc and they're all musical. Even hardware mastering EQ's aren't linear phase. I assume he's talking about this specific application of it, but he doesn't go in to detail. Using linear phase EQ everywhere will introduce too much pre-ringing and annoyingly, take a few seconds for the project to start playing after you've pressed go.
Linear phase eq can cause pre-ringing on transients, I'd only use LP-eq on multi miced stuff or parallel tracks where phase really matters but hey I could be wrong.
I agree, it's confusing why he suggests linear phase on the lead vocal. I don't think he's implying never use zero latency EQ. But the Natural Phase on Pro-Q3 sounds AMAZING! It's the same as zero latency but more accurate, using more CPU though. It makes me never want to use the zero latency again, haha.. I think natural phase on the Pro-Q3 would work well with this tip. Hopefully we can get a response from Michael. This is an amazing tip.
Nice bro, but one question, aren’t you taking out to many frequencies when you are cutting all the way up to the 600hz / 800hz? what if you need some of those frequencies?
I've never heard anyone talking like this about the ProQ Zero Latency mode, everybody always says it sounds just as good now I really gotta deep dive into this. Why exactly do you hate it so much for this?
The idea that "zero latency" sounds hideous is simply misinformation. You may not like it. But many professional mixers would tell you they hate linear phase. Phase smearing is fine. Literally all EQs before a few years ago were non-linear. All vintage EQs, and emulations of vintage EQs, operate by changing the phase. If you've ever used a channel strip or console emulation to EQ a vocal, you're getting non-linear phase. And I know you have. I watch this channel and see you using these EQs all the time. To anyone watching this video, I suggest toggling back and forth between linear phase and zero latency if you're using an EQ with those options. See for yourself which you like better. See for yourself if it even makes a big enough difference that you care. If it doesn't, stick with the lower CPU option.
Not the same for a low male voice versus a soprano voice, it's just not. That doesn't even take into account how the mic and recording space affect the sound. Regarding the cutting fundamentals frequencies, that is a good guideline until a particular note consistently stands out too much due to a resonance in the recording space. "ALWAYS" is a very dangerous philosophy to have when mixing, you have to listen the results of your work and be willing to adapt to the circumstances.
all youtube vocal sound is lifeless and boring for instance, just listen to the Queen records and feel how far all these tutorials from a real vocal production...
@@BukanIbuMu I'm not arguing about the mic. Or are you stating there was no processing of his vocals? Please let me get you back strait to the point: there was a ton of processing from the true audio processing legends, not from youtube self-proclaimed masters.
![ILLSLICK X YOUNGOHM - We're The same [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/yUJNkobYR0E/mqdefault.jpg)
this was honestly the mixing tutorial with the most value I have seen in my whole 6 years
I've been in the industry for 20yrs and lately feel like I've been chasing my tail more than I need to...this was a good reminder to not overcook things too much...the less is more approach...a very pleasant watch :-)
this guy is a mxing genius....
seriously wish i found mike before all the other bullshit on youtube
The Mixing Pioneer himself
He is the best teacher also.
Agreed!
Really
By far youtube’s most constructive and «on point» lecturer on mixing
The difference the tape makes is staggering! Thanks for the awesome tips!
I tried this last night... no over eQing.. not even a de-esser and VOILA! Perfect!
Its 2022 and im still revisiting this video ! Btw to all Mike fans , trust me the mixing bootcamps are amazing !! Try to get it if u can !!!
Cheers!
Yooooooooo that compression technique is BANANAS
Hands down, your the best TH-cam instructor!!! I will be purchasing your courses!!
These boot camp tips are super helpful my friend! Moving the compressor before the EQ to give it less to do - I don’t think that idea would ever have occurred to me tbh lol! Amazing advice, more please 👍🏼
Just Applied !! Golden Tips
this is one of the best mixing videos ive ever seen. thank you!
This is the crema of vocal mixing. Mike you a real one
This is incredibly in-depth and helpful information-very easy to follow as well. Very underrated channel; thanks so much for your work Mike!
Just these simple moves and the vocals of my latest project sit better than the way more convoluted chain I had. Thanks for the great advice!
Hidden gem!
Thank you Mike for making this video. I’m a opera singer recording at home and can’t get the vocal to sound good into my 2 track orchestra or piano. - I see so many videos where people use the fab EQ and cut as I copied but still end up with a vocal that doesn’t sound like me anymore. If I don’t process it it sounds boxy and not balanced. This video I’m going to try out tomorrow morning. I bought most of the Fab filter plug ins and they are awesome to work with. Happy you used them in this video to demonstrate. Thanks again Mike. Looking forward seeing more videos on male vocals or maybe even opera singers ;-) would help a lot -
You can maybe check out his "Fundamentals of mixing" course, the intro (22 lessons, lots of hours) is on youtube. I think he also does this and some other stuff with vintage processing, like focusing sounds by low passing and high passing them in almost all tracks. If you have a decent recording you won't need much. We tend to overdo stuff in part because of all the misinformation online. I've been doing my own stuff for 17 years now but only now I found my first teacher :D
And I did a bunch of those (insert name) academy online courses and almost all of them are shit... Even if it's Bob Ross or CLA's brother, its all shit! It's most of the time, a mix overview "Oh, this compressor on, this compressor off" and you won't learn anything.
Mike will teach you the thought process, and you will be able to apply it to whatever you might want to work with. I followed the "fundamentals of mixing" on youtube, unsubscribed from netflix and subscribed to Mike's school 3 weeks ago. Finished watching the first series and am halfway through the second, 'cus pandemics, and learned more stuff in 4 weeks than in the last 10 years :)
And bottom line, it's probably simpler than what you are thinking :)
Take care!
@@athamz9872 Thank you so much for your reply, I really appreciate it. I checked out Mikes website and there is a lot to choose from. What I do mainly is work with 2 tracks orchestra or piano tracks and add the vocals to it - lately I started more in Luna to compose again using Shape which is fun, however, the instrumentals and my vocals are my top priority to get that for once and for all correct even though a 2 track is of course recorded in another space and limited, still, I am sure something good can come out when done correctly right? I guess for Mike with what I work is probably simple - I will e mail him from the website and see how he can help me in the best way...I also did a course in the past and I did learn a lot from it, however, most of these courses are focused on pop music or rap or rock - nothing on classical vocals and 2 tracks orchestra. I presume working with a classical tenor is very different in treating the vocal than when work on a rock song or rap - you can't really compress the heck out of it and when I not compress enough the vocal sounds dynamic and dull completely not how I sing - The EQ trick and compression trick he did in his video did make a big difference compared to how all the other videos are teaching with cutting everywhere the bad frequencies out - I still ended up with a not good sounding vocal...so yes, Mike explains it in a very relaxed and good way I understand and can copy in my session...Your story is truly impressive and I read it several times - I can feel your heart in it...thanks so much my friend - let's see what it brings me :-)
@@joshrainbow-IceTenor Hey Josh thanks for the kind words. Yes, the classical stuff needs a different approach probably. Maybe more similar to jazz with even less compression, but I have no idea what I'm talking about :)
There is also a lot to be said about mic selection, placement, rec level and so. I'm sure Mike will sort you out. Let me know how it goes please, I'm hooked :D
Cheers my friend!
You just have to tailor your eq curves to your voice, copying settings won't work, every voice is unique so it requires unique attention to whatever is needed, for instance the performer has a similar voice type to Ariana Grande, but even if they are similar you cannot treat her vocal exactly like you would treat Ariana's. They still require different treatment... :)
Great session. I had not thought of most of this.
This video right here is absolute Gold, Mike. Along with the reverb vids it's such good knowledge. Thanks again man.
Those who have Ears to Hear, will Listen.
Mike gives out so much info, and we learn so much, thanks Mike.👍
This is what makes pro-q such a killer processor. There’s a 6db swing cutting the midrange in half, the low end woof is almost eliminated but it still sounds natural.
Another gold nugget.. Thanks Mr. White 😊
This is mind blowing
Wow. Pearls dropping all thru this video. Great info, simply explained. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Great video Mike!! I have been stripping my mixes back to primarily a channel strip and have been loving the results. This is a fantastic simplified vocal approach! Thank you!
Excellent! Thank you so much! 👍
Hey Mike! - I think you should add this one to the playlist you already have on boot camp tips. I watched them all and didn't find this one there. Amazing content by the way!
Thanks for catching that, it's in there now. cheers!
Big time video Mike. Great work👍👍👍
Keep them coming❤️🦋
great video! as always, very informative and clear! more tutorials please!
wow thats different than what I've seen elsewhere. I like it!
Thanks for this (and all of your) wonderful videos!
Great tip as always.
Thank you for this!
your bootcamp tips are really helpfull; please keep them coming ;))
A series on VERY competitive loudness would be VERY (;) ) appreciated
Thx for the videos !
thank you very much for this video!!
Micheal, that is really great and changed my mind totally! That is the missing link... Thank you!
If You want more buy the Mike’s courses
Great tips! Thank Mike very much!
Great tip, Mike! Taking the Boot Camp course has been incredibly helpful for me to improve my mixes!
Best explanation ever. Thanks !
Way to go mike
Thanks for the detail technique
Wonderful video .
Mike doesn't miss, geez
Mike, you blow my brains out every time 👊
Great tips. Thanks Mike!
Omg you’re amazing! Big fan here
Thank you, Mike, for awesome videos 🙏
This is great! Thanks ✌🏽
u r a god
Thanks
Thank you!!!!!!
great video, i already use the low ratio compression "trick" on vocals, works fantastic also on bass.
btw regarding the hammer... Jeremy Clarkson wouldn't agree with you
finally learned how to EQ from you.
thanks
Hi boss! One question, why the saturarion send is a stereo aux if the vocal channel is mono track? Thank u!
Not worked that way, need to give it a try..
Hi there. Question: Why would a fast attack make a vocal brighter? The consonants in the vocal are the attack and the vowel comes after... the consonants are in the presence range while the vowels are the body of the vocal... where is the logic here? Wont a fast attack reduce the consonants in the vocal and as a result give a warmer duller sound?
A fast attack is not necessarily an instantaneous attack. A 1ms attack time with a hard knee will sharpen the transient and make it more detailed and present.
just so you know theese plugs ins are like $200 each
Hello! Thank you for a great tutorial.
I have one question, though.
Do you sometimes apply subtractive EQ on top of the low and high shelving EQ curves and a HP filter?
The reason why I am asking is because I am sure there are cases where certain frequencies just poke through and you want to get rid of those using the conventional way of boosting with a high Q and searching for them..
If so, do you apply it after the first EQ?
I am just wondering what your approach is if it is such a case.
By the way, I tried the method on a vocal track and it does sound nice:)
Thank you once again and I look forward to many more great lessons!
Thanks for the great tips again. There's some great things to try in there. However, are you suggesting that we should never use the standard zero latency setting ever on the Pro Q3? Linear phase on everything seems a bit OTT, plus there's artifacts that linear phase creates too. That's the most confusing thing you've said in the video and I don't know why you've said it? Why does it sound hideous?
Zero latency introduces phase shift which does not sound good or musical.
@@imaginarytube All EQ's are zero latency and introduce phase shift, unless they're specific linear/natural phase. All the classic API's, SSLs, Neve etc and they're all musical. Even hardware mastering EQ's aren't linear phase. I assume he's talking about this specific application of it, but he doesn't go in to detail. Using linear phase EQ everywhere will introduce too much pre-ringing and annoyingly, take a few seconds for the project to start playing after you've pressed go.
Linear phase eq can cause pre-ringing on transients, I'd only use LP-eq on multi miced stuff or parallel tracks where phase really matters but hey I could be wrong.
I agree, it's confusing why he suggests linear phase on the lead vocal. I don't think he's implying never use zero latency EQ. But the Natural Phase on Pro-Q3 sounds AMAZING! It's the same as zero latency but more accurate, using more CPU though. It makes me never want to use the zero latency again, haha.. I think natural phase on the Pro-Q3 would work well with this tip. Hopefully we can get a response from Michael. This is an amazing tip.
Nice bro, but one question, aren’t you taking out to many frequencies when you are cutting all the way up to the 600hz / 800hz? what if you need some of those frequencies?
Omg ❤️
💐🙏💐
I've never heard anyone talking like this about the ProQ Zero Latency mode, everybody always says it sounds just as good now I really gotta deep dive into this. Why exactly do you hate it so much for this?
The idea that "zero latency" sounds hideous is simply misinformation. You may not like it. But many professional mixers would tell you they hate linear phase. Phase smearing is fine. Literally all EQs before a few years ago were non-linear. All vintage EQs, and emulations of vintage EQs, operate by changing the phase. If you've ever used a channel strip or console emulation to EQ a vocal, you're getting non-linear phase. And I know you have. I watch this channel and see you using these EQs all the time.
To anyone watching this video, I suggest toggling back and forth between linear phase and zero latency if you're using an EQ with those options. See for yourself which you like better. See for yourself if it even makes a big enough difference that you care. If it doesn't, stick with the lower CPU option.
WOW. I just got schooled. I thought I knew some things.
Zero Latency is the only function that seem to translate accurately on Fl Studio.
nasal is 1khz and is the only frequency worth cutting on some vocals.. I would never cut the fundamental... never
Not the same for a low male voice versus a soprano voice, it's just not. That doesn't even take into account how the mic and recording space affect the sound. Regarding the cutting fundamentals frequencies, that is a good guideline until a particular note consistently stands out too much due to a resonance in the recording space. "ALWAYS" is a very dangerous philosophy to have when mixing, you have to listen the results of your work and be willing to adapt to the circumstances.
Mike,
There are a few plosives, especially a "T' plosive that ruins the vocal and you didn't address them.
What gives ?
Bill P.
all youtube vocal sound is lifeless and boring
for instance, just listen to the Queen records and feel how far all these tutorials from a real vocal production...
Freddie Mercury will sound good on any mic.
@@BukanIbuMu I'm not arguing about the mic. Or are you stating there was no processing of his vocals? Please let me get you back strait to the point: there was a ton of processing from the true audio processing legends, not from youtube self-proclaimed masters.
It's always that same disco-duck chick...
A discount Ariana Grande lol