Perfect Vocals in 5 Simple Steps
A program designed to help you achieve perfect vocals in your mix by following five simple, actionable steps. Learn techniques directly from Collaborate Worship's proven methods for achieving professional-sounding vocals. Focuses on practical application and consistent practice for optimal results. Includes a community forum to share progress and get feedback.
Program Modules
Introduction to Vocal Mixing
Understanding the importance of vocals in a mix, Collaborate Worship's philosophy, and setting the stage for the five-step process.
Introduction to Vocal Mixing
DailyUnderstanding the importance of vocals in a mix, Collaborate Worship's philosophy, and setting the stage for the five-step process.
“If the vocals aren't right, especially the lead vocal, it doesn't matter how good the rest of your mix is.”
Step 1: Check Microphone Placement
Ensuring proper microphone technique for optimal vocal capture based on Collaborate Worship's recommendations.
Maintain 1-inch Distance
DailyEnsure the microphone is no more than one inch from the vocalist's mouth.
“The mic should never be more than an inch from your mouth when you're singing.”
Avoid Covering Windscreen
DailyInstruct the vocalist to avoid covering the microphone's windscreen with their hand.
“Your hand should never cover the windscreen.”
Step 2: Set Gain Correctly
Adjusting gain for optimal signal levels in your mix, following Collaborate Worship's recommended practices. Aim for the 'green meets yellow' zone.
Adjust until Yellow Lights Appear
DailyAdjust the gain until the level meter consistently hits the first couple of yellow lights.
“Adjust gain until the level meter next to the gain knob is consistently hitting the first couple of yellow lights.”
Re-adjust at Every Rehearsal
DailyMake it a habit to set gain at the beginning of every rehearsal.
“Set gain at the beginning of every rehearsal.”
Step 3: Add a Low Cut Filter
Applying a low cut filter to remove unwanted low-frequency noise from vocals, typically between 120-180 Hz, as recommended by Collaborate Worship.
Set Filter between 120-180 Hz
DailyAdjust the low cut filter somewhere between 120 and 180 Hertz.
“Use a low cut filter on every vocal somewhere between 120 and 180 Hertz.”
Clean Up Vocal Sound
DailyFind the spot that cleans up the vocal without making it sound too thin.
“Just find that spot that cleans up the vocal with a without making it sound too thin”
Step 4: Apply Simple EQ
Using frequency sweeping to identify and correct EQ issues in vocals, a key technique taught by Collaborate Worship.
Activate Peaking Filter
DailyActivate a peaking filter (PEQ) on the vocal channel.
“Activate a peaking filter often called PEQ on the vocal Channel”
Set Filter Gain to +9dB
DailySet the filter's gain to plus 9 dB
“set the filter's gain to plus 9 DB”
Sweep Through Frequency
DailyUse the frequency knob to slowly sweep through the full frequency spectrum.
“Use the frequency knob to slowly sweep through the full frequency spectrum”
Step 5: Use a Compressor
Applying compression to vocals to manage dynamic range and bring them to the front of the mix, using Collaborate Worship's specific compressor settings as a starting point.
Set Compressor Settings
DailySet the compressor ratio, attack, hold, release and gain as suggested.
“Set the ratio to three set attack to around 10 milliseconds if it's an option set hold to zero set release to around 50 milliseconds set gain to plus 6 DB”
Adjust Threshold to -6dB
DailyAdjust the threshold so that it reads around -6dB at their loudest moments
“Adjust threshold so that it reads around -6dB at their loudest moments”
Conclusion and Further Learning
Reviewing the five steps, emphasizing the importance of practice based on Collaborate Worship's teaching, and introducing additional resources, including Church Sound Made Simple.
Conclusion and Further Learning
DailyReviewing the five steps, emphasizing the importance of practice based on Collaborate Worship's teaching, and introducing additional resources, including Church Sound Made Simple.
“Now you'll have to put these to practice and do them a few times before they become second nature.”
What You'll Accomplish
- Understand the importance of vocal clarity in a mix from Collaborate Worship's perspective.
- Properly position a microphone for optimal vocal capture, according to Collaborate Worship's guidelines.
- Set gain levels for vocals to achieve a balanced mix, following Collaborate Worship's recommendations.
- Apply a low-cut filter to remove unwanted low-frequency noise, within the range advised by Collaborate Worship.
- Use frequency sweeping to identify and correct EQ issues in vocals, using the techniques taught by Collaborate Worship.
- Apply compression to vocals to manage dynamic range, starting with Collaborate Worship's specific settings.
- Consistently apply these techniques for consistent results, as emphasized by Collaborate Worship.
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