Mastering the Art of Mixing Vocals: Tips and Tricks from Gregory Scott

Are you an aspiring music producer or audio engineer looking to improve your vocal mixing skills? Mixing vocals can be a challenging process, but with the right mindset and techniques, you can achieve professional-sounding results. In this blog post, we will explore the insights shared by Gregory Scott in his series "Kush After Hours" and delve into the world of vocal mixing. So, let's dive in and discover the secrets to making your vocals shine!

**1. The Mindset: Intelligibility vs. Volume**

When it comes to mixing vocals, it's crucial to strike a balance between intelligibility and volume. While it may be tempting to simply turn up the vocal to make it louder, if it's still getting buried by the music, it won't be intelligible enough. Gregory Scott advises focusing on making the vocal stand out by using effects strategically.

**2. The Unconventional Approach**

Gregory Scott's approach to mixing vocals may differ from conventional wisdom, but it works for him. He starts by mixing the music to be an instrumental, getting the mix about 60-70% done before even pulling up the vocal. This unique method allows him to "shoehorn" the vocal into the mix seamlessly.

**3. Clear and Competing Vocals**

To ensure the vocal remains clear and competing in the mix, it's essential to keep the mid-range open for the vocal. The mid-range is the most sensitive frequency for humans, so leaving some space for the vocal to be heard is crucial. Boosting frequencies around 600-800 Hz can give the vocal an old-school mid, adding character and presence.

**4. Key Rules to Remember**

When mixing vocals, there are a few key rules to keep in mind. Rule number one is that the vocal should always go in last. This allows you to save space for it in the mix. To make the vocal sit well in the mix, consider the effects you use. If the vocal lacks volume or intelligibility, think about using effects strategically. For example, a clarity band with increased presence can make the vocal clearer without increasing its volume. Adding a quarter note delay with a low pass filter set to 600 Hz can also help glue the vocal to the mix.

**5. Creating Emotional Impact with Effects**

In the real world, we are accustomed to hearing reflected sound on a human voice, which helps us understand emotional states and unspoken messages. When mixing vocals, it's crucial to ensure they occupy the right kind of spaces. Adding effects such as delays and reverbs can help achieve this. These effects add depth and dimension to the vocal, enhancing its emotional impact.

**6. Matching the Ambience**

Consider the context of the sound and the effects used to create the desired vocal sound. In small spaces like cars, bathrooms, and closets, the sound is characterized by boxiness, woodiness, and a muffled quality. To make the vocal sound more natural, adding effects like delays and reverb can help match the ambience of other instruments in the mix.

**7. Striking the Right Balance**

When adding effects to the vocal, finding the right balance between the vocal and the effects is crucial. Too much reverb can make the vocal sound distant and hollow, while too little can make it difficult to understand. Start by adding a quarter note dark delay in stereo and adjust the reverb until it's just audible. Gradually reduce the vocal and increase the reverb until you achieve the desired balance.

**8. Delays and Reverbs: A Winning Combination**

Delays and reverbs serve similar purposes, but they are used differently. It's often helpful to use a combination of both to create the desired sound. Once the vocal is mixed in, ensure it fits with the overall mix and enhances the emotional impact of the song.

In conclusion, mixing vocals is an art that requires a thoughtful approach and attention to detail. By keeping the vocal clear and competing, using effects strategically, and finding the right balance, you can elevate your vocal mixes to new heights. Gregory Scott's unconventional approach and valuable insights provide a fresh perspective on achieving professional-sounding vocals.

To gain a deeper understanding of Gregory Scott's techniques and learn more about vocal mixing, we highly recommend listening to the full episode of "Kush After Hours."