Mastering Vocal Compression: Settings for Pro-Level Vocals

Mastering Vocal Compression: Settings for Pro-Level Vocals

Mixing vocals can be tricky, but if you want your vocals to stand out like the pros, you need to get your compression settings just right. In this blog post, I’m going to share the only compression settings you’ll ever need to get professional-sounding vocals. Plus, I’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, and explain why these settings work so well.

Why Use These Compression Settings?

If you want your vocals to sound like they’ve been mixed by a top engineer, you need compression that allows them to cut through any speaker system. These settings will help you achieve a clear, consistent vocal sound that’s perfect for any mix. On the other hand, if you’re looking for weak, barely audible vocals, this isn’t for you.

How to Apply the Perfect Compression Settings

Now, let’s dive into the specific steps you need to take to get that polished, professional vocal compression.

Step 1: Normalise Your Vocals

Before applying compression, it’s essential to normalise your vocals. This ensures that the vocal level is at its peak when it hits the compressor’s threshold, allowing the compression to work more effectively.

Step 2: Use the UAD 1176 Compressor

For this technique, we’re using the UAD 1176 compressor—a classic in the world of vocal mixing. Here are the key settings to dial in:

  • Attack: Set the attack to 30 (on a scale of 0-100).
  • Release: Set the release to 7. Remember, on the 1176, attack and release are reversed from normal compressors, so this is a slow attack with a very fast release.
  • Ratio: 4:1 is ideal for this process.

These settings will result in heavy compression, but don’t worry—it’s what gives your vocals that tight, consistent sound.

Step 3: Add a Limiter for Consistency

After applying the compression, the next step is to add a limiter to catch any stray peaks. This step is crucial because it helps eliminate dynamic spikes, resulting in a solid, controlled vocal performance. By doing this, you’re setting yourself up for a louder, more consistent mix when it comes time to master the track.

What Happens When You Apply These Settings?

Once you’ve applied the compression and limiting, your vocals will sit perfectly in the mix, without any wild jumps in volume. The consistency makes it much easier for the mastering stage, ensuring your final track sounds great across all platforms and speaker systems.

Final Thoughts

With these settings, your vocals will sound as polished and professional as the tracks mixed by top engineers. Compression is a powerful tool when done right, and by following these steps, you’ll ensure that your vocals always sound tight and controlled in the mix.

If you found this guide helpful, make sure to check out my upcoming lessons on mixing and mastering techniques. For more tips, tutorials, and exclusive content, don’t forget to subscribe and follow my channel!