My Favorite X32 Bus Compression Technique For Lead Vocal Tracks

[MJKlein]

Along with parallel compression, there is another nice technique that I like to use to set the lead vocal in the mix, and that is keyed compression.

Normally I put the guitars on a bus. After building the mix up to the point where I'm ready to add the vocal track, I pay attention to the lead vocal and how it sits. I don't like the lead vocal sitting high atop the mix, but rather fitting into the mix. First I'll add parallel compression as previously outlined and note the effect it has on the intelligibility of the lead vocal track. Then, I'll add compression to the guitar bus and key it off the lead vocal channel.

Normally, I start with 3:1 or 4:1 and set the threshold so the lead vocal audio is just tickling the compressor on the guitar bus. I'll take the lead vocal track off the stereo bus temporarily to hear what effect the compressor is having on the guitars - just to make sure the guitars are being subtly affected and I'm not fooling myself. Putting the lead vocal back on the stereo bus, I start out with the level purposefully low and bring it up until it starts to interface with the guitars. The main consideration is going to be how closely the envelope matches the lead vocal audio. Again, attack, hold and release will have to be carefully adjusted for the least audible artifacts.

This is a very old Mastering technique and it's extremely easy to do on the X32. Of course, this can be done with software in the DAW much like parallel compression, but I much prefer doing it on the console and turning knobs. Also, the console parameters are saved with the mix and whatever I do on the console does not affect the computer CPU load.

With the X32, it's possible to get studio mixes that rival anything we did in the 80s on those large frame consoles by the big names. The capability of the X32 is even more formidable considering the age of the platform. It's like the GT-R of digital consoles.

[thegeorgedougherty]

Thanks for the tip. I'll have to give that a shot. Previously I've used the EQ for a similar purpose. I broadly dip ~500 and ~3K by 3db on the instrument bus to open some room for vocal meat and clarity to cut through.

[MJKlein]

Thanks for the tip. I'll have to give that a shot. Previously I've used the EQ for a similar purpose. I broadly dip ~500 and ~3K by 3db on the instrument bus to open some room for vocal meat and clarity to cut through.

Those cuts definitely would help but those frequencies are also crucial for instrument sound. The problem is of shared frequencies of course and how to stop them from masking the vocals.

A dynamic EQ would be my first choice and is really great for that but there is no dynamic EQ on the X32. Some parallel compression on the lead vocal and ducking on the instrument tracks can help find a good fit in the mix for the vocals and still leave the instruments full spectrum.

[pvannatto]

there is no dynamic EQ on the X32

There is the Stereo Combinator

[MJKlein]

there is no dynamic EQ on the X32

There is the Stereo Combinator

Yes, there is. It takes up a premium rack slot but it does work OK. I've only used it a few times with mixed results (pun intended)

[pvannatto]

I've only used it a few times with mixed results

Then maybe a Wing is in your future. It has a "Triple DEQ" that can be used in any of the 16 FX slots.

[MJKlein]

I've only used it a few times with mixed results

Then maybe a Wing is in your future. It has a "Triple DEQ" that can be used in any of the 16 FX slots.

Hey if the prices keep going up I'll be able to sell my X32 for more than I paid for it.