Music Production Tutorials
EQ Before Compression for Rap Vocals in Pro Tools
Jun
This is Part 2 of my real studio session vocal mixing series. In Part 1, I chose the compressor flavor for the vocal. In this video, I start shaping the vocal with EQ before it goes deeper into the chain.
This session was recorded inside adotstate, a Milwaukee recording studio where I work with artists in real time. This is not a perfect textbook tutorial. This is a real session workflow where I am moving fast, listening to the song, and making decisions based on what feels right for the artist’s voice and the beat.
Watch Part 2: EQ Before Compression for Rap Vocals
Watch Part 1 here:
Choosing the Right Compressor for Rap Vocals | Real Studio Session Part 1
What This Video Covers
In Part 2, I start working with EQ before the vocal goes deeper into the main chain. After choosing the compressor sound in Part 1, I want to shape the vocal so it hits the rest of the chain the right way.
I explain it like a pot of food. The vocal chain is the pot, and the EQ is one of the ingredients I am putting into it. If the ingredient going in does not feel right, the rest of the chain will react differently.
Why EQ Before the Chain Matters
EQ before compression is not just about making the vocal brighter or cutting low end. It changes how the compressor reacts. If there is too much low end, the compressor might pump in a way I do not want. If the high end is pushed too much, the vocal might become harsh later.
That is why I listen before making big moves. Sometimes I add top end. Sometimes I take away low end. Sometimes I leave it alone because the change does not help the song enough to matter.
Trying Different EQ Options
In this video, I go through a few different EQ choices to hear what feels best on the vocal. Each EQ has a different feel. Some sound more open. Some feel smoother. Some add top end in a way that feels better for the song.
The goal is not to prove that one EQ is better than another. The goal is to pick the EQ that fits the vocal, the beat, and the feeling of the song.
EQs Mentioned in the Video
- RAQ / RQ-style EQ
- FabFilter Pro-Q
- Ozone EQ
- Pultec-style EQ
- EQP-1A-style high boost and low-end shaping
Adding High End Without Making the Vocal Harsh
One of the main things I listen for in this part is the high end. A vocal can need brightness, but too much brightness can bring out harsh S sounds, T sounds, and other sharp parts of the voice.
Sometimes adding high end makes the vocal feel more present. Other times, cutting certain areas or using a smoother EQ gives a better result. I am not just looking at numbers. I am listening to how the vocal feels against the beat.
Low End and Compressor Reaction
I also listen to the low end of the vocal. If the low end is too heavy, it can push the compressor too hard or make the vocal feel cloudy. But if I cut too much low end, the vocal can lose body.
That is why I try to make small decisions based on the song. If the low end is not causing a serious problem, I might leave it alone. If it is making the chain react wrong, I will clean it up.
Choosing the EQ That Fits the Song
After trying different EQs, I choose the one that feels best for the vocal in that moment. This is part of real session mixing. You listen, compare, and move forward.
The important thing is not using the most expensive plugin or the most popular EQ. The important thing is choosing the sound that helps the vocal sit better in the song.
What Comes Next in Part 3
After shaping the vocal with EQ, the next step is cleaning up harshness and sibilance. In Part 3, I move into de-essing and cleaning after the compressor so the vocal feels smoother without losing energy.
Part 3: De-Essing Rap Vocals After Compression
Book a Studio Session in Milwaukee
If you are an artist in Milwaukee or nearby and you want to record your song, you can book studio time at adotstate.
