How To Set A Great Vocal Monitor Mix In 6 Easy Steps!

Setting a great monitor mix for a vocalist in the studio is essential for achieving a great performance and vocal take. Here are some steps I take to set a great monitor mix for my vocalists and make sure they can hear what they need.

1. Start with a clean slate: Before setting the monitor mix, clear any existing settings and start fresh. This will ensure that the mix you create is tailored specifically to the vocalist's needs that day.

2. Reduce noise and clean the mix: If you're recording in a noisy environment, make sure to reduce the noise in the monitor mix as much as possible. This can be achieved by using gates and other noise-reducing plugins. I also like to do at least a basic mix of the raw tracks so the vocalist can perform to a more polished and inspiring track. Taking care of any timing issues, tuning issues, and fixing the vertical alignment of the session lets the vocalist focus on their performance rather than any problems they may hear. High passing the individual tracks can help make sure the vocal cue has the clarity and shimmer it needs.

3. Set the right levels: Start by setting the right levels for the vocalist's headphone mix. You want to make sure the vocalist can hear themselves clearly, but not at a level that's so loud that it becomes distracting. I generally start with all knobs/faders down and turn the talent’s level up until they have a clear level in their headphones. A good starting point is to set the vocal monitor around -12dB and move up from there.

4. Add reverb: Adding a touch of reverb to the vocalist's monitor mix can help them feel more present in the recording space. This can also help with stage fright, nerves, and intonation as the vocalist will feel like they're performing in a more natural environment.

5. Monitor their performance: Pay close attention to the vocalist's performance and adjust the monitor mix accordingly. If they need more or less of something in their mix, make the necessary adjustments to ensure they're able to perform at their best. If the vocalist has control of their own cue, via a personal headphone monitor, make sure they know the controls well enough to adjust their mix. I’ll often plug in my headphones into the vocalist’s cue so I can make sure they are not getting any distortion or distracting levels.

6. Communication is key: Make sure to communicate with the vocalist and get their feedback throughout the recording process. Ask them what they need in their monitor mix and adjust as needed. New vocalists may not know exactly what they need to hear. Giving them a great mix in their headphones is step one to getting a great vocal performance.

 Happy vocal recording - Let me know your favorite vocal monitor setup in the comments!