#251 - Context Context Context (Vocals Pt2)

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Secret Sonics

Ben Wallick and Carl Bahner

285 episodes

3 months ago

Join mix engineers Ben Wallick and Carl Bahner as they team up to discuss the real-world trials and triumphs of music production. Tactical advice on skill development, mixing mindsets, personal branding, and achieving work-life rhythm in an evolving industry. The motivation and strategic insights you need to build your dream creative career in music and audio. Fresh episodes every week.

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#251 - Context Context Context (Vocals Pt2)

Secret Sonics

43 minutes

5 months ago

#251 - Context Context Context (Vocals Pt2)

What makes a vocal feel perfectly placed… or totally disconnected?

This week, we’re getting way past plugin chains and diving into the real work of vocal mixing: context. We’re talking about how to make vocals live in a mix, not just sit on top of it. Because getting a vocal to shine isn’t just about EQ moves - it’s about storytelling, space, and knowing who gets the spotlight in each moment.

We explore how we mix vocals completely differently - yet still aim for the same emotional clarity - and even find ourselves (gasp) passionately disagreeing about Vampire Weekend.

Discover:

Why the instrumental is the first thing we fix when vocals don’t feel right
The “lead vocal vs. background vocal” question we think is kind of a trap
The one question Carl asks in every section of every song
When to make vocals felt not heard (and how that changes your mix decisions)
Why we don’t always high-pass vocals—and what we do instead
The subtle sidechain trick that helps your vocals breathe without boosting them
When sharing reverbs between vocals and instruments makes your mix snap together
The difference between using reverb for space vs. character
Carl’s favorite compressor to kill backing vocal transients (in a good way)
What mixing has to do with stage plays, ransom letters, and emotional punch

Ben and Carl's Weekly Inspiration Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1IpnxDVoTY44JBV1j19H4h?si=0f80e020d8ae497e

LA Wildfire Relief:
Musicares - https://donor.musicares.org/page/lafirerelief
WAMTN - https://give.wearemovingtheneedle.org/campaign/654724/donate

Learn more about StudioLand - https://www.welcometostudioland.com/a/2147995182/bmyFf8p5

Download our free guide: "The Future-Proof Mixing Engineer: 8 Essential Skills for 2024 and Beyond" - https://mpe-ebook.benwallick.com/future-proof-mixing

Connect with us:

Secret Sonics - https://www.instagram.com/secretsonics
Ben - https://www.instagram.com/benwallickmusic/
Carl - https://www.instagram.com/carlbahner/

Learn more:

https://www.benwallick.com/
https://www.carlbahner.com/

This episode with edited by Gavi Kutliroff - https://www.instagram.com/pleasant_peasant_music/