# Compressing vocals Starting with automation before compression can help achieve a natural sound. Tape saturation before compression can help too.[^1] Use more than one compressor in series, starting off with ratios of 2:1.[^2] Andy Wallace doesn't use a lot of vocal compression—just 2-3dB. Instead, he uses volume automation to level a vocal.[^3] Warren sets a compressor to work on the loud parts of a vocal, doing about 3dB of gain reduction.[^4] Consider using a limiter (~20:1 ratio) to control rogue peaks.[^5] For general leveling, start off with 3:1. RMS compression and soft knee can be useful here.[^6] If the vocal feels too urgent, the release may be too fast. If it feels too squishy, the release may be too slow. Too fast of an attack can make it feels crushed.[^7] Use a faster setting with [[FET compression]] to catch transients or [[VCA compression]] for something a little cleaner.[^8] Marc Daniel Nelson actually uses [[MJUC]] with fast time constants doing just 1dB of reduction.[^9] [[Upward compression]] can be useful for bringing up the low level moments (just a little bit, like 3-6dB of compression).[^10] [[Use a multiband compressor on vocals]] to control different parts of the spectrum. Use [[Optical compression]] or [[Tube compression]] to do more leveling. Also see [[Mike Senior's vocal balance workflow]]. [[Parallel compression]] is very helpful. Michael Brauer uses up to five parallel compressors. Parallel limiting and clipping can be useful too.[^11] F. Reid Shippen uses a similar approach, with a channel for an LA2, an 1176, a Retro 176, and an LA-2A each. These then get summed to a bus.[^12] [^1]: [Mixing Vocals: 10 Tips To Get A Radio-Ready Vocal Sound](https://bedroomproducersblog.com/2023/03/03/mixing-vocals/) [^2]: [[Audio Production and Critical Listening]] pg. 91 [^3]: [YouTube](https://youtu.be/bX6LcB-WObw?si=B8oF3TyZHPwGBKA4) [^4]: [Pro Mix Academy](https://dashboard.promixacademy.com/products/mixing-in-the-box-with-warren-huart/categories/3214452/posts/10724942) [^5]: [[Level Rodeo]] pg. 20 [^6]: [[Level Rodeo]] pg. 21 [^7]: [Benchmarks For Killer Vocal Mixing](https://thehouseofkush.com/blogs/museletter/benchmarks-for-killer-vocal-mixing) [^8]: [Classic Compressors](https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/classic-compressors?utm_source=pocket_mylist) [^9]: [Amazing Vocal Chain for Pop ITB (Including custom presets) - Marc Daniel Nelson - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-o_MW5vifL8&t=522s) [^10]: [The One Thing I Always Do When Mixing Vocals - YouTube](https://youtu.be/eN6JaUO_nrs) [^11]: [Advanced Vocal Compression](https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/advanced-vocal-compression) [^12]: [Vocal Mixing MASTERCLASS: 3 A-List engineers, 3 genres! F. Reid Shippen, Joe Carrell, Bob Horn - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u248FEYjYqI)