How to Mix Vocals in EDM: Making Them Sit Perfectly
Vocals can make or break an EDM track. This guide explains how to mix vocals so they sit clearly and powerfully within a dense electronic production.
The Challenge of Vocals in EDM
Vocals bring emotion and humanity to electronic music, but they are notoriously difficult to mix. In a dense EDM production full of synths and powerful drums, a vocal must remain clear and present without overwhelming the track or getting buried. Striking that balance is a real art.
A well-mixed vocal feels effortless; a poorly mixed one undermines an otherwise great track.
The Core Chain
A typical vocal chain starts with EQ to clean up unwanted frequencies, followed by compression to control dynamics and keep the vocal consistent. De-essing tames harsh consonants, and careful use of reverb and delay places the vocal in the same space as the rest of the track.
Each step is about consistency and clarity, ensuring the vocal cuts through every section of the song.
Sitting It in the Mix
The secret to a vocal that sits perfectly is making room for it. Using EQ to carve space in competing elements, and sometimes sidechaining them subtly to the vocal, lets it shine without raising the volume to a point that breaks the mix. The vocal and the production should feel like one cohesive whole.
Hear beautifully integrated vocals across Maxim Schunk's catalogue on Spotify. Follow @maximschunk on Instagram.