#251 - Context Context Context (Vocals Pt2)

10.06.2025

Secret Sonics

0:00

43:40

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