Mixing Lead and Backing Vocals Live

In a perfect world, we would all have a dedicated mix engineer and all the processing we could imagine to create a dream vocal mix. But more often than not, musicians are having to mix their own sound. This article will explore some tips on mixing vocals live.

Mix For Vocals On Top

Everyone has done their a cappella microphone check on stage. Check one, two etc. You listen for clarity and adjust the EQ to improve the sound and eliminate feedback. And then the whole band plays and you can’t hear any vocals. Getting all band members on the same page with volume and the goal of a good band stage mix is imperative.
Set vocal levels according to actual vocal performance rather than a basic mic check. Vocalists should actually sing at full performance volume instead of a basic “check one, two” mic check. Band members should do their best to adjust their amplifiers to be no louder than the vocal volume. Whenever possible, each band member should stand at audience listening positions to listen to the mix. Set the audience mix first, the set the monitoring mix on stage. Not only does this help for an improved audience listening experience but it can also help with better clarity on stage for all musicians.

Controlling Vocal Dynamics

The use of audio compression can greatly assist in controlling both quiet and loud dynamics in a live vocal. But this tip will focus on manually controlling dynamics when a compressor is not in use. To avoid distortion or clipping, singers should practice adjusting the distance from the microphone when they are singing soft and loud. Softer singing may require a position closer to the microphone and loud performances can be done at a distance. This can all be done in one song depending on the various volumes in the vocal performance. The goal is to balance out the volume overall for a more pleasant listening experience and to eliminate any problems with manually mixing. This is not only advantageous for a lead singer but also for background singers where backing vocals need to sit behind the lead vocals.

Blend with EQ

Using equalization is another way to help mix multiple vocals in a Live performance. In the case of a male or female lead vocalist and male backing vocalist, it is a common practice to thin out the male backing vocals by reducing low frequencies on those channels. The weight of a male vocal will inherently be thicker than a female vocal especially if volume and distance from the microphone is not practiced by the backing male vocalist. Reducing low frequencies can help blend a backing vocal with lead vocals. As each voice is unique. it may take some time to play with the EQ and adjust to taste. Since feedback is often caused by rogue high frequencies it is advised to cut low frequencies when mixing a male backing vocal before attempting to boost any high or mid frequencies.

Without the use of extensive processing and a dedicated mix engineer, solo artists or full bands with lead and backing vocals can benefit from the above tips to help improve mixing vocals in a live setting.

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