When it comes to mixing, one of the most important elements is vocal level.

But is there a trend for how loud the vocal should be in the mix? It turns out, yes!

After analyzing the top 25 songs on Spotify from 2023, we discovered that the vocal loudness relative to the whole mix is incredibly consistent.

If you remove four outliers, the vocal loudness of 21 of the 25 songs falls within ±1.5dB of each other!

So, how can you set the perfect vocal level in your mix?

The integrated loudness of the vocal is typically an average of 4.5 LUFS (Loudness Units Full Scale) quieter than the overall loudness of the track.

This means that to get your vocal to sit properly in the mix, it should be between 3 to 6 LUFS quieter than the full track (including the vocal).

Here’s how you can achieve this quickly:

1. Import both your full bounce and vocal stem into EXPOSE 2 by Mastering The Mix. EXPOSE 2 is designed to help you visually analyze your track for technical issues, including loudness.

2. Check the INT LUFS readings for both the full mix and the vocal stem.

3. Adjust your vocal level in your DAW using a gain plugin so that it sits between 3 to 6 LUFS quieter than the full mix.

Once you’ve adjusted the vocal level to sit perfectly, you’re ready to move on to fine-tuning the balance using volume automation. Below, we’ll walk through how to achieve a consistent vocal level with volume automation.

Identify Dynamic Inconsistencies In The Vocal

Even if you’ve set your vocal level to fit within the ideal LUFS range, there can still be dynamic inconsistencies in the performance—some parts might be too quiet, others too loud. Volume automation allows you to even out these issues manually, and sounds much more transparent and natural than compression.

• Listen actively: Solo your vocal track and play it through, marking any areas where the volume dips too low or jumps too high. You can use your DAW’s markers or note down time stamps for quick navigation.

• Look at the waveform: Use the waveform display in your DAW as a guide. Areas with high peaks might need to be brought down, and quiet sections will need to be raised.

Draw Your Automation Curves

Once you’ve identified the areas needing adjustment, it’s time to start drawing automation curves. Automation allows you to control the vocal volume precisely throughout the track, ensuring it’s consistent from start to finish.

• Set anchor points: Create automation points before and after each section that needs adjustment. This allows you to isolate those sections without affecting the rest of the vocal.

• Use gentle ramps: Avoid sudden changes in volume by using smooth, gradual curves. A subtle transition will make the vocal level changes sound more natural.

• Take your time: For the best results, control every syllable. It takes a long time, but gives the best possible results.

Enhance Emotional Impact

Volume automation isn’t just about fixing technical inconsistencies—it’s also a creative tool for enhancing the emotional dynamics of a song. Strategic volume changes can bring out more intensity in key moments.

• Boost the chorus: Consider slightly raising the vocal volume during the chorus or the emotional high points of the song. A 1-2 dB increase can give the section a lift without overpowering the mix.

• Swell into peaks: For impactful moments, like a vocal climax, use a gentle swell to increase the volume just before the peak. This helps create an emotional buildup.

Check Consistency Across the Full Mix

When automating the vocal volume, always check how it sits in the context of the entire mix. What sounds good in solo mode might not translate as well when played with other elements like drums, guitars, or synths.

• A/B test with reference tracks: Use REFERENCE by Mastering The Mix to compare your mix against industry-standard reference tracks. Make sure your vocal sits at a similar level as in professional mixes.

• Test in mono: Play your track in mono to ensure the vocal doesn’t disappear or overpower other elements. If the vocal stands out well in mono, it will likely sound great in stereo.

Fine-Tune With De-Essing and Dynamic EQ 

While automation helps smooth out the overall vocal level, de-essing and dynamic EQ can address more specific frequency issues. Sibilant sounds (like harsh “S” or “T” sounds) can often pop out more after automation, so controlling these elements is key to a polished vocal sound.

• De-ess harsh frequencies: Use a de-esser to target and reduce sibilance in the 5-8 kHz range. Taming these frequencies can prevent harshness, especially in louder vocal sections.

• Dynamic EQ for problem frequencies: Apply dynamic EQ to balance out frequencies that might become too pronounced after automation. For example, use dynamic EQ to cut any booming low-end or nasally midrange that peaks during louder phrases.

Use Compression After Automation

Once you’ve automated the volume and corrected frequency-specific issues, it’s time to add compression to further control the vocal dynamics. Compression, when used after automation, helps maintain consistency by subtly leveling out any remaining dynamic fluctuations.

• Set a moderate ratio: Use a compression ratio between 2:1 and 4:1 for vocal control. This helps prevent the vocal from jumping out too much without over-compressing the natural dynamics of the performance.

• Use a slow attack and medium release: For vocals, try setting the attack between 10-30ms to let transients through, while the release should follow the song’s tempo for a smooth, musical result.

Conclusion

Achieving a consistent vocal level is a mix of science and art. By understanding the loudness trends in modern music, using tools like EXPOSE 2 to set the correct LUFS range, and applying volume automation strategically, you can ensure your vocals sit perfectly in the mix. Add de-essing, dynamic EQ, and post-automation compression for a truly polished, professional vocal sound.

With the combination of tools like EXPOSE 2, REFERENCE, and LEVELS, as well as thoughtful automation and compression, you’ll achieve the clarity, presence, and impact that modern vocals demand.

Suggested Plugins from Mastering The Mix:

• EXPOSE 2: Ensure your vocal level sits within the perfect LUFS range.

• REFERENCE: Compare your mix to industry standards and ensure your vocals stand out.

• LEVELS: Monitor and perfect the dynamic range, loudness, and clarity of your vocal mix.

With these techniques, your vocals will shine through consistently, no matter the complexity of the track.