How do I EQ a vocal?

EQing a vocal is a critical step in making it sit well in a mix, enhancing clarity, and shaping its overall tone. The process generally involves both subtractive (cutting unwanted frequencies) and additive (boosting desirable frequencies) EQ. Always remember that every vocal is unique, and these are starting points, not rigid rules. Here's a structured approach to EQing a vocal: 1. High-Pass Filter (HPF) to Remove Unwanted Low-End: Start by applying a high-pass filter to remove rumble, mic handling noise, and other inaudible low-frequency clutter that can muddy your mix and consume headroom. For most vocals, a good starting point is between 80 Hz and 100 Hz, but sweep upwards until you hear the vocal begin to thin out, then back off slightly. Deeper male vocals might require a lower cutoff (e.g., 60 Hz), while higher female vocals can often handle a slightly higher one (e.g., 130-150 Hz). 2. Address Problem Frequencies (Subtractive EQ): Use narrow cuts (high Q) to surgically remove unpleasant resonances. A common technique is the "boost and sweep" method: boost a narrow band significantly (e.g., +8 to +10 dB) and sweep it across the frequency spectrum until you find an overly resonant, harsh, or troublesome frequency, then cut it.