Recording Notes  >  Reader Question: How many db should vocals be in a mix?

How many db should vocals be in a mix?

Honestly, there’s no right answer to this question. Primarily because it depends on the overall volume of the mix.

So, the more appropriate and/or helpful question might be “what’s the best relative level for a vocal in the mix – meaning how loud is the vocal compared to the other elements.

For getting to a good relative vocal level there are a couple of tried & true tips that will probably help.

Tip #1: Match your vocal level to the approximate level of the snare drum

This is a tip from Jacquire King that I saw in one of his videos.

Basically, mute everything but the vocals & drums.

Then focus your attention to the snare drum & get your vocal to sit as the same approximate level as the snare.

Now unmute everything else (guitars, bass, etc), and if other elements like the guitars are sounding too loud and drowning the vocal, turn the guitars down instead of turning the vocal up.

It’s a simple tip, but it’s super effective.

Tip #2: Set your vocal level in mono

This tip is particularly helpful if you mix a lot with headphones.

Because the stereo field is basically separated with two distinct channels and no “crosstalk” (left ear only hears left channel audio & right ear only hears right channel audio), getting levels right can be particularly challenging.

I, for one, tend to put the vocals 1-2db too low in a mix if I’m mixing on headphones. The result is that it can sound okay on headphones but the vocal gets lost on a basic stereo system or in your car.

Most DAWs have a “mono” switch on the master bus which will put your whole mix in mono.

Just click that button and start mixing in mono and set the vocal level loud enough so you can clearly hear all of the phrases but not so loud that it feels like it’s floating on top of all the instruments.

This is a good point to also refer back to Tip #1 and check in on the level relative to the snare drum.

Then click back to stereo on the master bus, and you should have a vocal level that will translate better across a variety of sound systems.