Free cheat sheet
Vocal Chain Cheat Sheet (The Order & Starting Settings)
A vocal wants to be processed in a certain order: fix and clean before you shape, shape before you color, color before you add space. This cheat sheet lays out that chain stage by stage, with a starting point for every move.
Key takeaway. Two rules do most of the work: cut before you boost (subtractive EQ before additive), and de-ess before you brighten so you're not amplifying the sibilance you just fought.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct order for a vocal chain?
Clean-up and gain, then optional tuning, subtractive EQ, de-esser, compression (one or two stages), additive EQ, saturation, then reverb and delay on sends. Fix and clean first, shape next, color after, and add space last.
Should EQ go before or after compression on vocals?
Do your subtractive (cutting) EQ before the compressor so it isn't reacting to mud or resonance, then do additive (boosting) EQ after compression to shape the controlled signal. Many chains use EQ in both spots.
Where does de-essing go in the chain?
Before your brightening EQ. If you brighten first, you amplify the sibilance and then have to fight it harder. De-ess around 5-9 kHz, only a few dB and only on the peaks.
Put it into practice
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