Free Digital Asset
The Mix Fix
A universal vocal chain that works in any DAW. No specific plugins needed — just your stock tools. Each step is 1-2 actions max. By Asa Luke.
Before You Start
This works in Logic, FL Studio, Ableton, Pro Tools, GarageBand, Studio One — any DAW. Every DAW comes with the tools you need built in. No paid plugins required.
Load these in order on your vocal track. Each step is 1-2 actions. That's it. Don't overthink it.
Turn It Down
Gain Staging
Action:
Pull your vocal fader down until the loudest parts peak around -12 dB. That's it.
Why: Every plugin after this needs headroom to work. If your vocal is already slamming 0 dB, nothing else will sound right.
Cut the Junk
Stock EQ — Subtractive
Action 1:
Add your stock EQ. Turn on a high-pass filter at 80 Hz. This removes rumble and room noise you can't even hear but muddies your mix.
Action 2:
Find the muddy range (200-400 Hz). Make a narrow cut of -2 to -3 dB. Sweep slowly — when it sounds cleaner, stop there.
Tame the S Sounds
Stock De-Esser
Action:
Add your stock de-esser. Set the frequency to 6-7 kHz. Turn the threshold down until the harsh "S" and "T" sounds smooth out — but the vocal still sounds natural, not lispy.
No de-esser in your DAW? Use an EQ with a narrow cut at 6-7 kHz, automated only on the S sounds. Or just skip this step — it's better to skip than overdo it.
Even It Out
Stock Compressor
Action 1:
Add your stock compressor. Set ratio to 3:1, attack to 10-15ms, release to 100ms.
Action 2:
Lower the threshold until you see 3-5 dB of gain reduction on the loudest parts. Turn up the makeup gain to match the original volume.
The vocal should sound more consistent and upfront — not squashed or pumping. If it sounds worse, your threshold is too low.
Add the Shine
Stock EQ — Additive
Action:
Add another stock EQ (or use a second band on the same one). Add a gentle high shelf at 10 kHz, +1 to +2 dB. This adds air and presence — the vocal will feel closer and more "expensive."
Optional: boost 4-5 kHz by +1 dB for more presence/clarity. But only if the vocal needs it — less is more.
Add Space
Stock Reverb — on a Send/Bus
Action 1:
Create a send/bus from your vocal track. Add your stock reverb on that bus. Set it to 100% wet. Choose "Plate" or "Room" preset.
Action 2:
Set decay to 1.2-1.5 seconds. Blend using the send fader — start low and raise until you hear space without the vocal sounding distant.
Never put reverb directly on the vocal track. Always use a send. This keeps the dry vocal clean and lets you control how much space to add.
Add Movement
Stock Delay — on a Send/Bus
Action:
Create another send/bus. Add stock delay. Set to 1/4 note, sync to BPM, feedback 15-20%. Blend low — you should barely hear the repeats. It fills gaps between phrases.
If you can clearly hear the delay repeating, it's too loud. Turn it down. It should be felt, not heard.
Your Complete Chain
All stock plugins. Any DAW. 7 steps. Done.
Want a Professional Mix?
The Mix Fix gets you started. I take it to the finish line. 10+ years mixing Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, Gospel. Send me your stems.
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