Mixing Lead Vocals in REAPER

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of mixing lead vocals using REAPER. You'll learn how to enhance your vocal tracks with effects like delay, reverb, compression, and EQ. By the end, you'll be equipped to make your vocals sound polished and professional.

Step 1: Create Stereo Width with Delay

1. Select the Vocal Track: Open your project in REAPER and select the vocal track you want to mix.
2. Insert Delay Effect:
   • Click on the effects button for the track.
   • Search for "delay" and select the built-in REAPER delay.
3. Configure the Delay:
   • Set one delay to 250 milliseconds and pan it to the left.
   • Create a second delay with 180 milliseconds and pan it to the right.
4. Test the Sound: Play the track to hear how the delays widen the vocal sound.

Step 2: Add Reverb for Space

1. Insert Reverb Effect:
   • Double-click in the effects area and search for "Reverb."
   • Select the REAPER Reverb plugin.
2. Download Impulse Responses:
   • REAPER does not come with built-in impulse responses. Download free ones from trusted websites (e.g., Grant Nelson's website).
3. Load Impulse Response:
   • In the Reverb plugin, click on "Add" and choose the downloaded impulse response (e.g., "fat plate").
4. Check the Sound: Play the vocal track with the reverb to ensure it feels spacious.

Step 3: Control Dynamics with Compression

1. Insert Compressor:
   • Double-click in the effects area, type "comp" in the filter, and select the REAPER compressor.
2. Adjust Compressor Settings:
   • Move the compressor to the top of the effects chain.
   • Enable auto makeup gain.
   • Set the ratio to 4:1 and adjust the threshold to manage vocal dynamics.
3. Fine-tune the Compression: Modify the attack and release settings to achieve the desired sound.

Step 4: Enhance Clarity with EQ

1. Insert EQ:
   • Double-click in the effects area, search for "EQ," and select REAPER’s EQ.
2. Set Up EQ Bands:
   • High Pass Filter: Set the first band to roll off low frequencies around 100 Hz.
   • Cut Low Mids: Reduce frequencies around 350 Hz to eliminate muddiness.
   • Boost Mids: Enhance clarity in the vocal by boosting mid frequencies.
   • Boost High Frequencies: Use a high shelf to add brightness to the vocals.
3. Listen in Context: Play the track to hear the improvements and adjust as necessary.

Step 5: Manage Sibilance with Volume Envelopes

1. Open Envelopes:
   • Right-click the vocal track and select "Show Envelopes."
   • Choose the pre-effects volume envelope.
2. Adjust Sibilant Sounds:
   • Zoom in on the track and identify problematic sibilant sounds (e.g., "s" sounds).
   • Use the razor tool to cut the envelope and lower the volume of these specific sections.
3. Refine Throughout the Track: Continue this process for any other sibilant sounds that stand out.

Step 6: Automate Overall Volume

1. Show Normal Volume Envelope:
   • Hide the pre-effects envelope and reveal the standard volume envelope.
2. Activate Touch Mode: Set the envelope to touch mode for real-time adjustments.
3. Balance the Volume: Adjust the overall volume throughout the track for consistency.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you've enhanced your lead vocals in REAPER with stereo width, spaciousness, controlled dynamics, clarity, and balanced volume. Experiment with these techniques in your projects to achieve a professional vocal mix. Happy mixing!