5 Minutes To A Better Mix: Vocal Rides - Part 25 of 31

In most modern music the lead vocal is the most important part of a mix. That being the case, you should do everything you can as a mixer to make every word of the vocal heard. Thanks to the power of your DAW’s automation, you can do some simple vocal riding of the virtual fader to keep levels just where you need them.

The Icing On The Cake

Vocal compression is helpful but only to a certain point.  What will make your mix stand out from the average Joe’s home studio mix is the attention to detail that automation empowers. Vocal riding (riding a virtual fader) will help you put things over the top and be the icing on the cake. If you don’t do this step you could still have a decent mix, but if you do this step you could have a GREAT mix.