How to EQ vocals

For most vocals, high-pass at 80Hz to remove rumble, cut 2–3dB at 250Hz to clear mud, dip 2dB at 3kHz to tame harshness, and add a 2–3dB shelf above 10kHz for air.

Updated 2026-05-03

Short answer

For most vocals, high-pass at 80Hz to remove rumble, cut 2–3dB at 250Hz to clear mud, dip 2dB at 3kHz to tame harshness, and add a 2–3dB shelf above 10kHz for air. Adjust to taste, vocals are the most context-sensitive source in the mix.

High-pass: 80Hz, 12dB/oct slope
Cut: 250Hz, −2.5dB, Q 1.4, removes chestiness
Cut: 3kHz, −2dB, Q 2.5, tames harshness
Boost: 10kHz shelf, +2.5dB, adds air and clarity

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High-pass at 80Hz

A vocal microphone picks up plosives, room rumble, and HVAC noise below 80Hz that adds nothing but mud. A 12dB/oct slope at 80Hz cleans this up. For a deep male voice, drop to 60Hz; for most singers 80Hz is safe. Never high-pass higher than 120Hz, you'll thin the chest tone.

Cut 250Hz to remove chestiness

The 200–400Hz region is where vocals get muddy and 'in the throat'. A 2–3dB cut at 250Hz with a moderate Q (1.4) opens the vocal so it sits above the mix instead of sinking into it. If the vocal sounds boxy after this, also check 500Hz.

Tame harshness around 3kHz

The 2–5kHz range carries presence but also pain, sibilance, nasal honk, harsh consonants. Sweep with a narrow boost first to find the worst frequency, then cut 1.5–3dB with a tight Q (2–3). For sibilance specifically (5–8kHz), use a de-esser instead of static EQ.

Add air above 10kHz

A high shelf at 10kHz with +2–3dB adds the polished, expensive feeling that mixed records have. Don't push past 4dB or you amplify hiss and sibilance. If your vocal sounds dull even after this, the issue is probably tone (mic, room, performance), not EQ.

Frequently asked

What is the best EQ for vocals?

There is no single best EQ, vocals are too source-dependent. The reliable starting points: high-pass at 80Hz, cut 200–400Hz for mud, cut a narrow band in 2–5kHz for harshness, add an air shelf above 10kHz.

Why do my vocals sound muddy?

Almost always too much energy in 200–400Hz. Cut 2–3dB with a Q around 1.4–2.0 in that range. If it's still muddy, check that you've high-passed the vocal and that your reverb isn't dumping low-mids back into the mix.

How do I make vocals sit on top of the mix?

Three moves: (1) cut 250Hz on the vocal, (2) cut 2–3kHz on instruments that compete with the vocal (synths, guitars), (3) add an air shelf above 10kHz on the vocal. Carving space in the mix matters more than boosting the vocal.

Should I EQ vocals before or after compression?

Subtractive EQ (cuts) goes first so the compressor doesn't react to mud. Compression in the middle. Boosts (presence, air) go after compression so they aren't squashed. A common chain: HP → cut mud → de-ess → compress → boost air.

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