Vocals · 7 Plugins

Logic Pro Vocal Chain

Lead vocal chain built around serial compression and controlled grit. A vocal that stays forward and controlled without sounding processed into a wall.

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Quick Answer

Use serial compression with different jobs per stage. Fast peak catching, slower leveling, optional grit, and always address harshness before widening.

Signal Flow

Chain Order

Input Tone→
Peak Control→
Leveling→
Grit→
De-Harsh→
Depth→
Width

The vocal chain is built around serial compression and controlled grit. The goal is a lead that stays forward and controlled without sounding processed or compressed into a wall.

Plugin Stack

Every Plugin, Every Setting

UAD Neve 1073
Universal Audio · Console EQ
Step 1 — Input Tone

Console-style color at the input before any gain control.

Settings

Input color only, no heavy EQ. Keep it subtle.

Stock Alternative — Logic Channel EQ

Minor presence and warmth shaping.

UAD 1176 Rev A
Universal Audio · FET Compressor
Step 2 — Peak Control

Controls the inconsistent peaks before the leveling stage.

Settings

Fast attack, 4:1 ratio, catch peaks only.

Stock Alternative — Logic Compressor

Vintage FET mode, fast attack.

UAD LA-2A
Universal Audio · Opto Compressor
Step 3 — Leveling

Smooths the phrase after the peaks are already caught.

Settings

Opto leveling, 30–40% gain reduction, smooth.

Stock Alternative — Logic Compressor

Vintage Opto mode, medium ratio.

Safari Dirty Dog
Safari Pedals · Drive / Grit
Step 4 — Grit

Adds presence and edge without compressor artifacts.

Settings

Subtle grit, keep the character but not the distortion.

Stock Alternative — Logic Distortion

Very low drive, keep tone neutral.

Oeksound Soothe2
oeksound · Dynamic Resonance Suppressor
Step 5 — De-Harsh

Addresses harshness created by the compression and grit stages.

Settings

Moderate strength on the upper mids, dynamic mode.

Stock Alternative — Logic DeEsser 2

High frequency focus, moderate threshold.

Valhalla Delay
Valhalla DSP · Delay
Step 6 — Depth

Adds forward depth without washing the vocal back.

Settings

Short slap, 65–80ms, low mix 15–20%.

Stock Alternative — Logic Tape Delay

Short slap, similar mix level.

Soundtoys MicroShift
Soundtoys · Stereo Widener
Step 7 — Width

Subtle width that helps the vocal sit inside rather than on top of the mix.

Settings

Narrow width, subtle detuning effect.

Stock Alternative — Logic Direction Mixer

Slight stereo spread, no mono issues.

System Logic

Why This Chain Works

  • Serial compression handles different dynamic behaviors per stage.

  • Grit after compression avoids amplifying compression artifacts.

  • De-harshing after all color stages means fewer notches overall.

Avoid These

Common Mistakes

  • Trying to handle every dynamic behavior in one compressor.

  • Adding width before addressing harshness.