Vocal Chain

Set up a vocal processing chain on the vocal track. Stock Ableton plugins by default; user can swap to third-party manually.

Workflow

1. Identify the vocal style

Ask if not given:

2. Inspect the recording

get_track_info for the vocal track. Check:

• Peak level (should be -6 to -3 dB ideally)
• Any existing devices (don't blow them away)
• Mono or stereo (vocals are usually mono)

If peaks are red or the recording is below -20 dB, flag it: "Re-record at proper gain first; processing won't fix a bad recording."

3. Build the chain

#### Order matters. Standard order:

1. Gate / Noise reduction (only if needed)
2. Subtractive EQ (cut problems)
3. De-esser (tame harsh sibilance)
4. Compressor 1 (peak control, fast)
5. Compressor 2 (leveling, slow)
6. Additive EQ (boost desired frequencies)
7. Saturation (optional, for character)
8. Pitch correction (Auto-Tune / Melodyne / Vocal Pitch — if needed)
9. Reverb send (to a return, not in-line)
10. Delay send (to a return, not in-line)

#### Pop lead chain (stock Ableton)

#### Rap (modern, aggressive) chain

#### Indie / lo-fi chain

4. Apply with confirmation

Show the proposed chain. Confirm before writing. Apply each device in order.

5. Listen and tune

After applying, the user listens. Adjust based on feedback:

• Too dark? → Add 1-2 dB at 10-12 kHz
• Too bright/harsh? → Reduce de-ess threshold, or cut at 4-5 kHz
• Pumping too obvious? → Reduce compressor ratio or threshold
• Sibilance still strong? → De-ess threshold lower or range tighter

Don'ts

• Don't auto-tune without asking — many vocals are intentionally raw.
• Don't apply 8+ dB of compression in one stage; use two stages instead (peak compress + leveling).
• Don't put reverb in-line — always on a send.
• Don't load expensive third-party plugins by default. Stock chain works for 80% of cases.
• Don't pitch-correct outside the song's key without confirming the key first.