I need some tips on getting the vocal to sit in the mix instead of out on top or swallowed up by everything else. Presence, distance and space, that kind of thing. I've been trying to use reverb to distance the vocal but I'm just getting a vocal that's still in your face, only with reverb. Thanks - rev

Compression and EQ, primarily. 

Grab a copy of this freebie, the Klanghelm DC1A, throw it on each vocal track and squash to taste. Try it with the "relaxed" switch on and then off; sometimes one way works better than the other. 

When you EQ a vocal, the range from 1KHz to 3KHz has the most impact on its "in-yer-face-ness". Softening that range will usually push the vocal back into the mix.

If you still want to push the vocals further back, try a tempo-synced delay. Applying a subtle eighth-note delay to one side and a quarter-note delay to the other side smears the vocal image and makes it less distinct.

Still not far enough back in the mix? Try the Kjaerhus Classic Chorus, especially on backing vocals. Stay to the left side of the "effect" dial - you don't want to actually hear a chorusing effect, just a gentle softening.

Flipper! Thanks - loved the manual for the Klang, it's one page! :)

Yeh, that little compressor is a gem and couldn't be simpler to use. I love it on vocals, and keep meaning to try it on bass some day.

I just love free plugs! Thanks a bunch Dave. I've been looking for something like this.

bitflipper


Yeh, that little compressor is a gem and couldn't be simpler to use. I love it on vocals, and keep meaning to try it on bass some day.

I totally agree! This plug gets more use lately than the PC2a