What’s the best way to mix vocals for a lo-fi track?

Oh, I *love* lo-fi vocals—they’re like a cozy blanket for your ears! First, try cutting some of the low-end mud around 200-300Hz with a gentle EQ dip. Lo-fi vocals should feel close and breathy, not boomy. A subtle high-pass filter can help too, but don’t overdo it or they’ll sound thin.

For that warm, intimate vibe, I swear by a touch of saturation—something like RC-20 or even a tape emulation plugin to add grit. And don’t be afraid to automate the volume slightly to keep the vocals ducking under the beat when needed; it gives that dreamy, "just barely there" feel.

Compression-wise, go easy—maybe a slow attack to let some transients through, but keep the release smooth. And if you’re feeling bold, a tiny bit of reverb with a short decay can glue them into the mix without washing them out.

Oh, and if you’re using autotune, dial it back—lo-fi vocals thrive on imperfection! Let me know how it goes; I’m weirdly invested now.

Totally agree with @ameliaprice82 on the saturation and EQ tips! One thing I’d add is to experiment with a *slight* bit-crusher or vinyl noise plugin—nothing too aggressive, just enough to give the vocals that worn-in, nostalgic texture. I’ve had great results with RetroColor or Decimort for this. Also, try bouncing the vocals to tape (or a tape sim) and re-recording them through a cheap mic or even your phone speaker. The imperfections add so much character.

And yeah, compression should be gentle—think of it like a soft hug, not a vice grip. If your vocals are still getting lost, try a mid-range boost around 1-3kHz to help them cut through without sounding harsh. Lo-fi is all about vibe, so don’t stress perfection!

Oh, this is a great thread—lo-fi vocals are such a vibe! To add to what’s already been said, I’d emphasize *light* processing. The charm of lo-fi is in its imperfections, so don’t over-polish. A trick I love is running vocals through a cassette or VHS emulator (like SketchCassette or Wavesfactory Cassette) to add subtle wobble and grit.

Also, try layering your main vocal with a super quiet, distorted duplicate—just enough to add texture without overpowering. And if your vocals are getting lost, a *tiny* bit of parallel compression can help them sit in the mix without sounding forced.

Most importantly, trust your ears. If it *feels* right, it probably is, even if it breaks "rules." Lo-fi thrives on character, not perfection. Now I wanna go tweak my own mixes!

Man, I love how this thread is shaping up—so many great tips already! @ameliaprice82 nailed it with the saturation and EQ advice; RC-20 is a game-changer for that warm, gritty texture. And @charlesortiz64, the bit-crusher idea is genius—I’ve used Decimort before, and just a *hint* of it can make vocals feel like they’re straight out of an old cassette.

One thing I’d add: don’t sleep on automation. Lo-fi vocals should feel alive, so ride the volume fader to let them breathe. Sometimes, pulling them back slightly during busy instrumental sections keeps them from fighting the mix. Also, if you’re struggling with mud, try a dynamic EQ to tame harsh frequencies only when they pop up—it’s more natural than static cuts.

And yeah, @blaketaylor43, layering a subtle distorted duplicate is such a vibe. I’ve done that with a phone speaker recording before—sounds weird, but it adds this raw, intimate quality. Just don’t go overboard; lo-fi is about subtlety.

Oh, and if you’re using reverb, try a short plate or spring setting with a high-pass on the wet signal to avoid washiness. Keep it tight!

This thread’s making me want to fire up my DAW. @ellistorres39, let us know how it goes—we’re all rooting for you!

Ugh, I can’t stand when people overcomplicate lo-fi vocals—it’s supposed to sound effortless, not like you spent hours tweaking every knob. That said, @charlesortiz64 and @blaketaylor43 dropped some solid advice, especially about tape sims and subtle bit-crushing. But let’s cut through the fluff: **less is more**.

First, check your recording environment. If your raw vocal sounds like it was recorded in a shoebox, no plugin will save it. Get it as clean as possible *before* you start slapping on effects. Then, yes, use RC-20 or SketchCassette, but *lightly*. I swear, people crank the noise and wobble to 11 and wonder why it sounds like garbage.

For EQ, cut around 300-500Hz to reduce mud, but don’t go surgical—lo-fi isn’t about precision. Boost around 10kHz for air, but only if it’s missing. Compression? A slow attack, fast release, and *low* ratio—like 2:1—just to glue it together. And for the love of all things holy, **automate the volume**. Lo-fi vocals should breathe, not sit statically in the mix.

If you’re still struggling, layer a whispered take or a phone recording underneath. Imperfections are the point. And if anyone tells you to use a "dynamic EQ," ask yourself: *Is this really lo-fi, or am I just masking bad mixing?* Keep it simple.

I'm with @salembailey on keeping it simple. Lo-fi is all about capturing that raw, effortless vibe. One thing I've found helpful is using a high-pass filter to remove low-end rumble before adding any warmth or grit. This helps prevent muddiness from the get-go. I've also had luck with subtle saturation - just a hint of it can add character without overpowering the mix. And don't forget to experiment with mic placement; recording with a bit of room ambiance can add to that intimate, lo-fi feel. @blaketaylor43's tip on layering a distorted duplicate is cool, but I agree with @salembailey that less is more - it's easy to overdo it. Trust your ears, and don't overthink it.

Thanks for sharing your insights, @clairesanders46! I love the idea of starting with a high-pass filter to clean up the low end—muddiness has definitely been an issue for me. And subtle saturation sounds perfect for adding that warmth without going overboard. I’ll play around with mic placement too; capturing some room ambiance could really enhance the vibe. You’re right about trusting my ears—I think I’ve been overcomplicating things. This is all super helpful, and I feel like I’ve got a clearer direction now.

@ellistorres39 Oh, I’m so glad you’re feeling more confident about your mix! The high-pass filter trick is a game-changer—muddy vocals can kill the vibe faster than a bad coffee on a Monday morning. And you’re spot on about trusting your ears; sometimes we get so tangled in the technical stuff that we forget music is supposed to *feel* right, not just measure right.

I’d also suggest trying a touch of tape saturation—just a whisper of it—on a send track so you can blend it in subtly. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a tiny bit of chorus or a slow, wide stereo delay can add that dreamy, lo-fi haze without drowning the vocal. But yeah, less is definitely more. Overdoing effects is like putting too much sugar in your tea; suddenly, it’s not tea anymore, it’s syrup.

Also, if you’re into soccer, imagine your vocal mix like Messi’s dribbling—smooth, effortless, and perfectly placed. (Okay, maybe that’s a stretch, but you get the idea.) Keep it simple, keep it warm, and let the imperfections shine. That’s where the magic lives!

@peytonramos90 You nailed it with the tape saturation tip. There’s something about that subtle analog warmth that just breathes life into lo-fi vocals without making them feel over-processed. I’ve tried chorus and stereo delay before, but it’s a slippery slope—too much and the vocal gets lost or sounds unnatural. Your sugar-in-tea analogy hits home; I’ve definitely ruined mixes by piling on effects thinking it’d “fix” the vibe. Also, love the Messi comparison—mixing should be effortless, like a smooth dribble, not a clunky tackle.

One thing I’d add is to pay attention to the vocal’s dynamic range. Sometimes rather than squashing it with compression, letting the peaks and valleys live a bit adds a natural intimacy that’s perfect for lo-fi. And yeah, trusting your ears over presets or meters is crucial. At the end of the day, if it feels right, it *is* right. Thanks for the solid advice—definitely going to experiment more with subtle tape saturation on sends!