Here you can learn how to modify the frequency range of the vocals you recorded in a way that makes them audible and sound brutal later on in the mix, while at the same time being “in the right place” without sounding too nasal or having that annoying humming sound. Of course, you can also adjust the EQ already while recording vocal tracks.
- Lower bass range: cut everything below 65 Hz – to get rid of the said humming or buzzing (which could easily be enabled by DC components)
- Bass range: enhance the range between 300-750 Hz – it allows you to add more “pressure” to the vocals
- Treble range: starting at 10 kHz reduce slightly – to minimize possible sibilants, but try to keep the distinctness of the vocals (if you want to)
- Matti Way – got the biggest balls within the Frognoise-Contest
These EQ-settings are, of course, just some guidelines – simply try it with your recorded vocals – it will give you some directions, while for the rest you have to play around a little bit and find your own way. The aforementioned settings are especially recommended for guttural grunting (think Cannibal Corpse, Dying Fetus, Suffocation, etc.) and in case you’re using a lot of Pig-Squeals just widen the range of your “frequency-gadgets”.
If somebody got any Pig-Squeal tips – leave a comment…
Trick 1: split your vocals into 2 different tracks, now edit one track with a harmonizer or pitch shifter (pitch it down a few notes) and interblend it smoothly with the original vocal track
Trick 2: split your vocals into 2 different tracks, now edit one track with a multiband-compressor, where you only edit the bass range – this you compress with a ratio of approx. 1:10.
If you don’t have any multiband-compressor at hand, just cut the treble and mid-range of the track, using an EQ and edit it further, using a normal single band-compressor. Then interblend it smoothly with the original vocal track. Further, write in your CD booklet: “no vocal effects used” 
Compression and FX: To increase the transparency and the power of the vocals, don’t be fussy in using a compressor/limiter, rather start with short attack/release settings.
In certain cases you can use analog equipment (like UREI 1176) under full saturation and find out how having a small amount of distortion added to your vocals sounds like.
Be careful with the FX – you should skip other FX, except for a little bit of reverb and a slightly “long” delay (at the end of a text passage – resulting in the voice being right in the mix). Extremely audible delays and huge artificial hall verbs are definitely too “Eighties”!
Photo source: http://media.photobucket.com/image/matti%20way/red_lamaw/mat.jpg
Alex is Guitarist in EXTINCTIONIST and Sound Engineer at KAME AUDIO Recording Studio. He also does Artwork & Webdesign at myspace.com/chokegrafix 
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