what are so good setting to make vocals sound good on garageband?

This is a quick-and-dirty setup for vocals.

Two disclaimers:

1. Even a "perfect" mix for one context will be the wrong mix for another. This is *only* a workhorse configuration and no more. Edit it to taste.

2. Other people may give you a "basic" template to work with which doesn't resemble this one at all, and both can be good. There's no one way to do this, so be open to all input.

- First, get a new track going. Make sure the inputs are set as they should be and the monitor is on.

- Go to the track's "edit" tab.

- Set the noise gate at an appropriate level. This might take a little bit of trial and error, as setting it too low (obviously) lets in hiss and setting it too high will block out quiet dynamics and the tail end of long notes. Experiment with it, as everyone will be different.

- Turn on Compressor. Set Threshold for max, set ratio for max, set attack all the way to the left (fast) and adjust gain to taste.

- Turn on Visual EQ. Use the high-mid band to add a little bump (about +5dB in the 2500Hz range). Then use the treble band to add a bit of "air" (about +5dB in the 12000Hz range. Depending on how it sounds you may want to play with the low-mid and bass bands to taste.

I find this is good for vocals that are buried in full-band arrangements (add reverb, echo and short reflection reverb to taste) and also for podcasts.

Hope this is helpful.

You probably have to define 'good' the way you see it. Vocals are mixed and effected to reflect song style and or purpose, what instruments are in the track and who the vocalist is etc. If you choose the basic vocal template when creating a new project you will see it loaded with a male and female set of tracks. Both those tracks have presets already loaded according to what the GB developers think would be useful. Play with the loaded effects on one of your vocal tracks. You will also notice many other presets you can choose from according to your taste. It is basicly about experimenting while comparing with tracks of other artists you perhaps like as a reference.🙂

Echoing Gjmnz, a preset is a good place to start. Just select one of the preset vocal settings. (browse pane -> vocals (left side) -> and specific vocal type (right side)).

The one thing I generally find about the presets is that they're often tarted up, with all the effects on a little heavy, a little exaggerated. Kind of like a photo that's had its colors amplified so it's a bit cartoony.

So a good technique is to find a preset you like and then adjust the individual effects and settings to your liking. To my taste, I'd back off from them a bit.

For vocals, it's also very important to have the right amount of reverb.

Yes!

The room, the mic placement, the "organic" layer of the recording process, all that, is critical. I have some friends who will spend a full day adjusting their mic positions before recording a note!

Finding a good space that has the accoustic qualities you like is important. Even if it's a sonically dead space if your intention is to add effects later on. And if you are limited in your choice of recording space, you can usually find a good spot or treat it in some way to optimize your results.

Good luck!