Stuart White shares his approach to achieving consistent and aggressive vocal distortion by first applying compression to control peaks before adding distortion.
By compressing the vocals heavily, he ensures an even saturation, as distortion is level-dependent and can become harsh if not managed properly. This technique allows the vocals to maintain clarity and avoid harshness, even at high volumes, making them sound creamy and pleasant without causing listener fatigue.
White emphasizes the importance of this method in creating a mix that can be played loudly on any system without discomfort, as demonstrated in his work on the track "Don't Hurt Yourself" from Beyoncé's album "Lemonade."