Stuart White showcases how to add stylistic distortion to vocals and then tame the resulting harshness using a combination of notch EQ, compression, multi-band compression, de-essing, and tape saturation.
He starts by applying distortion to inject energy and vibe into the vocals, but this also introduces harsh frequencies. To address this, White uses the Waves Q10 to surgically notch out problematic frequencies, and the Waves C1 and C4 compressors to control spiky peaks, ensuring smoother transients.
De-essing is employed to manage exaggerated sibilance from the distortion, while tape saturation adds warmth and helps the vocals sit well in the mix.
By using a slower release on vocal's main compressor, White ensures the vocal blends seamlessly with the track's texture and vibe, achieving a polished yet edgy sound.