Mix sounds dull? Add 2 dB of air at 10 to 12 kHz

Add a wide, gentle boost of about 2 dB around 10 to 12 kHz, on the vocal, the mix bus or both. That range is called 'air': it holds breath, shine and space rather than notes. A small lift makes a dark mix sound open and expensive. Too much and it hisses, so keep it subtle.

How to do it

1. Put an EQ on the vocal (or the mix bus) and pick a high shelf or a wide bell.
2. Set it around 10 to 12 kHz.
3. Boost about 2 dB and listen; go up to 3 dB at most.
4. Check the s and t sounds: if they get sharp, back off or de-ess first.
5. Compare with bypass at the same volume, so you hear the tone and not just 'louder'.

Why it works

Our ears read high, quiet detail as closeness and clarity. Cheap mics, dark samples and lots of processing roll that range off, so a little air back on top makes a mix sound finished.