How to Mix Professional Vocals on the Behringer X32 | Midas M32

Getting a professional vocal mix on the Behringer X32 (or Midas M32) doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you are mixing live sound or a livestream, a clear and controlled vocal is essential for worship.

In this breakdown, I will walk through five key steps to dialing in a pro-level vocal mix using the X32’s built-in tools. If you are using the Midas M32, the process is exactly the same—both consoles run on the same software.

Let’s get started.

Step 1: Gain Staging for a Clean Input

A great mix starts at the source. No amount of EQ or compression will fix a bad signal.

How to set gain on the X32:

• Aim for -18dB to -12dB on the input meter when the singer is at their loudest.
• Leave headroom for dynamics—do not let it peak into the red.
• Use proper mic technique—getting a great vocal starts before it even hits the console.

On the X32, you can solo the vocal channel and watch the meters to make sure the signal is strong but not clipping.

Step 2: Using EQ to Balance the Vocal

Once the gain is set, EQ shapes the tone of the vocal. The X32’s built-in EQ is powerful enough to get professional results without external plugins.

How to EQ Vocals on the Behringer X32:

• High-Pass Filter: Set to 100Hz to remove rumble and unwanted low-end noise.
• Low Shelf Cut: Roll off some muddy frequencies around 250Hz-400Hz.
• Midrange Cuts:
  • Cut 800Hz if the vocal sounds boxy.
  • Cut 3kHz if the vocal sounds harsh or piercing.
• High Boost: Add 6kHz-10kHz for clarity and presence.

Before making a cut, boost the frequency first to hear if it is a problem area. If it sounds bad when boosted, it is safe to cut.

Step 3: Controlling Dynamics with Compression

A consistent vocal mix means controlling dynamics so the singer is always present without being too loud or too quiet.

How to Set Compression on the X32:

• Ratio: 4:1 for mild compression that smooths things out
• Attack: 5-10ms to catch peaks while keeping transients natural
• Release: 100-150ms for a smooth response
• Threshold: Adjust so the loudest parts of the vocal get 3-5dB of gain reduction
• Makeup Gain: Add back 3-5dB so the vocal stays present in the mix

This keeps the vocal even without crushing it. If your singer has extreme volume jumps, try stacking two compressors—one for light control and another for stronger peaks.

Step 4: Using Reverb & Delay for Depth

A dry vocal sounds unnatural in worship. Reverb and delay help it sit in the mix without feeling disconnected.

Best Vocal Effects Settings for the X32:

• Reverb: Use a plate or hall reverb with a 2.5-3.5s decay and a 150ms pre-delay
• Delay: Use a subtle quarter or eighth-note delay to add space without washing out the vocal
• EQ Your Effects: High-pass below 250Hz and low-pass above 8kHz so the reverb does not overpower the mix

The Behringer X32 Effects Library, which I give away for free, includes pre-made reverb and delay settings to save you time.

Step 5: Setting the Right Vocal Level in the Mix

Once EQ, compression, and effects are dialed in, the fader position determines where the vocal sits in the mix.

How to Set Vocal Level for Worship:

• The lead vocal should always be heard clearly over the band.
• Balance it with the drums and bass—too loud feels unnatural, too quiet feels lost.
• Make subtle manual fader adjustments during the set if needed.

At this stage, you should have a clear and natural-sounding vocal that blends into the worship mix without overpowering the band.

Watch the Full Breakdown on YouTube

I recorded a step-by-step walkthrough of this process using the Behringer X32 and Midas M32. Watch it here: Pro X32 Vocals

If you want to skip the guesswork, you can download my X32 Vocal Presets & Effects Library for free here: X32 Starter Pack