How to Build Pro Vocal Chains in Logic Pro—By Genre, Using Only Stock Plugins

What if the only thing standing between you and pro vocal mixes… is how you use Logic's stock plugins?

You want your vocals to sound pro. Not "pretty good for a home studio." Not "it'll do for a demo." You want a vocal tone that cuts through a mix, draws the listener in, and doesn't let go.

And you want to do it without shelling out for third-party plugins.

Cool. Because Logic Pro has everything you need—if you know how to use it right.

We're going to break down exactly how to dial in vocal chains for five popular genres—Pop, Soul/R&B, Hip-Hop, Rock, and Country—using only Logic Pro's built-in tools.

You'll get the exact signal chain, specific plugins to load, what to tweak, and why.

And yes, this works even if you're working with a USB mic in your bedroom.

Let's Set the Ground Rules (and Signal Chain)

Before we dive into genre specifics, here's the default signal flow you're going to follow. Think of this as your go-to template for mixing vocals in Logic Pro:

1. Gain – Set your input level. Fix phase if needed.
2. Channel EQ – Roll off the low end and shape the tone.
3. Compressor – Control the peaks, bring up the lows.
4. Vintage EQ – Add flavor. Sculpt the final tone.
5. Optional: Character Plugin – Saturation, grit, sheen. Whatever gives it "that" sound.
6. Limiter or Gain Plugin – Final output level.

Important: Keep your reverb and delay as send effects. It keeps your session clean. It keeps your mixes cleaner.

🎶 POP – Clean, Bright, Polished

Think clear top-end, silky compression, and an intimate vocal that wraps around the listener's head.

Here's what to load up, in order:

• Gain – Adjust until the peaks hit around -10 dB pre-fader.
• Channel EQ – Roll off everything below 100 Hz. Add a gentle 10 kHz shelf for sparkle.
• Compressor – Vintage FET. Set a 4:1 ratio, medium-fast attack, medium release. Watch that gain reduction hover around 3–5 dB.
• Vintage EQ – Vintage Console EQ. Add a little upper-mid lift around 4–6 kHz.
• Character – ChromaGlow – Modern Tube. Dial in warmth without mud. A little goes a long way.
• Limiter – Adaptive Limiter. Set the output ceiling to -1 dB.

Send Effects:

• Space Designer: Load a "Plate – Vocal Bright" reverb. Keep the wet level low.
• Delay Designer: Set a stereo slap delay, 1/16 note, low feedback.

🎷 SOUL / R&B – Warm, Smooth, Vintage

This tone is characterized by round, low-mids, slow, gluey compression, and a touch of analog-style distortion.

Your chain:

• Gain – Set input for a healthy RMS level.
• Channel EQ – Roll off below 80 Hz. Cut 300 Hz slightly to remove boxiness.
• Compressor – Vintage Opto. Slow attack and release. Let it breathe.
• Vintage EQ – Vintage Tube EQ. Boost 100 Hz slightly, boost 10 kHz wide and soft.
• Character – ChromaGlow – Magnetic. This is your tape warmth. Adds a soft roll-off and subtle compression.
• Limiter – Use the Gain Plugin to trim output. Don't squash it.

Send Effects:

• ChromaVerb: Try "Studio A – Room." Pre-delay around 30 ms.
• Tape Delay: Set a short slap (approximately 120 ms) with a 20% mix.

🎤 HIP-HOP – Punchy, Present, In-Your-Face

You want this vocal to be tight, upfront, and clear, like it's grabbing the listener by the collar.

Here's how to build that:

• Gain – Make sure the input level is loud but clean.
• Channel EQ – High-pass at 100 Hz. Boost 5 kHz for presence. Dip 300 Hz if nasal.
• Compressor – Use Platinum Digital for precise control. Set a 3:1 ratio, fast attack, medium release. Stack with Vintage Opto afterwards, using slow settings to achieve a smooth result.
• Vintage EQ – Vintage Console EQ. Boost around 6 kHz. Slight cut at 250 Hz.
• Character – ChromaGlow – Squeeze. This adds density and bite. Think of it as built-in hype.
• Limiter – Gain Plugin. Dial it in so the level plays nice with your 2-bus.

Send Effects:

• ChromaVerb: Use "Vocal Chamber." Low mix, just to push the voice back a hair.
• Delay Designer: Ping-pong, 1/4 note, low feedback. Pan it wide.

🎸 ROCK – Aggressive, Raw, Controlled Chaos

You're not going for "perfect." You're going for grit, edge, and power. This vocal should sound like it's fighting its way through the guitars.

Here's your chain:

• Gain – Tame harsh peaks. Keep it solid.
• Channel EQ – Roll off 120 Hz. Boost 3–5 kHz. Dip 400 Hz to cut mud.
• Compressor – Vintage FET. Fast and dirty. Let it bite.
• Vintage EQ – Vintage Graphic EQ. Push 4 kHz. Cut 200 Hz.
• Character – ChromaGlow – Analog Preamp. Adds grit. Push it until it breaks—then back off 10%.
• Limiter – Adaptive Limiter for final polish.

Send Effects:

• ChromaVerb: Use "Large Hall." High pre-delay, low wet mix.
• Echo: Short slap (80–120 ms), mono or stereo, depending on the track.

🤠 COUNTRY – Bright, Clear, Storytelling-First

Natural dynamics. A little air. A vocal that sounds honest, like you're sitting across from the singer in a wood-paneled studio.

Your chain:

• Gain – Aim for a -10 dB peak.
• Channel EQ – High-pass at 80 Hz. Add a light shelf at 8 kHz.
• Compressor – Vintage VCA. Transparent with a little bounce. Try 3:1, medium attack and release.
• Vintage EQ – Vintage Tube EQ. Boost 12 kHz and 100 Hz slightly. Nothing drastic.
• Character – ChromaGlow – Retro Tube. Adds subtle warmth. Keeps it organic.
• Limiter – Use the Gain Plugin to hit the sweet spot on the meters.

Send Effects:

• ChromaVerb: "Studio B – Small Room." Adds dimension without drowning the voice.
• Tape Delay: 1/4 note slapback, 15% wet.

Final Thoughts (Blunt, but Helpful)

Stop chasing plugins. Stop stacking five compressors. Stop fiddling with knobs you don't understand.

Pick your vocal sound based on the genre. Follow the signal chain. Use the right tools already sitting in Logic Pro.

And remember:

• Don't mix in solo. A vocal that sounds good on its own can fall apart in context.
• Trust your ears more than your eyes. If the waveform looks weird but sounds great, it's probably fine.
• Use your sends. Printing reverb and delay into your vocal chain is amateur hour.

Now go mix something. And don't just save these chains—use them.