How can i push synth pads back in the mix with mid-side eq?

[Edward82]

I’ve been trying to get my synth pads to sit further back in the mix without just turning them down. I used a high-cut and some reverb, but they still feel like they’re crowding the vocal. Is there a specific way to handle stereo imaging for this, maybe using mid-side EQ?

[Natalie_S]

Yeah, I’ve been there. I kept the pad sounding wide but carved a little space in the middle around the vocal so it could poke through. Not drastic, just a broad dip, and a touch of reverb still on the tail.

[AddisonR]

If you can try mid-side a bit: keep the sides wide and gently pull the mids in around the vocal area so the center space clears up. It keeps the pad’s width but makes room for the vocal.

[NathanD]

Are you sure the issue isn’t the vocal mic or the vocal arrangement fighting for the same space?

[Luna.M]

I once tried widening with a stereo effect and then shaving a hair of low mids from the pad; it didn’t fix it completely, but the vocal felt less crowded and I left it alone for a bit to see if the mix would breathe.