How do I know when to stop cutting with subtractive eq and try compression?

[Stephen_A]

I’ve been trying to get my vocal takes to sit better in the mix by using subtractive EQ, but I keep ending up with them sounding thin or hollow. I’m cutting the problem frequencies I can hear, like boxiness around 300-500 Hz and harshness in the upper mids, but it feels like I’m losing the body and presence of the performance. How do you decide when to stop cutting and maybe address the issue with compression or even the source recording itself instead?

[Jeffrey_J]

I’ve chased that thin feeling too. I kept cutting 300–500 Hz and it would clean the boxiness but steal the body. In the end I tried cutting less and letting the vocal breathe with a light compression to tame peaks; in context it sounded more natural even if solo it still feels a little hollow.

[Charles53]

Another thing I learned is the source matters. A different mic distance or a room change can flip how those same cuts land. I moved a mic a bit and tracked fresh; the voice sat in the mix with a lot less drama than before.

[Victoria_D]

I also tried using a touch of compression to bring the presence forward instead of more EQ. Not a drum bus thing, just a mild ratio and a slow attack. It glued the vocal to the tempo without making it loud.

[GregoryZT]

Do you think the real issue is the vocal tone or the arrangement around it?