How to Auto Level Vocals in Pro Tools Using Dynasys

• •What Dynasys is used for in this workflow
• •Why inconsistent vocal volume can cause mixing problems
• •How to use Dynasys on a vocal track in Pro Tools
• •How a VU meter can help judge average vocal level
• •How to control louder and quieter vocal sections
• •Why excessive leveling can make vocals sound unnatural
• •How to listen back and fine-tune the result

In this tutorial, Dynasys is used as a dynamic / automatic leveling tool to help reduce large volume differences between louder and quieter portions of a vocal performance. This can reduce some of the manual work required to establish a more consistent vocal level before additional processing.

It is not a magic automatic mixing solution, and it does not replace compression, automation, EQ, or critical listening in every situation.

1. 1Load Dynasys on the vocal track.
2. 2Start with the vocal in context so you understand the original level differences.
3. 3Use the plugin’s controls to begin reducing large inconsistencies.
4. 4Watch the meters while also listening carefully.
5. 5Compare the processed result against the original vocal.

The purpose is to solve a specific leveling problem rather than simply adding another plugin to the chain.

A VU meter is useful for watching the average perceived level of a signal. Importantly, exceeding 0 VU does not automatically cause digital distortion. 0 VU is generally a calibrated reference / nominal operating level, while actual digital clipping is determined by peak level in dBFS. The exact relationship depends on the meter’s calibration.

• •VU meters respond more slowly than digital peak meters.
• •They are useful for judging general vocal consistency.
• •Peak meters should still be monitored separately to avoid digital clipping.
• •The goal is not to force every word to hit exactly the same meter value.

Dynasys can be adjusted so quieter and louder portions of the performance become easier to manage. The goal is a more consistent vocal while preserving the natural dynamics and emotion of the performance.

A vocal should ultimately be judged while the instrumental is playing. Listen for:

• •Words disappearing behind the beat
• •Certain syllables suddenly becoming too loud
• •Unnatural pumping
• •Background noise becoming too prominent
• •A vocal that feels too flat because all dynamics have been removed

Make adjustments based on the performance and instrumental rather than attempting to reach one universal setting.

After automatic leveling, smaller adjustments may still be necessary. Possible next steps can include:

• •Manual clip gain
• •Volume automation
• •Compression
• •EQ
• •De-essing
• •Other vocal processing

Not every tool is required. Dynasys can be one stage of a larger vocal workflow.

Bypass Dynasys periodically and compare the processed signal against the original. Listen for whether the processing actually improves:

• •Vocal consistency
• •Intelligibility
• •Balance
• •Natural dynamics
• •How the vocal sits with the instrumental

Avoid judging the result only because one version is louder.

• •Over-leveling the performance
• •Raising breaths and background noise too much
• •Watching meters without listening
• •Assuming 0 VU means digital clipping
• •Trying to make every word exactly the same volume
• •Adding too much processing too quickly
• •Never comparing against the original vocal

This tutorial demonstrates one real-world workflow. Results and settings will vary depending on:

• •Performer
• •Recording level
• •Microphone technique
• •Room noise
• •Beat
• •Vocal delivery
• •Plugin calibration
• •Desired sound

No settings here are a universal preset.