[Intermediate] Vocals are TOO Clear/Clean

[ZacMenton]

I've been struggling recently to mix vocals considering I mix in a way which results in my vocals being extremely clear over the beat, but this immediately is drawn back to the fact that it ends up being a little too separate from the mix. My compression also seems to have issues considering that when a vocal hook or other high energy lyric comes in, it doesn't hit hard enough, and I think this may be related to my fast attack on my compressors...
Any tips and tricks?
I'd greatly appreciate the help especially if you have run into this issue.

[Ben Jenssen]

I really think you need to post an audio example if you are to get any useful advice. If you are willing to let us hear, I'm shure you'll get lots of feedback.

[albee1952]

What Ben said. Meanwhile, some basic mix advice:
1-Vocal too hot? Turn it down
2-Vocal too clean? Add some grit(send to an AUX track>insert SansAmp on AUX track>Insert EQ(before SansAmp) and roll off everything below 2-3KHz
3-don't expect compression to "mix" your vocal. start by using Clip Gain to level out softer and louder words and phrases. That will keep compression working more consistently(especially when using "character" compressors in the style of LA-2A, SMACK! or The Tubetech CL1B.
4-one popular way to make the vocal "pop" more on important stuff(like the choruses) is to double-track those parts(and I mean a real double, not a copy of the original)
5-depending on the musical genre, you might also add a touch of reverb or echo to the vocals(or both). This can help push the vocal back into the mix. Just be subtle.

[ZacMenton]

I literally just did all of this....
Just now before reading this comment. Double checked.

[TOM@METRO]

Originally Posted by ZacMenton

I literally just did all of this....
Just now before reading this comment. Double checked.

Did this help, or are you still looking for further advice?

[Ben Jenssen]

Well, I'm glad I didn't waste more time on this yesterday, I had lots to add to Dave's advice, as the OP seems not too willing to exhaust himself, either.

[albee1952]

If I had nickel.....

[TOM@METRO]