Why a vocal still feels buried after you turn it up
If another 2 dB only makes the mix louder, the problem may be density, consonant loss, ambience or arrangement rather than fader level.
Diagnosis
- Compare lead level between verse and chorus.
- Listen to consonants around 2-5 kHz at low playback level.
- Mute reverb and delay briefly to separate masking from ambience.
Decision
- Create short-lived space in competing instruments.
- Duck ambience when words matter.
- Use automation before adding another compressor by reflex.
Measurement boundary
The useful test is intelligibility at matched overall loudness, not how impressive the soloed vocal sounds.
Common failure: Over-brightening the vocal can trade masking for fatigue.