What to do when the beat interferes with the vocals?

When the beat interferes with the vocals, you can take several measures to address the issue:

1. EQ (Equalization) Adjustment: Identify the frequency bands where the vocals and the beat are competing, and use an equalizer to adjust them. Lower certain frequencies of the beat or enhance certain frequencies of the vocals to make the vocals stand out more clearly.
2. Sidechain Compression: If the beat, especially the kick drum, is clashing with the vocals, use sidechain compression to automatically attenuate parts of the beat. This technique lowers the volume of the beat automatically when the vocals come in, improving the clarity of the vocals.
3. Stereo Imaging Adjustment: Place the vocals in the center and spread the beat and other instruments across the stereo field to the left and right. This spatial separation makes it less likely for the vocals and the beat to interfere with each other.
4. Dynamic Range Adjustment: Use compressors or limiters to adjust the dynamic range of the beat. This can help balance the vocals and the beat more effectively.
5. Use of Vocal Doubles: Layering multiple vocal tracks can enhance the presence of the vocals. This technique can prevent the vocals from being drowned out by a powerful beat.
6. Automatic Gain Compensation: Use specific plugins to automatically adjust the volume balance between the vocals and the beat.

Applying these techniques requires some trial and error. Make detailed adjustments at each stage of the mix to ensure that the vocals and the beat complement each other.