By Thir13een Team | Last updated: October 25, 2026
Quick answer: To make a vocal sound like a phone call, cut everything below about 300 to 500 Hz and above about 3 to 3.4 kHz, add a mid boost near 1 to 2 kHz, then add light distortion and strong compression. A standard phone line carries roughly 300 Hz to 3.4 kHz, so that band-pass shape is the effect. In Logic Pro, use Channel EQ, Overdrive or Bitcrusher and Compressor. GarageBand follows the same recipe.
The telephone vocal is a classic effect for intros, verses and bridges. This guide shows how to build it, and how to automate it so the vocal opens up into the full sound.
Why it works
Telephones squeeze the voice into a narrow band, so the bass and the high air disappear. The result sounds thin, boxy and a bit distorted. You copy that by removing the same frequencies and adding a little crunch.
Build it in Logic Pro
| Order | Plug-in | Settings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Channel EQ | High-pass at 400 Hz, steep slope. Low-pass at 3.2 kHz, steep slope. |
| 2 | Channel EQ (same plug-in) | Add 3 to 5 dB near 1.5 kHz, medium width. |
| 3 | Overdrive or Bitcrusher | Low drive, mix 20 to 40 percent. Bitcrusher at a high bit depth with a slightly lowered sample rate adds grit. |
| 4 | Compressor | 6:1, fast attack, 6 to 8 dB of gain reduction. Phone audio is squashed. |
If the filters on your EQ are gentle, stack two copies of the plug-in so the cut is steeper.
Automate it in and out
- Put the effect chain on a duplicate of the vocal track, or use a bypass switch.
- Automate the plug-in's bypass or the dry and wet mix.
- Start the verse with the phone effect and open it up at the chorus, so the full vocal feels like a reveal.
A sudden switch can sound abrupt. Open the low-pass over a quarter of a bar for a smooth reveal.
Add a ring or a crackle
A very quiet layer of background noise or static sells the effect. Keep it 25 to 30 dB below the vocal, and use sounds you have the rights to use.
Build it in GarageBand
- Open the vocal track's plug-ins and add the Channel EQ. Roll off the low end around 400 Hz and the high end around 3 kHz.
- Boost the mid band near 1.5 kHz.
- Add Overdrive or Bitcrusher with the mix kept low.
- Add the Compressor and set it firmly.
- To switch between clean and phone sound, duplicate the track, keep the effects on one copy and automate each copy's volume.
Problems that show up
- Too thin to understand: raise the low-pass to 3.5 kHz and lower the high-pass to 300 Hz.
- Harsh: reduce the 1.5 kHz boost and the distortion.
- Too clean: add more compression and light bitcrushing.
- The effect distracts from the lyric: use it on one section, not the whole song.
Get the Cellphone Effect preset
Skip the building, or study a finished chain.
Logic Pro X: Cellphone Effect vocal preset for Logic Pro X is $10 and uses stock plug-ins. GarageBand: Cellphone Effect vocal preset for GarageBand is $10.
Want a finished chain instead of building one? Start with the free Toronto Warmth vocal preset for Logic Pro X. Then compare the Logic Pro Starter Pack ($19, three best sellers), the GarageBand Starter Pack ($19) and the Vocal Preset Mega Bundle for Logic Pro X ($49). You can also browse the Logic Pro vocal presets and GarageBand vocal presets collections.
We do not publish the exact values inside our paid presets. The starting points above are general mixing practice. For the EQ basics, see the vocal EQ cheat sheet.
Frequently asked questions
What frequencies does a telephone vocal effect use?
About 300 Hz to 3.4 kHz. Cut below and above that band.
How do I make a vocal sound like it is on the phone in Logic Pro?
Use Channel EQ filters at 400 Hz and 3.2 kHz, a mid boost, light distortion and heavy compression.
Can I do this in GarageBand?
Yes. Use Channel EQ, Overdrive or Bitcrusher and Compressor.
How do I switch the effect on and off during a song?
Automate the plug-in bypass, or duplicate the track and automate the volume of each version.
Does the effect work on rap?
Yes, and it is common on intros and breaks.
