Can we talk vocals (dubs, back-ups etc..)

[chadsxe]

How do you guys handle over-dubs and backups. I am listening to the As I Lay dying album and you can tell that there is 2 tracks of vocals going on a lot of the time (At least I think I hear that). How is the second track typically treated. I imagine it is compressed pretty heavily and brought up so it is not noticable but can be felt. I am also guessing that it really is not eq'ed any diffretn and that it is sent to the same verb if used.

I also am listening to the Trivium record and I hear the vocal dubs spread out more across the stereo field. Would this be multiple tracks spread behind the main track. They do sound like they are on a diffrent verb and eq. Or maybe they are delayed and sent to diffrent pans. I hear the same thing in Lamb of Gods - Ashes of the wake production.

Hmmm, I don't know. Just looking for some insight I guess.

 

[Grave Desire]

There is an article just on this subject in the new EM. It goes over different comping techniques, processing and other vocal related audio techniques. I don't know if you get it already but if not see if you could check it out. They had alot of cool ideas.

 

[chadsxe]

There is an article just on this subject in the new EM. It goes over different comping techniques, processing and other vocal related audio techniques. I don't know if you get it already but if not see if you could check it out. They had alot of cool ideas.

What is EM?

 

[nuclearass]

http://www.emusician.com/

btw...in Finland EM is "Erotiikan Maailma", which is a legendary porn mag.

 

[metalkingdom]

Electronic Musician. I read that article and there's really not a lot there - for me, anyway.

Vocals are my forte, so I'll tell you what I do...

For a doubled lead vox part, I'll mix the main track with compression and eq to where I like it, which is usually "in your face". Then I'll bring up the doubled part on the next fader/channel to around 60%-70% of the original track's level. I'll then compress the doubled track either a little harder, or a little softer than the lv - depending on which sounds more lively while listening to both vox tracks together. I then eq the doubled part separately from the lv track, and usually end up boosting the mids and cutting the highs and lows on the doubled part a little more. As far as panning, I personally favor a very slight "left of center" adjustment. Still really close to the middle, but just enough to distinguish it as a separate performance. For other backing verse (ad lib) vocal tracks, they usually end up being severely compressed and with fairly drastic eq. Tracking with a different mic for the ad lib takes is a really good idea if you have the resources. I'll pan those a little farther out in the stereo field since they make for a cool effect if most of your stuff is up the middle or close to it. It's called "ear candy", and it can subconsciously help keep the listener listening.

If you wanna hear for yourself what I'm talking about, get any of these records from Snoop Dogg - if you can bear listening to rap.

Top Dogg
The Last Meal
The Eastsidaz
The Eastsidaz Deuces and Trays
Paid The Cost To Be The Boss

If you can find it check out "Everywhere I Go", which is the last song on the second Eastsidaz album. Tracked on 2'' at Right Track NYC, but mixed on a Schmackie d8b and 20 bit ADATS. It's one of my best mixes ever!!!

 

[chadsxe]

Electronic Musician. I read that article and there's really not a lot there - for me, anyway.

Vocals are my forte, so I'll tell you what I do...

For a doubled lead vox part, I'll mix the main track with compression and eq to where I like it, which is usually "in your face". Then I'll bring up the doubled part on the next fader/channel to around 60%-70% of the original track's level. I'll then compress the doubled track either a little harder, or a little softer than the lv - depending on which sounds more lively while listening to both vox tracks together. I then eq the doubled part separately from the lv track, and usually end up boosting the mids and cutting the highs and lows on the doubled part a little more. As far as panning, I personally favor a very slight "left of center" adjustment. Still really close to the middle, but just enough to distinguish it as a separate performance. For other backing verse (ad lib) vocal tracks, they usually end up being severely compressed and with fairly drastic eq. Tracking with a different mic for the ad lib takes is a really good idea if you have the resources. I'll pan those a little farther out in the stereo field since they make for a cool effect if most of your stuff is up the middle or close to it. It's called "ear candy", and it can subconsciously help keep the listener listening.

If you wanna hear for yourself what I'm talking about, get any of these records from Snoop Dogg - if you can bear listening to rap.

Top Dogg
The Last Meal
The Eastsidaz
The Eastsidaz Deuces and Trays
Paid The Cost To Be The Boss

If you can find it check out "Everywhere I Go", which is the last song on the second Eastsidaz album. Tracked on 2'' at Right Track NYC, but mixed on a Schmackie d8b and 20 bit ADATS. It's one of my best mixes ever!!!

Thanks for the info. I actually know that song. I will have to dig it up when I get home. I am just wondering how well these ideas will translate over to a typical metal mix. I am guessing fairly well. Thanks a lot for the ideas.

 

[metalkingdom]

Thanks for the info. I actually know that song. I will have to dig it up when I get home. I am just wondering how well these ideas will translate over to a typical metal mix. I am guessing fairly well. Thanks a lot for the ideas.

It's pretty much the same with all music that has a lead vocal and snare drum.

If you have the original cd, that's me on the inside with the d8b.

 

[chadsxe]

It's pretty much the same with all music that has a lead vocal and snare drum.

If you have the original cd, that's me on the inside with the d8b.

Ha I think I do... I so am checking this out first thing tonight.

 

[chadsxe]

So what do you do when you have the a dub comin in and out to add more power but as it comes in it raises the overall volume of the vocals. Do you automate the main vocal track down?

 

[xmarcelx]

On Metalcore records I often hear two tracks panned left and right. Sometimes on a chorus they're aren't panned

 

[metalkingdom]

So what do you do when you have the a dub comin in and out to add more power but as it comes in it raises the overall volume of the vocals. Do you automate the main vocal track down?

No way. If you eq and compress them right, they are totally separate and work together harmoniously. That's what some people call "voodoo" or "black magic". Shit just happens.