CLA Vocal Sound

Ermz

Ermz

¯\(°_o)/¯
Apr 5, 2002
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Melbourne, Australia
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Hey guys,

Let's put together everything we know about how CLA attains clear, airy, radio-ready vocal sound of his.

I'll start by quoting his interview in SOS, where he spoke about the vocal processing on My Chemical Romance's 'The Black Parade' record.

Vocals: Waves L1, Urei 1176, Inward Connection TSL3, Dbx 263x, Roland SDE3000, Line 6 Echo Pro, Marshall Tape Emulator
"The lead vocals all got blue 1176 compression, 4:1, quick release — this in addition to the L1 compression during comping. The backing vocals were compressed with the Inward Connection TSL3. I also did some de-essing with the Dbx 263x. There were several delayed reverbs. The amount varied from section to section. I used some of the long Ensemble reverb [see below] on the lead vocals in the beginning. There are also a few long delay spills that I automated. I would have done those with the SDE3000 or Echo Pro, both of which I like for longer delays. The delays would have been tempo-set to quarter or eighth notes, perhaps the bridge section had dotted eighths on them. I also used the Marshall Tape Emulator for slap echo, which was kicked in just for the vibe, probably at 15ips with varispeed. With the vocals you try to get the overall tone for the whole record with the compressors, and then you're chasing the faders to get them really in your face. It's all about automation."
Click to expand...

Please post any tidbits you might have so we can all learn from this!
 
I would rather compress a vocal hard to get some personality out. It's like putting a snazzy jacket on a guy when he goes out at night — it adds attitude. And nothing adds attitude more than 1176s. I have six to choose from. I also like Vac Racs, which you see I have eight channels of.

I've found that these tube Vac limiters are perfect for backgrounds, and a lot of times for rock records they're perfect for the lead vocal. They only have one setting: both knobs all the way to the right. That's the optimum setting.

My vocals are always in the 17-24 bucket, right in the middle, which is important because you also have to send them to a couple of faders to help the level. You don't want the vocal faders to be up too high, where they start to clip and the console is not in that window. So, why not just bus the vocals to two more faders right next to them, just to help the level, and you send your overall effects from those faders.

I generally don't put boatloads of reverb or chorusing on vocals; I just pan them left, right or center. If I have a song where all the backgrounds are mono tracks, I'll pound them up the middle because that blend may work better. Or I may stereoize them with a little harmonizer. I use an old H3000, or I'll use Early Reflection preset on a REV5 to make it a little stereo and not quite as dry-sounding.

The hardest thing to do is to get the vocal to sit right in the track. And then to de-ess them so they don't sound like they have a lisp, but to keep the sibilance under control.
Click to expand...

.
 
i love what cla did to diamond eyes. guitars are pushed wayy back and vocals sit ontop of everything in the chorus,
but in the verses he somehow "gels" the vocals into the guitars....
there is not much you can find about cla. all ive found were the videos from waves about his signature stuff.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7heuq2lV3h4&feature=related[/ame]
 
If only it was that easy. I can tell a mile off when something is compressed too much. You never tell on solo, but when everything is playing summed its easy to hit stuff too hard and totally loose any transient punch.

As far as vocals, this will get you 90% there


waves_cla_fig2.jpg



Check this video out for anyone that hasn't seen it. Really interesting for the CLA freaks out there;

http://www.recordproduction.com/chris-lord-alge-video640.html
 
@ Guy - God knows mate! ripped it from google images! lol

I didnt even take a look at what it was to be honest. Its well old tho! lol
 
MetalSound said:
am i the only one who thinks that his productions are always way too much compressed?
Click to expand...

some are... and some aren't
I Really don't like his mix on Jimmy eat Worlds "chase this light"
compared to the rich costey tastic Futures, its sounds really 2d, flat and undynamic, whereas futures is like being punched in the face on loud bits, but the quiet parts feel so dynamic at the same time.
 
I was really hoping for some new material to surface here. All the interviews and the Waves footage I've already seen. I guess there's just not that much out there. Odd, considering his status in the industry.
 
If you think its hard to find stuff on CLA, try looking for stuff on Andy Wallace. That guy is reallllly secretive.

I think due to all the waves stuff lately he has been more than generous giving an insight into his working style.

Also check out his youtube channel CLA MIX i think it is.
 
Yeah, Randy hasn't been much better. Only due to one very helpful member on here was I able to unravel some of his mysteries.

I guess these guys mostly pass it onto their interns, keeping it going like a trade, as in days past. Fortunately I guess most of the metal guys are just posting it all online. Without Andy's tips to start me off here several years back I never would've had a chance.
 
From hes signature series there seem to be a split harmonizer aswell, as one of the effects on the Vocal plug in. From what I remember when I demoed it.
I use it myslef for chorus(mostly) it makes the vocal sit really nice if theres a lot going on in a chorus!. -9/+9 at most!, otherwise I think the effect gets too obvious!.
Maybe someone can confrim this to be true!? :guh:
 
I dont have much to contribute, but wanted in on the CLA love. I made the mistake of demoing the CLA plugs, and my wallet hates me for it lol.

as much as I love CLA, his mixing style isnt much of a secret anymore. I have taken a lot of inspiration from him and andy sneap of course \m/
 
a sexy bitch with double Ds.

all you need to know


also, she may or may not be bicurious




on topic though, has anyone tried the CLA plugins?
 
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