Need 3rd party view on level of vocal harmonies. Too much? Not enough?

[stevehollx]

So me and my vocalist are arguing over the proper volume for vocal harmonies. Can someone check out these tracks and give an outside reference on vocal harmony volume?

One of us feels the lead vocals aren't strong enough and the harmonies 'cover up the mistakes.' The other thinks that the harmonies are too hot and it is distracting the listener from the lead vocal melody. Here are three songs which should give a good range on the vocal harmonies.

http://idiomband.com/!!silent-end/twtigty-7.21.mp3
http://idiomband.com/!!silent-end/gemini-7.21f.mp3
http://idiomband.com/!!silent-end/crux-7.21f.mp3

Oh and feel free to comment on other parts of the mix. : )


/s

 

[iekobrid]

I didn't notice any harmony vocals in that first song. Do you mean the doubling of the lead?

 

[Nebulous]

They are there in the first song and could be much louder. They are way too buried with the music going. In the break where it's just the vocals, the harmony is at a good level IMO. Maybe try adding some stereo spread, so that the level is there, but not buried by the main vocals. That should also help "cover" the mistakes by drawing attention away from dead centre.

 

[Notuern]

Yeah, the harmonies are way to low.

 

[stevehollx]

Maybe try adding some stereo spread, so that the level is there, but not buried by the main vocals. That should also help "cover" the mistakes by drawing attention away from dead centre.

If there is only a single harmony track, whats the best way to get a stereo spread without making things sound unbalanced by only throwing them to a single side? I chould pan the double to one side and then the harmony to the other, but things would still sound unbalanced when there is no harmony.