Recording Vocals

[FinnJ]

when im recording vocals in cubase, i usually get the program to record two tracks of the same vocal to give the vocal more body. is this the usually way to record my tuneless singing!? :P

[Polaris20]

Originally Posted by FinnJ

when im recording vocals in cubase, i usually get the program to record two tracks of the same vocal to give the vocal more body. is this the usually way to record my tuneless singing!? :P

It's certainly one approach to use. Often there's many ways to skin the musical cat.

[JESTER700]

If ALL you do is record the same input on 2 tracks, it shouldn't do ANYTHING. If you chorus, detune, delay, or otherwise mangle one of the tracks with respect to the other, that will "thicken" the sound a bit. Or, if you mean record the same part twice, that's a great way to do it.

[GuyCool]

Recording the same part on two tracks will give more volume-two channels going to the master channel. Recording to a stereo track would 'widen' the sound. But it would be worth processing at least one of the tracks. Better yet, record the same part twice on seperate tracks. Subtle close harmony effects would thicken the sound nicely.


Guy

[JESTER700]

Volume - yeah, it will increase volume - I didn't count that, since it doesn't change the sound character (unless the extra few dB clips the output bus ;-)

But it will NOT widen the sound if the gear is good and wired correctly. It'll sound like a mono signal.

[GuyCool]

Yeah, you're right Jester. The sound isn't wider. I guess it just sounds louder, and gives the impression of being more 'stereo' as a result of the higher output.

Off the point a little, it's generally better to have lead vocals in the centre of the mix, so extreme stereo may be best avoided..

Record devil worship vocals, then reverse the file, and reimport it as a mysterious effect. Watch, from a distance, as the world disintegrates, as your record goes to number one in the hit parade.


Guy

[kennydoe]

Ask Ozzy & David Lee Roth about the joys of double-tracking vocals!

Unless you have a good mic & mic preamp, even the best vocals tend to sound pretty dead on recordings.

If you have a few $$ to spend, look into that. If not, there's no crime in double tracking and you're in good company

~Kenny

[JESTER700]

For that matter, ask darn near ANYONE. Most modern pop, rock, and country tunes have (at least) doubled lead parts on at least the choruses.

[CQ7String]

Another trick - record one stereo track, split it, keep one centered and pan the other hard left.

[LGMT]

I like to record one voice and double another like the first one, then pan one 25, 30% L and another 25, 30% R. This makes the voice much wider an unique. The trick is to make in the second one the same things you don in the first to sound equal.

[AlexBHome]

The first best way to get your vocals in tune is of course practice a lot... keeping track of your pitch in the car while you're driving and singing to the radio is pretty good practice if you don't have time otherwise.

The second best way is Antares Auto Tune Its a bit of gear you can buy or a software plugin for DirectX that everyone's using nowadays in pop music from N'Sync to the latest folks in Nashville. Makes me sick, actually, but I suppose it helps people shovel out dreck faster... I use it myself until I find a lead singer for my group since I'm not a pro and its pretty good.

-Alex
www.ionstorm.com

[Tsorovan]

Alexander Brandon?
Man that's cool :) Love yours and Michiel van den Bos's music. Unreal, Na Pali, Deus Ex...some of the best game music ever IMO.

OK, enough asslicking....

I want DX2 now.

[AlexBHome]

Yep, that's me.. thanks for the compliment. Head to the DX2 forum.. I'm on there from time to time... its coming along well!

-Alex
www.ionstorm.com