![]() ![]() One of the first steps I usually take with a vocal is subtractive EQ. Just be sure to properly set the key of the song and the vocal frequency range!ĭepending on your needs, you can also check out these other fantastic pitch correction plugins. If the vocal is especially problematic, I might stack two Auto-Tunes in sequence, and have each of them do a subtle amount of work, instead of trying to force one of them to do all of the work.Īuto-Tune even sounds great on rap vocals, as it will help enhance the melodic content of a verse in a very musical way. It simply provides some gentle tightening to the pitch that allows the vocal to sound more consistent and clear. ![]() In fact, when used right, Auto-Tune shouldn't be audible. Then I use Antares' Auto-Tune to help me fine tune the vocal pitch subtly. As a first step, I manually tune my vocals in my DAW's sequencer to make sure all of the notes are in the ball park. These types of plugins can do so much to add extra richness, warmth, and depth to your vocal productions, compared to using more sterile digital tools.īefore you start changing the tonal qualities of your vocals, you need to make sure the singing is actually in key. Throughout the vocal signal chain, I recommend using plugins that emulate vintage analog mixing hardware. You will just want to be sure to adjust the amount of each stage of processing you do to make the sound work. This is the perfect vocal chain for all different genres, from pop music to rock vocals to hip hop vocals. From there, we use various tools to bring out the best in the vocals, from EQ to saturation. Then we use compressors to take the clean signal and control it, stacking them elegantly to get full, consistent vocals. So the first few plugins remove bad frequencies, harsh sibilance, and unwanted noise. There is one underlying theory behind all this guide to vocal signal chains: the first thing to do is get rid of the unwanted aspects, control the dynamics, then enhance. Given that most vocals have a dozen or more plugins on them, it's really important to get your vocal signal chain order set correctly. Then try running it into delay and then reverb. Take a signal (a loop, vocals, whatever) and first try running it into reverb and then delay. ![]() Here's an easy signal chain experiment you can try. However, some mixing engineers may want the compressor to react to that low-end, in which case they’d put the EQ with the high-pass filter after the compressor. For example, one might choose to use an EQ on a vocal to get rid of the unnecessary low end before sending it into a compressor. ![]() The order of plugins can have a MASSIVE impact on the final sound. Typically, signal chains are made up of various processors arranged in very particular orders to get the results one desires. When a mixing engineer talks about signal chains, they are referring to the pathway your signal (audio) takes to get from point A to point B. What Is a Signal Chain and Why Plugin Order Matters! Note: this article may contain affiliate links, which mean that I receive a commission for any purchases you make, at no added cost to you. To help you build a foundation on which to mix, we want to get you started. You may end up having to use more plugins than are on the list or none at all. Different vocals will require vocal chain manipulation. There are so many variables to consider when mixing vocals. I’ll also take you through a few of my favorite plugins for the job, though the processes I’ll explain can be done with alternative plugins. Today, I’m going to walk you through one of my favorite vocal chains that works for pretty much any vocal mix, regardless of the genre. While you’ll always have a bit of tweaking to do, even with the best vocal signal chains, having one handy can help you quickly dial in a professional vocal sound. The good thing is, getting a great vocal sound doesn’t have to be challenging, as long as you know how to get where you want to go. One of the most difficult things to get right in any mix is the vocals, which is the reason that most engineers obsess over their vocal chains. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |