Creating and processing vocals is not an easy task. However, with the right tools and techniques, it can turn into a quite enjoyable journey. As years go by, many vocal processing tools and technique have developed. Nowadays, producers are able to create more powerful, cleaner, and more present vocals that blend better with the entire mix.
Processing Vocals: the Process Itself
Processing vocals requires taking individual notes and combining them to create a single performance. There are several plugin tools that are extremely helpful and make this process easier and much more enjoyable. Certain plugin tools are great at creating harmonies that you can use as-is. Similarly, they can produce a guide vocal for a singer to replace. It’s essential for producers to examine recorded vocals through a frequency analyzer. By doing this, the user is able to identify the best frequencies and discard those unrequited ones.
A Piece of Advice
Vocals make an exceptional source material for heavily processed textures, but it is important not to over-tune them. Through this audio processing technique, producers tend to capture several takes of the vocal levels. The warm-up level helps the singer familiarize with the track, whereas the subsequent ones allow the singer to cover the entire track in segments. In addition, it’s also important for users not to make vocals sound too loud. In conclusion, a proper balance is essential.
Vocal Processing: the Origins
Artificial double tracking began around 1960 and became an essential part of Abbey Road Studios. The Beatles used this effect quite often—until there came new opportunity. John Lennon began searching for an electronic way of creating doublet-tracked vocal sounds. As a result, some of the sound engineers working at Abbey Road Studios developed a two-tape machine that ran simultaneously, creating a unique chorus-like sound known today as double-tracked vocal.
The chorus effect is quite noticeable and different from the double-tracking effect. The reason is it uses sine wave technology. The double-tracked effect creates a better chorus effect that is quite useful for modifying vocal and guitar sounds.
