how can i get 3d vocals, as in more body to vocals

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Member Since: Feb 15, 2009

Hi I have a home studio and record vocals ontop of instrumentals. I master my tracks on fruity loops. How can i achieve a more fuller, more surround sound with my vocals? Sometimes I find my tracks sound literally like a beat with a seperate audio track over the top. I would like to really bring my vocals out and give them more of a 3 dimensional sound. If that makes sense!

I have been told one possible method might be recording 2 versions of say a verse, and have an alternating pan on the second one.

Any more ideas please would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you

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SM7b the Chuck Noris of Mic's
Contributor
Since: Jun 20, 2002


Feb 15, 2009 10:51 am

well first off , welcome to HRC. 2nd not to be picky but what you're asking has to do with mixing not mastering (Masive, beat you to it) . I would help to know what equipment you're using (ie , microphone, exct) . Paning istruments, reverb, delays, and the likes help add space and demention to you sound. Try adding a little ( i say a little) reverb to the vacals . Multiple takes work great too, but you have to be spot on.

MASSIVE Mastering, LLC
Member
Since: Aug 05, 2008


Feb 15, 2009 11:19 am

Quote:
2nd not to be picky but what you're asking has to do with mixing not mastering (Masive, beat you to it)


Aaahhhrrrrgggg.... I'm losing my edge!

Member
Since: Feb 15, 2009


Feb 15, 2009 11:32 am

1st thanks a lot for the reply!
i am using a condenser microphone, the make is VC 202 cardioid condenser microphone but that make was exlcusive to the shop so you won't find it online. I am using the BR 600 digitalrecording studio and fruity loops to mixdown.
WHat do you mean by multiple takes

MASSIVE Mastering, LLC
Member
Since: Aug 05, 2008


Feb 15, 2009 01:54 pm

Multiple = More than singular.

Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006


Feb 15, 2009 02:43 pm

Ok, I will chime in.

The possible method you mentioned is exactly what you need to do, and panning is situation dependant, here is my opinion on why.

The goal is to sing the verse twice exactly (impossible) the same way. I say impossible and that is a good thing as the slight variations are what add body to it. If you don't nail a near perfect double you will notice two distinct vocals which I don't like unless shooting for that. Panning also seperates them out as well, not something I like for a lead vox. Alas, there is a time and place for everything I am sure.

That said, panning is fantastic for backups as seperation is something I am looking for. I have even went as far as quad backups (two per side) for the "wall of sound".

After tracking add a light reverb, be it a vocal plate, small room, whatever fits the style. A little verb can defintely warm the signal and help it set in the mix instead of sounding so "in your face".

A "what not to do" is add extra harmony while also singing the main verse, save the harmony for it's own track and double it as well.

Use it on guitars, heavy guitars benefit greatly and although trickier acoustics as well if the takes are good.

In the end if you don't like it, you still have mutiple takes you could *ahem* cut and paste from.

Member
Since: Jul 02, 2003


Feb 16, 2009 02:00 am

I pretty much subscribe to Cpt's take on it. If you pan the extra lead vocal takes much you really need to keep them low in the mix, unless you're going for effect.

Dan

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