Do you prefer using a Chorus effect or recording multiple takes?
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Posted on Apr 28, 2009 08:46 am
Indellable
Music Afficionado
Member Since: Aug 12, 2008
I know, I know, it depends on the artist(s). Just curious to know people's general thoughts on the subject. I tend to like the sound better when other people record indiviudal tracks, but I cant seem to mix them very well when I do it. And I tend to think the Chorus effects sound too manufactured - for lack of a better term - when I use them.
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HuePinnipedal Czar (: 3= Member
Since: Apr 11, 2004
Apr 28, 2009 09:30 am I might use a low and slow chorus effect on guitar or vox, to thicken things up a bit, but it is by no means a replacement for a doubled track. As you pointed out, though... it depends on the artist, or more accurately, the track.
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Apr 28, 2009 11:25 am They're really not the same thing though. One thing that a chorus effect doesn't replicate is the subtle timing and accent differences between two individual takes.
All a chorus does is split the signal, slightly detune one of them, and sum it back with the original signal. The subtle differences in pitch are a pretty small part of what gives a doubled track its effect. So a chorus effect is only doing part of what doubling a track does.
Apr 29, 2009 07:18 pm If it's guitar, multiple takes is the way to go. Pan the parts hard left and right.
For vocals, I prefer double (or triple) tracking, but a little chorus can be effective on top of that as well.
To get double tracked vocals to mix well, pick the better of the two performances (or make a comp track of the best parts) and use that as the main track. Turn the other track(s) down lower until the effect adds a more subtle fullness.
JDODBrother Number OneMember
Since: Jan 22, 2008
Apr 30, 2009 05:48 am Hmmmm, I never really use chorus but then I tend to play with a fair bit of distortion so chorus just sounds like a pshitty (ooo, do you like my silent p)mess. I double track the guitars and pan them abotu 40%L&R. I also never track more than two guitars on the same rhythm piece.
I might use a bit of chorus on a clean guitar in an interlude or something, but not cos I wanted to go for a thick/tracked sound but 'cos I want it to sound bright and, eh, well, chorusey....
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Apr 30, 2009 12:52 pm I will use a tiny bit of chorus on a sloppy solo now and again. That way you can hear the slop with up to 10 variations (really I never use more than two).
On vocals, I would rather just double track but... in certain situations it can be used as a cool effect, not something I would apply to a lead vocals though.
GeoffSM7b the Chuck Noris of Mic'sContributor
Since: Jun 20, 2002
Apr 30, 2009 02:05 pm I don't on vocals, but i have used a slight delay (bairly noticable) and a double track and it has worked really well. I tend to only use chorus , and sparingly, on some synth parts to fatten them up .
jetgloMember
Since: Jul 23, 2004
May 01, 2009 08:36 am If I use chorus or tremolo, flange etc. I tend to "ride the frequency". Altering the frequency of the effect throughout the song or part makes it much more complimentary and less unnatural. This is done in real time while bouncing it to another track.
cruxTypo SzarMember
Since: Jul 04, 2002
May 03, 2009 12:06 am As many ppl have said, i really view chorus as an effect and not a replacement for double tracking
i think in most cases u can "hear" chorus, even when its being used to fatten things up as they will kind of sparkle and modulate mildly
i dont think the two can replace eachother
