Background Vocals
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Posted on Mar 07, 2005 07:56 pm
vdalehubbard
Lost for words with all to say.
Contributor Since: Sep 12, 2003
Howdy!
I got my background vocals finally recorded and I need some advice. I want to hear from some folks here as to what they do with mixing background vocals. Do you EQ the highs lower so the lead comes out? What type of reverb do you find spreads out the vocals really well? Do you pan some? Etc. Etc. Just like to know what you guys do for these.
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Mar 07, 2005 08:05 pm One thing I like to do is copy the part or parts and EQ them differently. Then I like to pan them across the spectrum so they really fill out the space. It really depends if you're lookin' for the CSN&Y type of layering, or something a little rougher.
I'd like to hear your song with background vocals...I bet they really add a lot to it!
Jim
vdalehubbardLost for words with all to say.Contributor
Since: Sep 12, 2003
Mar 07, 2005 08:11 pm Right now, I have 4 background vocalist and only one that sounds good! Sometimes it sucks to make the call!
I believe the trouble I'm having is that I can't get the lead and the background to go good together where you hear both of them with no problem. I get aggravated and have to quite everytime I mess with it lately. Geez...
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Mar 07, 2005 08:44 pm Compress the crap outta them! Over-compression actually takes some of the highs out of them and allows the lead to come through more. I dunno about you, but I don't usually go for expressiveness in backing vocals so squish-squashing them with a compressor only does good for my meager backups.
Then I usually make them come from different places in the stereo field than the lead vocal.
MurphyAn outburst for perfectionMember
Since: Dec 11, 2002
Mar 07, 2005 08:45 pm Over compress them, it's worked for me in the past
Mar 07, 2005 10:53 pm Yes - compress tham a bunch and take out a low of the lows. I'll attenuate as far up as 800K sometimes...
Another trick is to take out a bit of the 'pressence' area at 3K or so on the bkg vocals to avoid competing with the main vocal.
cooloFrisco's Most UnderratedMember
Since: Jan 28, 2003
Mar 08, 2005 12:44 pm For my background vocals, I usually compress them about the same as the lead vocals. Then usually make a cut in the frequency where the leads are most prominent and a slight boost at a higer frequency than where the leads are sitting. For example if the leads are mostly at 1100 or so, then I'll cut the backgrounds at 1100 a little bit, and then I'll boost at 1250 or 1300 or so. Really depends on the sound you're going for if you want to add some verb on them and pan them. If there are more than one backups going at the same time I usually pan them opposite of each other. If there is only one, I'd prolly just inch it just left or right and leave the lead down the middle.
olddogMember
Since: Jul 02, 2003
Mar 08, 2005 03:19 pm I think the most important thing is the levels. I usually put lead vocals on one buss, backing vox on another, then mix my harmonies with nothing else playing and just concentrate on getting a good blend, then I bring everything else in adjust the overall volume of each vocal buss and tweak it if neccessary. Depending on the style I also use EQ, Compression, FX like chorus etc.
Dan
vdalehubbardLost for words with all to say.Contributor
Since: Sep 12, 2003
Mar 08, 2005 04:34 pm Very good suggestions guys and got my brain a-working! Going to see what I can do.
