Tips for using default Plug-ins on Vocals

[zac_618]

Hi, I'm simply looking to gain some knowledge on getting better sounding vocals. Right now I only have the Plugs that came with Pro Tools 10 (not investing in better until I get off the learning curb).

My setup for recording vocals gets me some nice clean takes but I'm looking to smooth out the vocals to get a more "professional sound".

I've got someone in NYC who will be mixing and mastering my music for me later on but I'd like to be able to send him better sounding products to start work on when he gets them.

Also, the genre we are working on is Hip-Hop. (Seems like another good point to put into the post)

I'm fairly new to posting on here so any help would be greatly appreciated!!

[mesaone]

Channel Strip is a very nice plug-in, for practically any instrument.

But it sounds to me that you're interested in learning about the process, not necessarily the plug-ins themselves.

http://www.prosoundweb.com/article/e...oustic_guitar/

http://theproaudiofiles.com/voice-pr...q-cuts-boosts/

http://www.homestudiocorner.com/proc...eq-ing-vocals/

http://www.homestudiocorner.com/proc...5-compression/

[dr_daw]

Another thing to point out and be aware of; is that if you're sending your tracks to someone else to mix and master. They may not have the pluggins that you have, unless you are certain they are using the exact same DAW version.

If you are not getting the sounds you like 'raw', you may need to reconsider the take. When I get tracks to mix, I prefer to just get the 'raw' takes. If the artist has an idea as to what they want for effects, or tonality; a seperate project with those settings is helpful. In the past, I have found myself often undoing some of the processing that is done. Not often with their effects choices, but more often with too aggressive of EQ and compression use.

If you can give the mixer a dry vocal track that may be a great option. Not sure how you're programming your beats and such, that may make it a little more interesting. If he/she has the same version of PT's with the same Plugs and V/I's you should be ok.

Avid's Channel Strip is a good safe option, but if you find yourself really adjusting the EQ, I would reconsider the take.

[zac_618]

Originally Posted by mesaone

Channel Strip is a very nice plug-in, for practically any instrument.

But it sounds to me that you're interested in learning about the process, not necessarily the plug-ins themselves.

http://www.prosoundweb.com/article/e...oustic_guitar/

http://theproaudiofiles.com/voice-pr...q-cuts-boosts/

http://www.homestudiocorner.com/proc...eq-ing-vocals/

http://www.homestudiocorner.com/proc...5-compression/

Yes I am wanting to learn more into how to mix my vocals together to get more of the finished product so when I send the session to my partner he has more of an idea of what I'm aiming for with the songs. (He's an engineer/producer) I'm just looking to do as much as I can before he masters them so I have as close to the finished product as I can get before he gets it.

And thank you for the links I will be checking them out shortly.

[zac_618]

Originally Posted by dr_daw

Another thing to point out and be aware of; is that if you're sending your tracks to someone else to mix and master. They may not have the pluggins that you have, unless you are certain they are using the exact same DAW version.

If you are not getting the sounds you like 'raw', you may need to reconsider the take. When I get tracks to mix, I prefer to just get the 'raw' takes. If the artist has an idea as to what they want for effects, or tonality; a seperate project with those settings is helpful. In the past, I have found myself often undoing some of the processing that is done. Not often with their effects choices, but more often with too aggressive of EQ and compression use.

If you can give the mixer a dry vocal track that may be a great option. Not sure how you're programming your beats and such, that may make it a little more interesting. If he/she has the same version of PT's with the same Plugs and V/I's you should be ok.

Avid's Channel Strip is a good safe option, but if you find yourself really adjusting the EQ, I would reconsider the take.

I'll keep that in mind! I'm more wanting to just get the feel of the song into the session so he can see what I've got in mind when he gets it.

[zac_618]

Also, with the instrumentals I'm using I just import them from my iTunes library and record vocals in Audio tracks in the session.