Tips on Vocal Processing

[NormCouturier]

Anyone got any tips/experiences on vocal processing with plug-ins?

I'm using PT MixPlus, Focusrite plug-ins for EQ/Comp, D-Verb, ChannelStrip.
I already use a good mic (Audio-Technica AT4050), I have decent input levels, EQ, etc... Now I am looking for ways to put that extra "sparkle" during final mix/master. Not a real processed sound, like Def Leppard, but some good acoustic enhancement. Also, that "wall of harmony" sound for background vocals.
I find that I can only do so much with EQ and compression - I get the bite that I want and it's pretty clear and precise - just want that "extra" that I always hear on albums these days (Ex: Faith Hill - Breathe).

I've pondered the Aphex Aural Exciter plug-in. Wouldn't mind hearing someone's opinion before I spend the $500.

Also, what are the big guys using (for example, on Faith Hill, BackStreet Boys, Chritina Aguilera, etc.) These artists seem to be processed quite a bit.

Thanks for any help.



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Norm Couturier
Little Barn Productions

[Chris Lambrechts]

mmmmmm.......I started out a whole answer about step 1 mic pre.......step 2 good outboard tube compressor........step 3 good out board eq......and why plugs don't match up with any of those but I used to NOT have all of those and still was able to get a nice sound.........thank god for plugins but if you can do without.......then do so........especially with compression and eq.......

but lets suppose you have to do all of that with plugs and you still want that extra sparkle.........aural exciter is a nice but very dangerous plug in........don't put it on a final master is my opinion, instead put it on whatever sound you want it seperately.

for example on a seperate vocal master.

whenever you use it......use it with GREAT care......and put it on the next day in the morning....not after hours of mixing but with fresh ears the next day.

As far as the backstreet, faith hill, christina whatever sound.......wall of harmony........etc etc......I'd have to start another step 1 step 2 and so on ending with a great mastering facility with Manley mastering gear etc etc and more important a mastering engineer who knows what he's doing BUT........I used to get a great sound without all of that to........

as little cheap box that has done and still does wonders for me is Joe Meeks VC4.
I use it for all my vocal tracks.....and send the final VOCALS only through it to add that little sparkle I think you're talking about.......BUT......with great care and the nex morning.........

I think the moral is.........add sparkle the next morning..........

Hope this makes some sence........if not.....I'll try again but be sure to be prepared for step 1, the mic pre .......final step........the great mastering engineer.

btw........backstreet boys etc............wall off harmony.........also a step story.......with step xx being definatly VOCALIGN.



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Chris Lambrechts

[lwilliam]

Four or more tracks of TIGHT background parts with an Eventide chorus and/or pitch shift (plus some pretty heavy compression) on each track gets pretty close for that "wall of background vocals" in the Christina A sound.

I'm still trying to figure out the Faith Hill (and Martina McBride) vocal sound. I think a lot of it is due to the input source.

...and don't forget the Autotune...

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LW

[Chris Lambrechts]

Oh yes........just remembered

whenever I'm tracking backing-vocals and I want a quick mix setup to check if, I use on every vocal track two plugins to simulate that sparkle of yours : 1. tc eq with preset "thin vocals" or something like that it's called....but I alter it a little bit lowering the hifreq boosts and 2. COMP bank CB3 with preset "vocal comp+enhance" or s th like that. (the compressor bank reminds me a lot of Mr. Meeks stuff and I'm not only talking about the color here digi ?????).

Anyhow......that combination of plugins gives me a reasonable good simulation of "sparkling voices".



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Chris Lambrechts

[Chris Lambrechts]

Damn, LW stepped in the middle of my two replies........just wanted to add to his reply.......I do NOT agree with the heavy compression...............that's all




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Chris Lambrechts

[Ang1970]

Best way to get the "wall of vocals" is record at least 3 or 4 tracks of each note.
Eventide is cool to enhance the effect a little, but by itself it just makes it sound phasey. Sound Blender can get pretty much the same sounds as eventide. I really can't say enuf about all the Wave Mechanics plugs. They rock.

Ditto for McDSP. CB3 can be phenomenal on vocals if you know how to set it up right. I don't like any of the presets tho. And the dsp usage is so tiny! It's the best way to get eq and comp across all your tracks (if you're into that sort of thing). I recommend this plug instead of outboard comp, unless you have the $$$ to get manley or fairchild type stuff.

Bomb factory sounds pretty good, but takes a lot of dsp.

Of course, Chris has the right idea with the signal chain. No plug is an acceptable substitute for good chops. My chain goes like this:

1. Good lyrics and vocal arranging.
2. Good singer with mic technique.
3. Comfortable atmosphere and good performance.
4. Musical arrangement that complements the vocal, and vice-versa.
5a. Mic.
5b. Proper mic placement, good room. (And good monitoring so you can really hear what you're doing.)
6. Quality wiring.
7. Mic pre.
8. Method of input. Apogee, CraneSong, etc. slaved to good clock.
9. Everything else.

With the right approach, you shouldn't need more than minimal eq or comp on top. When you're talking about 1-2 dB of boost or cut, how much does it matter which plug you use? You might be able to hear a difference when soloing between each one, but not enuf to affect the final outcome in a qualifiable way.

Just my $.02
Cheers,


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Angelo Quaglia
AQ Productions

[NormCouturier]

Hey, All

Thanks a ton for your advice. I feel that at least I'm taking the right approach now (not missing some huge gob of information that everyone else knew except me). It's nice to hear others' opinions who have worked their tails off to get their sound.

I'll work on some track layering for background vocals, using the posted suggestions. I'm with you on the input source quality - some of those artists (Faith, Martina, etc.) could sing through some old Radio-Shack stuff and still sound magic. Thank God there's technology for the rest of us.

I've been purposely trying to stay lean on all EQ/Comp settings at the channel level. It's easy to over-adjust everything, putting you in a regressive "solve one problem, create another" situation. Concentrating on decent mic placement, good input levels...

I'm using my Soundcraft Spirit LX7/32 (2000 model from my road rig) for my mic pre-amps. I'm sure I could probably get better/quieter/brighter/etc using dedicated pre (like DBX, Manley, Avalon, etc), but I wouldn't think that the UltraMic pre's on my LX7 are that bad. (opinion?)

Thanks again - Norm




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Norm Couturier
Little Barn Productions

[sapling]

As lwilliam mentioned, but wasn't emphasized, Autotune plays a very major part in that shimmery (overprocessed IMHO) vocal sound heard in the land of bubblegum pop. You can be sure every note is Vocaligned and Autotuned to "perfection".

On a side note - A musician friend were having a discussion on the future of pop music and we decided that within 10 years, pop music will be no more than 25-40 second clips of the chorus. Just play the best part!
In fact - why don't we just build a human voice emulator plug in that sings in perfect time and pitch, you merely type the lyrics in!

[NormCouturier]

Pop music these days seems to be becoming more and more like video karaoke. There is no life. Assemble the loops, process them to bits, and find a good-looking him/her to stand in front and sing-along. You don't really need to listen to it to listen to it.

Some of it I still like, but it's like farming through the bargain bin - lotsa cr#p in between.

Hope I didn't offend anyone.




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Norm Couturier
Little Barn Productions

[sapling]

40 tracks of vocals? Um....that's just getting silly. (unless you're Britney's producer - then I guess the more BG's the better!)