How can I achieve that \"breath-y\" effect on vocals
 

I am really interested in achieving that breath-effect on a lot of rnb hooks and rap hooks using rnb-type singers.

I read somewhere a de-esser and aural exciter (probably with an eq..etc.) on the vocal track would do it... but I have used the Wave and Digidesign de-esser plug-ins and it didnt really hit the goal.


What's should I use and how, what settings?

Re: How can I achieve that \"breath-y\" effect on vocals
 

Heavy compressor should do the effect, if I understand you right...

Tubz

Re: How can I achieve that \"breath-y\" effect on vocals
 

If the singer is still available, try recording a "whisper track." That's a track where they basically sing a new track where they whisper the vocals. This is then mixed back in with the origional. This, in my view, is the best way to go.

You could also try duplicating the track, boosting about 12 dB at around 2k, compressing it really hard, then blending that back in with the origional track. Or, if you want, skip the EQ, just compress hard, and blend it back in with the origional track.

Re: How can I achieve that \"breath-y\" effect on vocals
 

Start with a breath-y singer...

Beyond that, de-ess then pump 12kHz and up. It's a start at least.

Re: How can I achieve that \"breath-y\" effect on vocals
 

thanks guys. I'll try it.

Re: How can I achieve that \"breath-y\" effect on vocals
 

Having a whisper track seems like a damn good idea! I'm going to have to try that

Re: How can I achieve that \"breath-y\" effect on vocals
 

record with sony c800 and and decent pre (avalon imo for "close up" sound)

plenty compression and distressor at mix.

Re: How can I achieve that \"breath-y\" effect on vocals
 

You looking for a reverse reverb type of effect?

Re: How can I achieve that \"breath-y\" effect on vocals
 

i am looking for that Mariah Carey sound... no tthe one on her albums...but the on eshe is more using on the latest hip-hop hook stuff.

Re: How can I achieve that \"breath-y\" effect on vocals
 

All of the above - but the real trick is layer and layer and layer again.
It starts to appear at about 4 voices per harmony line.

Pan to taste

Compress to your wee hearts content take out a bit of mid and boost the highs.

Also you be brutal with the EQ high pass the lot - you know, it sounds like crap on it's own but like silk behind the track.

Best

Iaingub