Vocal production question for the pros out there

[Natas]

hi folks,

I'm trying to duplicate the breathy, airy background vocal sound in songs like "Sara" or "You Make Loving Fun" by Fleetwood Mac, or "I'm Not In Love" by 10cc. That airy, shimmering sound.

I can't tell what's going on here; are they singing in a special way, is it EQ, reverb, or all three? Anybody know how to work this magic?

thanks!

[Dr. J]

you could, should, may get 1000 different methods of doing this, but i can tell you some things we do.
1. vocalist uses a soft breathy tone.
2. compress fairly hard
3. we'll typically eq it soft, take out low freq's then add:
4. both Reverb (nice big room with mix way up, and a short delay(16ms or so)to get a slight chours effect.

If you don't want it real present in the mix, stereo pan it out just inside of cymbals and keys. (if you have keys)


Oh yea, and boost 16k. (keep boost tight)

Just one method, but hope it helps.

[Natas]

ok, I'm all over it! Will try your suggestions this week. thanks.

[SmlTwnGuy]

In the "old" days, with analog tape, a common way to get that effect was to record the track with Dolby A and then play it back with the Dolby disengaged. It gave the exact breathy sound you are referring to. Today however, I think you'll have to use the above suggestions.

[CCash]

Also, mic placement can play a big part. Above the head angled down, sometimes aimed above the mouth can work well.

[Jules]

Usualy

Heavy compression
Lots of high frequency EQ
De-esser
Sensitive condencer mic
Sing 'breathy'!
Very tight, enclosed headphones to prevent feedback!

The de-esser holds back the sharp esses and allows exagerated 'air' all over vowels etc..

[img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[Jules]

Make the singer run round the block a few times!
[img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[Natas]

SmlTwnGuy, I wonder if there's a way to do that with just the plug-in's in PT? Possibly with the BNR? Hmmmm... experimentation awaits.

[ckevperry]

You could do a whisper track....the singer will feel goofy doing it, but if you stack really close, compress the snot out of it and blend it in, it can have a nice effect sometimes.