Add something to my (plug-in) vocal chain..

[T. Gundersen]

I recently added the Waves Complete Studio Classics bundle to my arsenal that otherwise just counts the Logic Pro 8 native plug-ins. Now I'm about to mix vocals for an upcoming rap mixtape release, and I still don't feel like I'm completely covered. I'm still pretty new to mix engineering so I need to step up my skills as well.

For this mixtape I work mostly with a single rapper, and this is how I usually go about processing his tracks:
- I automate the volume on the lead vocal and let the dubs/addlips/choir tracks sit as is unless they got extreme peaks going on.
- Then I might put on an API 2500 with pretty fast attack/release and high ratio just grabbing like 2-3 dB to further level the signal.
- Sometimes I'll then grab the FET-alg from Logic Pro's native compressor and go hard on the signal (6-10 dB of compression), opening up the attack till I feel his vocals are "coming through" loud and clear, and the release is usually medium fast.
- Or I'll reach for the Waves VComp and play with it from the "Lead Vocal" preset, usually I end up going 50% analog, taking off its limiter and going 2-4:1 ratio with auto release and no de-essing.

I feel like I could use another compressor in the "LA2A"-style (I'm probably getting UAD-2, that'll cover it), and a good limiter as well to go in the end of the chain for the most important vocal tracks to really bring them out. I'm hearing good things about the Waves L1 for this purpose, but it's pretty expensive unless I'm buying it in a bundle - if I'm getting UAD-2 anyway, would I be better off getting their Precision Limiter for this purpose? Any and all thoughts are appreciated.

FYI: I'm tracking vocals with the Peluso VTB through an API 512c and Purple Audio Action compressor.

[bino_5150]

Don't be afraid to hit the vocals a little harder with the compressor. I like to use usually about 8:1, fast attack with a slow release, and whomp on it pretty hard, maybe 10-12 dB or so, so the signal is well under compression. It's ok to bring the threashold down on it, just use the makeup gain to bring the signal back up.

I also use very light hardware compression and limiting while tracking as well...

Compression is the sound of modern vocals...

[T. Gundersen]

Okay. I feel that I already hit my vocals pretty hard.. I go hard on the compressor (1176 type) while tracking. But I get what you're saying. Any comments as to which types of compressors you usually end up using for the 1st/2nd/(3rd) in chain?

[Traxx]

Originally Posted by T. Gundersen

I'm getting UAD-2 anyway, would I be better off getting their Precision Limiter for this purpose? Any and all thoughts are appreciated.

FYI: I'm tracking vocals with the Peluso VTB through an API 512c and Purple Audio Action compressor.

The precision limiter is a nice plug but that wouldn't be my first choice. I would personally much rather use the fairchild plug and the buss compressor. I think the buss compressor is probably one of the best software compressors you can get. It does its job and does it well. It controls the dynamics of the signal without any weird side effects. The fairchild some how adds a nice tone to the vocals and when used properly can push the vocals right up in your face. So if you are going to get the uad card, those two plugs in my opinion are vital. The limiter is nice to use on the master buss because it does not destroy the bottom end of a mix but in the hands of a novice it can destroy a mix because it can be tempting to use the gain knob when you hear how good it limits without destroying the signal...

[Barznbeats1]

How does the compressor on the 2500 compare to Rvox on vocals guys??

[illacov]

First off, to finish your chain, try Stillwell Event Horizon VST. Dope limiter, pretty clear for the first quarter of gain reduction/squashing, but doesn't really sound squashed.

You can also try Stillwell Rocket VST which is in the category of 1176ish but has alot of other cool features that make it more versatile, some folks on the reaper forum have mentioned that it spanks a Hardware distressor's ass.

Me I always record with light to heavy compression on vocals, I usually use 3 compressors on the way in. The preamp (Yamaha PM1000) has a built in eq, plus I have a dbx de-esser as the first part of the chain. That's followed by a dbx compressor, then 2 channels of tube compression (ART PRO VLA). Usually I have a very usable vocal at this point and I just may use a touch of Vibe Eq or 1973 eq for hi end adjustment. Sometimes I use Pushtec VST which can really flavor vocals quite well. And again last piece in the chain is Event Horizon VST which (depending on how you record) has either just a touch of squash or a good deal of squash going on.

The VTB is a pretty good mic. I use this chain with a modded MXL 990 with a Peluso CEK12 capsule and Gus Smalley Mod. As well as a MXL9000 with MK319 capsule, Groove Tubes 12AT7 and Cinemag CM9711 transformer, with capacitor upgrades. So far I do very little to get the recorded vocals to sound good, but both sets of recordings take eq well, but this is capsule dependent too, because the mic with the CEK 12 usually gets more attention on the lo end of things and I leave the hi end alone, while the mic with the MK319 capsule gets more attention at the very end of the highs to just tweak them up or down, depending on if I want a darker vocal or a more articulate one.

But try those VSTs out if you want to go the plug in route. Me I'd definately buy some hardware compressors to see how that VTB fares. I'm beyond certain a dbx 160X or a 163X would be great for you and what you're going for. A hardware de-esser never hurt either.

Peace
Illumination

[irthwirm]

wow those Stillwell plugs are visually dope. Best i've seen. How do they match up to the others sonically besides the rocket which you mentioned was dope.

[E-Irizarry]

Originally Posted by bino_5150

Don't be afraid to hit the vocals a little harder with the compressor. I like to use usually about 8:1, fast attack with a slow release, and whomp on it pretty hard, maybe 10-12 dB or so, so the signal is well under compression. It's ok to bring the threashold down on it, just use the makeup gain to bring the signal back up.

I also use very light hardware compression and limiting while tracking as well...

Compression is the sound of modern vocals...

You may want to invest in Voxengo Voxformer and/or Antares Mic Modeler for that mimicked "LA2A"-style.

[WildCowboys]

Get the UAD´s 1176 and LA2A and you´re set. Those two chained after each other usually handle all dynamic tasks and can give you full & at the same time in your face vocals. If you are willing to spend more on plugins/dsp hardware I would get a Duende and the x-comp plugin which sounds amazing & is extremely versatile.
Rock!
Pat

[blayz2002]

Originally Posted by WildCowboys

Get the UAD´s 1176 and LA2A and you´re set. Those two chained after each other usually handle all dynamic tasks and can give you full & at the same time in your face vocals.

Those 2 can make a nice chain, do the majority of the comp with the 1176 and then just kiss it nicely with the La2a.

I'm surprised though that you're not getting the right compression form the SSL channel I find their pretty good for that upfront vocal style.

[NoamLavi]

if u track through a compressor ducking around 6 db then i think another comp in the mix ducking another 6 db should be enough for a natural and controlled sound. (unless the rapper moves alot and his level is going in and out which in that case he needs a leash... ; )
the V-comp is the best VST comp i heard so far but seriously... waves... WHATS UP WITH ADDED HISS??? they actually emulated the unit with it's hiss and u can hear it well when u open this plug on the master ch.
i just bought a UA Solo 610 preamp and i gotta say:
DAMN!!! there i said it.
i don't even need to use compression while tracking anymore. the natural compression of an all tube preamp does the job gracefully and with the right harmonics makes it THICK. just make sure your mic isn't tube so u won't get to much tube sound (although it could be cool). after all it's hip hop we'r talking...

BYW if u gonna buy a DSP plug in card consider the powercore. i have one and the included plugs are way more versitile. included 24.7 comp (an LA2A clone) is very pleasent and smoothes out harsh signals and the Charecter plug (a versitile exciter much like the sonic maximizer only variable) plus an exclusive dynamic eq and the Roland 101 (amazing emulation) plugs makes this card a uniqe bundle... plus optional plug are CRAZY! especialy the Virus and V-synth...

[T. Gundersen]

I ended up getting the Sonnox Elite bundle and the Chandler Limiters. The Sonnox Dynamics / Inflator is great, great tools for vocal production, and I'm really liking the Chandler Limiters as well.