Backing Vocals

edwonbass · 21st April 2008

Hey Guys, I'm in the process of finishing up a song and I'm about to record the backing vocals. In the past I have pretty much just kept the same mic/pre setup and just went from track to track until I filled out the vocals as needed. On occasion I've been happy with the results but I want to do a better job tracking and mixing the backing vocals.
Should I be changing my vocal chain to get a better separation from lead to backing vocals? Should I use a different mic/pre combination?

Also I want to give the backing vocals some glue. I realize that the pitch of all the parts needs to be on but I'm looking for some tips on how to make the parts sound cohesive and sit in the mix properly.

Thanks!!

Ed

heisleyamor · 21st April 2008

I normally just EQ the backing vocals and compress them heavily. Maybe boost around 800, decrease around 3, and increase around 12-14k. It'll separate the backing vocal a little bit from the lead vocal. Just make sure you compress it a lot if you're butting it in the back and turning it down.

edwonbass · 21st April 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by heisleyamor

I normally just EQ the backing vocals and compress them heavily. Maybe boost around 800, decrease around 3, and increase around 12-14k. It'll separate the backing vocal a little bit from the lead vocal. Just make sure you compress it a lot if you're butting it in the back and turning it down.

Thanks
Should I me subgrouping the parts and compressing the subgroup?

21st April 2008	#1
edwonbass Gear addict Joined: Jan 2007 Location: Columbia, MD Posts: 395 Thread Starter	Backing Vocals Hey Guys, I'm in the process of finishing up a song and I'm about to record the backing vocals. In the past I have pretty much just kept the same mic/pre setup and just went from track to track until I filled out the vocals as needed. On occasion I've been happy with the results but I want to do a better job tracking and mixing the backing vocals. Should I be changing my vocal chain to get a better separation from lead to backing vocals? Should I use a different mic/pre combination? Also I want to give the backing vocals some glue. I realize that the pitch of all the parts needs to be on but I'm looking for some tips on how to make the parts sound cohesive and sit in the mix properly. Thanks!! Ed

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21st April 2008	#2
heisleyamor Lives for gear Joined: May 2007 Posts: 1,357	I normally just EQ the backing vocals and compress them heavily. Maybe boost around 800, decrease around 3, and increase around 12-14k. It'll separate the backing vocal a little bit from the lead vocal. Just make sure you compress it a lot if you're butting it in the back and turning it down.