Doubling Vocals

bassmac · 19th October 2004, 07:07 AM

When doubling lead vocals, do you use the same mic/signal chain - or change it?

I don't want the doubling to be obvious, or phasey sounding.

Ckevperry · 19th October 2004, 07:19 AM

The same. A good singer can get really, really close and not obvious. Tell them to take it easy on the consonants. Vocalign can help....as can rolling off the top end on the double.

natpub · 19th October 2004, 07:21 AM

I pretty much always use the identical chain if I am trying to accomplish very subtle doubling. I may even clip and nudge some of the phrases if they do not line up tightly enough, to avoid the very problem you describe.

To achieve a tight yet bigger sound, I may mult the double and pan it out, then set the doubles very very low in the mix.

If I am trying to make it sound like many different people singing, but using the same singer, then I will change mic, pre, or whatever is called for.

Regards,

KT

Jason Poulin · 19th October 2004, 12:54 PM

usually the same exact setup for me....

Maybe if you're doing a 3rd pass at it, try getting the singer to whisper the chorus, adds a lot of hot air.

It shouldn't sound phasey since you're not recording the same source with two mics. One mic, one source, two takes, as long the singer stays in the same position.

Good Luck
Jason

bassmac · 20th October 2004, 02:09 AM

Good tips!

Just wondering... as with guitars, are real doubled vocals typically preferred to any sort of effects trickery?

Thanks

Screws · 20th October 2004, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bassmac
Good tips!

Just wondering... as with guitars, are real doubled vocals typically preferred to any sort of effects trickery?

Thanks

Yes, since the days of Leslie Gore, doubled is always better. I usually LPF the double and tuck it behind the main vocal.

Drumsound · 21st October 2004, 07:31 AM

I usually use the same chain and record the double right after a keeper. Sometimes when mixing i decide the double is better and the primary gets mixed back.

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19th October 2004, 07:07 AM	#1
bassmac Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 685	Doubling Vocals When doubling lead vocals, do you use the same mic/signal chain - or change it? I don't want the doubling to be obvious, or phasey sounding.

19th October 2004, 07:19 AM	#2
Ckevperry Gear addict Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Nashville Posts: 402	The same. A good singer can get really, really close and not obvious. Tell them to take it easy on the consonants. Vocalign can help....as can rolling off the top end on the double. __________________ Kevin Perry Nashville, TN

19th October 2004, 07:21 AM	#3
natpub More cowbell! Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 1,710	I pretty much always use the identical chain if I am trying to accomplish very subtle doubling. I may even clip and nudge some of the phrases if they do not line up tightly enough, to avoid the very problem you describe. To achieve a tight yet bigger sound, I may mult the double and pan it out, then set the doubles very very low in the mix. If I am trying to make it sound like many different people singing, but using the same singer, then I will change mic, pre, or whatever is called for. Regards, KT __________________ Vibrational Arts, Inc. Blue Sky Way Sonic Sorcery Studios Austin, Texas/Columbus, Ohio

19th October 2004, 12:54 PM	#4
Jason Poulin Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Sudbury, On. Canada Posts: 1,684	usually the same exact setup for me.... Maybe if you're doing a 3rd pass at it, try getting the singer to whisper the chorus, adds a lot of hot air. It shouldn't sound phasey since you're not recording the same source with two mics. One mic, one source, two takes, as long the singer stays in the same position. Good Luck Jason __________________ most important gear I own are my ears! visit my band www.apparatusmusic.com www.myspace.com/apparatusnumetal

20th October 2004, 02:09 AM	#5
bassmac Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 685	Good tips! Just wondering... as with guitars, are real doubled vocals typically preferred to any sort of effects trickery? Thanks

21st October 2004, 07:31 AM	#7
Drumsound Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Bloomington Il Posts: 3,555	I usually use the same chain and record the double right after a keeper. Sometimes when mixing i decide the double is better and the primary gets mixed back. __________________ Tony Oxide Lounge Recording See the Oxide Lounge! WWJMD? Come see me on the Tape Op boards! "If I have to flip flop more than three times in an A/B test to figure out what the difference is, I lose interest in that difference.'--Tchad Blake

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