Getting vocals to sit down IN the mix

Author
Post
Essentials Only Full Version
revnice1
Max Output Level: -69 dBFS
  • Total Posts : 1082
  • Joined: 2007/09/21 14:43:56
  • Status: offline
2012/07/27 10:56:43 (permalink)

Getting vocals to sit down IN the mix

I need some tips on getting the vocal to sit in the mix instead of out on top or swallowed up by everything else. Presence, distance and space, that kind of thing. I've been trying to use reverb to distance the vocal but I'm just getting a vocal that's still in your face, only with reverb. Thanks - rev
#1

5 Replies Related Threads
    bitflipper
    01100010 01101001 01110100 01100110 01101100 01101
    • Total Posts : 26036
    • Joined: 2006/09/17 11:23:23
    • Location: Everett, WA USA
    • Status: offline
    Re:Getting vocals to sit down IN the mix 2012/07/27 14:56:56 (permalink)
    Compression and EQ, primarily. 

    Grab a copy of this freebie, the Klanghelm DC1A, throw it on each vocal track and squash to taste. Try it with the "relaxed" switch on and then off; sometimes one way works better than the other. 

    When you EQ a vocal, the range from 1KHz to 3KHz has the most impact on its "in-yer-face-ness". Softening that range will usually push the vocal back into the mix.

    If you still want to push the vocals further back, try a tempo-synced delay. Applying a subtle eighth-note delay to one side and a quarter-note delay to the other side smears the vocal image and makes it less distinct.

    Still not far enough back in the mix? Try the Kjaerhus Classic Chorus, especially on backing vocals. Stay to the left side of the "effect" dial - you don't want to actually hear a chorusing effect, just a gentle softening.


    All else is in doubt, so this is the truth I cling to. 

    My Stuff
    #2
    revnice1
    Max Output Level: -69 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 1082
    • Joined: 2007/09/21 14:43:56
    • Status: offline
    Re:Getting vocals to sit down IN the mix 2012/07/27 18:54:59 (permalink)
    Flipper! Thanks - loved the manual for the Klang, it's one page! :)
    #3
    bitflipper
    01100010 01101001 01110100 01100110 01101100 01101
    • Total Posts : 26036
    • Joined: 2006/09/17 11:23:23
    • Location: Everett, WA USA
    • Status: offline
    Re:Getting vocals to sit down IN the mix 2012/07/29 11:05:27 (permalink)
    Yeh, that little compressor is a gem and couldn't be simpler to use. I love it on vocals, and keep meaning to try it on bass some day.


    All else is in doubt, so this is the truth I cling to. 

    My Stuff
    #4
    Cactus Music
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 8424
    • Joined: 2004/02/09 21:34:04
    • Status: offline
    Re:Getting vocals to sit down IN the mix 2012/07/30 11:18:19 (permalink)
    I just love free plugs! Thanks a bunch Dave. I've been looking for something like this.

    Johnny V  
    Cakelab  
    Focusrite 6i61st - Tascam us1641. 
    3 Desktops and 3 Laptops W7 and W10
     http://www.cactusmusic.ca/
     
     
    #5
    musicroom
    Max Output Level: -51 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 2421
    • Joined: 2004/04/26 22:31:02
    • Status: offline
    Re:Getting vocals to sit down IN the mix 2012/07/31 03:57:29 (permalink)
    bitflipper


    Yeh, that little compressor is a gem and couldn't be simpler to use. I love it on vocals, and keep meaning to try it on bass some day.

    I totally agree! This plug gets more use lately than the PC2a

     
    Dave
    Songs
    ___________________________________
    Desktop: Platinum / RME Multiface II / Purrfect Audio DAW  I7-3770 / 16 GB RAM / Win 10 Pro / Remote Laptop i7 6500U / 12GB RAM /  RME Babyface



     
     
    #6
    Jump to:
    © 2025 APG vNext Commercial Version 5.1