All great advice above, particularly about double tracking vocals to make them more 'interesting'.  

As Guitarhacker points out, without an example we may not know what you are trying to achieve, or understand what feel you are missing.  With that said, two common mistakes from new mixers are: uneven vocal level, and pops, from the vocalist singing too close to the mix or without using a "pop filter".  To improve these things:

1) Use a low pass filter EQ on the vocals, this will clean them up a bit
2) Use volume automation to level out the vocal performance, especially if it is all over the place. 

I agree with most of the advice given, but I'll add my usual workflow.
 
Use a pop filter, and don't sing too close to the mike, unless you are after a particular effect.  Go through the vocal and use Volume Automation to even it out.  Double track the vocal.
 
I will process most lead vocal tracks through the Pro Channel:
 
Compression: PC76 compressor to catch the peaks, and CA-2A later in the chain for general leveling and adding character.  Play around with the R37 screw.
 
PC EQ - it depends on the voice, but always use HPF -  I listen to the vocal and gradually raise HPF until it affects the tone too much, and then pull it back a bit.
 
Add a little saturation, but usually only to the high frequencies, with either the Vocal Strip EQ or the PC Saturation Knob set to "Keep High".  This really helps the vocal cut through.
 
Add reverb or delay.  Sometimes delay can work better than reverb, othertimes not.
 
Oh, and only track a great singer.  Sadly this is not always an option.  Comping can help, and even VVocal, but a great singer saves a lot of work.

First off, thank you all very much for the many responses already.
It shows that a lot of people here are standby for helping another,
even if the topicstarter is a newbie on the forum.
 
I was not able yet to post a recording, I will do so after this weekend.
 
I wanted to create a song, by adding vocals to an excisting track.
Ofcourse later on, I want to add vocals to my own track, but that is
not the case at this moment.
 
I have tried a bit already, and it just didn't sound good.
Maybe it's my lack of experience of using X1, and that I am not familiar with
the musical terms and all the benefits that X1 is offering,
but I didn't came further than adding some effects, that did not help
and made it worse.
 
I will try to locate the V-62 Vocal Strip, if my version has of cakewalk has it,
and try to use all your suggestions you all gave me.
Also the reason why I want to try to edit the voice if the following...
There is an artist who really sounds good on his cd's.
Very clear and beautiful voice, but then there was a release of another
cd without voice editing, and it really sounded awfull.
So I was wondering what can make the vocal sound so good..
 
Maybe it's also possible for me to do so.
I will let you know...thanks again for all your advice!
 
Jam

Hi Jam.

it might be a good idea if you let us know exactly which version of sonar you are running, and also details of your computer and soundcard/interface.

Many people actually put this information in their signature (like I've done) so you won't have to type it all out again the next time you have a question.

Bristol_Jonesey


Hi Jam.

it might be a good idea if you let us know exactly which version of sonar you are running, and also details of your computer and soundcard/interface.

Many people actually put this information in their signature (like I've done) so you won't have to type it all out again the next time you have a question.

Good idea, I have Cakewalk Sonar X1 Producer.
I will change my signature soon, thanks.
 
Jam

I have cakewalk X1 Producer, and I am wondering if there is a way to clean vocals.
In other words, to make them sound good.
I am no expert in X1, not at all, but I am sure there is a way to make the vocal sound good.

You can get good clean sounding vocals with most mics and pre-amps. so all you need is a $99 mic and a $99 sound card to achieve this. so I don't think equipment is your problem. If it doesn't sound clean and good right after you record them, then you need to evaluate what your doing.
 
Your problem is most likely:

• Your room your recording in
• Your recording techniques
• Your singers performance

Read these tips I wrote about getting the best vocal track
 
CJ