I just got Sonar x1 LE for Christmas and i am looking for a free plugin that will enhance vocal performance. Is there a free one? If not, please refer me to some that are good quality. Thanks, Tom.

The first thing to try on vocal is a compressor. Set the compressor to reduce the peaks.
Try ratios of anywhere from 4:1 to 10:1, whatever sounds best.
This will give you a louder, smoother vocal track that fits in the mix better.

I'm not sure what plugins are included with X1 LE. I would think that a compressor is included.


 
 

Thanks, that info. was really helpful!

don't forget a little eq. usually I do a low cut/high pass. this just means cut bass sounds below the vocal. trybumping around 7khz to 10khz too.

Thanks, i appreciate it!

In addition to EQ and Compression, I think reverb is another effect which is crucial for a vocal.  I don't know what LE comes with, but check if there are any reverbs and play around with presets to start - even just a little reverb can help your vocal from sounding dry and dull.

Experiment with a little delay and/or chorus as well. 

You can really mix things up if that's the kind of sound you're going for. Try putting both a high pass and a low pass filter on the vocal, to completely cut out the bass and treble, for that "telephone" sound that's quite popular. You could also apply a little distortion. 

You need to explain what you call "vocal enhancement". Do you mean like Antares Autotune (the so-called "Cher" effect? You can get that with V-Vocal and it will also do pitch correction. You can also purchase Melodyne or Antares Autotune and use it as a plug-in in Sonar. 

Thanks everyone, i'll try all of your suggestions and see how it goes!

Double tracking vocals:

• It will make the vocal part sound fuller and more powerful. This greatly depends on the singers skill on reproducing the exact vocal take that he/she performed before.
• During the 2nd take, you can change the singers distance from the mic. For example, if the singer was 7 inches away form the mic on its first take, then record the second take 14 inches away from the mic.
• You can even try a 3rd pass at it.

Some other tips:

• Exciter is a great tool that adds clarity to your vocal.
• EQ - If you used proper mic choice and technique, your vocals may not need any EQ. Except for maybe a high pass filter to cut the lows. Vocals, normally do not use anything below 60Hz to 100Hz. When using EQ on vocal tracks, try not to cut and boost dramatically, A little goes along way, especially if you want it to translate on different sound systems. to add a bit of clarity to your vocals, try boosting between 4 - 5kHz
• Delay - A simple slap back delay can do wonders to your vocal track when set up in time with 8th note triplets

 
Compression tips for vocals:

• Inconsistent vocal levels - The settings for compression depends on how consistent the vocal track is. If the vocal track is inconsistent, you will need a fast attack time withe a medium release time and a ratio setting of 6:1 to 10:1. Your threshold is adjusted for gain reduction on the loudest parts only. So most parts will go threw the compressor unaffected. You only want to even out the volume level of the entire vocal track without doing any extreme compression.
• Breathy vocal effect - This creates a whispery and highly present vocal. Set the attack time very fast, the release time should be moderate, the ratio should be between 5:1 - 10:1 and the threshold level should be between 7 to 21dB below the peak level. You'll also need to add a bit of reverb to achieve this effect. Note that you will definitely need to use a pop filter with these vocals, as the intense compression will overly exaggerate lip smack, breath sounds and other artifacts.
• Smooth vocal effect - This one is easy. Set your ratio between 2:1 and 4:1 with a moderately fast attack time, a slow release time and the threshold set from 2 to 6dB below the highest peak level (like everything, adjust to taste). Since this is a very low compression you may have some high peaks that cannot be tamed. To solve this, run it into a limiter after the compressor with a fast attack and fast release time and set the threshold to limit only those pesky peaks

CJ