I am starting to use X1 more and more instead of 8.5 and I have been trying to find a way to mix my background vocals to the point they are not so out front in the mix. I will admit that I am leaning on a lot of presets because I don't fully understand how all the plugins work. What sounds close to what I want is using the Sonitus reverb plugin called stereo slap back, it fatten up the vocals and took the edge off. I am curious to know how some of veterans approach this issue and what plugins and methods did they use? What is the best method in learning what the plugins?  

Volume and EQ and compression is probably a good place to start. It really depends on the tune and the part and what it is you're trying to achieve. Sorry that's vague. The only thing I can think I usually do is HP most vocals quite a bit and compress the Bvox more than the lead and probably roll off some highs. . But then, I am talking about a Bvox part that doubles the lead. don't know what you're talking about.
 

If the BV's are more than one then panning is a good place to start. Delays and Reverb are good tools for setting the BV's a little further back and out of the way of the main vocal. Compression on the BV's too works well and keeps them very level and in line so they don't jump out at you at any point.

Cool I have never tinkered with delay much but now I will

According to the book I have on mixing, you use pan to move sounds left and right in the stereo field and use reverb to move sounds from front to back. 

Then I am on the right road then, is there a preferred reverb for. Ocala in x1? I have used Sonitus and Perfect space are there better ones 

I'll use an example:  

http://www.soundclick.com...34&songID=11843061

In this song.... I have 4 vocal tracks. 

1 is the lead vocal which is upfront... and down the center (it is not at 0db... a few db down.)

2 is a duplicate of the vocal but recorded live... not a cloned track.... I have it about 20db down and the only way to hear it clearly is to solo it. It is there to add some subtle layering to the lead and make it a bit fatter. This track is also centered.

3&4  vocal harmonies. these tracks are panned about 70% left and right. They are enveloped for levels to come in on  the verses (low) and bump a bit on the chorus..... 

If I remember correctly... they run about -16 to -18 db normally and rise to -12 or so on the first part of the chorus. They stay down pretty far in the mix and blend into the lead as opposed to standing out as loud harmonies. 

If you listen to this example with headphones you will hear exactly what I'm talking about. 

hope that helps. 

BMOG


I am starting to use X1 more and more instead of 8.5 and I have been trying to find a way to mix my background vocals to the point they are not so out front in the mix. I will admit that I am leaning on a lot of presets because I don't fully understand how all the plugins work. What sounds close to what I want is using the Sonitus reverb plugin called stereo slap back, it fatten up the vocals and took the edge off. I am curious to know how some of veterans approach this issue and what plugins and methods did they use? What is the best method in learning what the plugins?  

"What is the best method in learning what the plugins (do)? Well, that's hard to say.


 Some people like resign themselves to going through the user's manual and getting a good idea of what something can do by reading, or at least skimming through, the manual from front to back. This is usually my method and I generously use a hi-lighter as I go. The advantage to this method is that if I have a problem with the software I usually think "oh, yeah... I saw that in the manual". Most of the time I resolve the issue quickly and continue with my project.

The other method is to just start using the program and trying to learn on the fly. When you get to a "how do I..." roadblock then you go to the manual. Or help files. Or as a very last resort when all else fails, the Cakewalk forum. Just kidding. A little forum humor.



As far as the BGV, I'd probably go with EQ and compression. Using EQ, or at least trying, to sculpt the frequency curve of the BGV to avoid overloading certain frequencies so that audio in that range loses (if I'm understanding what I've been reading here for the last few years) clarity, or separation, or whatever the cools kids are calling it now.

Compression, so that nothing really sticks out to detract from the "all voices as one" choral effect.

And maybe some EQ after the compression.

daveny5


According to the book I have on mixing, you use pan to move sounds left and right in the stereo field and use reverb to move sounds from front to back. 

Now we need to pan them up and down for a truly 3-D musical experience. Speakers on/under the floor, speakers in/on the ceiling.... it's the next big thing.

@guitarhacker the quality of this song is awesome, was all of this done in Sonar?