I am a big fan of Brian Wilson.  I just listened to his latest release “No Pier Pressure” some of which was recorded at Ocean Way.  I am always delighted by the fullness of the backup harmonies.  Brain tried to emulate Wall of sound and the backup harmonies were always so full.  Some of them were probably double tracked.  Anyway, how can I reproduce that in SONAR?  On Pier Pressure the lead usually has a big hall reverb with a long decay.  The decay on the backup vocals seems to have as much reverb, but with a short decay.  How is this done?  I have heard of using two reverbs on a single track, not sure why.  I have generally defaulted to using UAD’s Plate 140 for all my vocal reverbs.  What do you guys know, recommend?

The key to those harmonies is they were recorded old-school, with everybody standing around an omnidirectional microphone. You get a natural blend that way that may be impossible to match when each part is sung separately, due to the fact that the all-at-once mix is entirely acoustical.
 
It's common practice nowadays to use both a short and a long reverb, with different send ratios for lead versus background vocals. The lead may have just as much reverb as the BGVs, but it'll typically have more of the short and less of the long.

I actually have an inside track on this one. I'll ask and report back.
 
Rocky

I haven't heard back yet but check this out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPHPYULAS1k&feature=youtu.be At one point they talk about triple vocals.
 
Rocky

Thanks for info and the link to the behind the scenes.  I know that the BBoys triple tracked their vocals and that certainly gives you the Angel Choir.  On top of that is the reverb question.  I am going to experiment.  However, in the behind the scenes, I saw several mike positions.  Zoey on the Island was right up to the mike probably because she sang very softly.  However, Al and Brian were a good 3 foot away from the mike.  Was that to avoid the bass caused by proximity to the mike?  I have pretty much always put my vocalists about 6-8 inches from the screen.  What do you think?

Definitely sounds like some whisper tracks in there too on the big chorus parts. Even if they aren't there, I'd add them lightly anyway to a piece like that. Mixed in just right, they can make chorus parts sound amazing with just the right amount of air. :)
 
-Danny

I spoke with my buddy. He plays drums in Brian Wilson's touring band. Unfortunately he wasn't involved in the recording of this album. They are touring this summer.
 
Rocky