How Pro Engineers Put Effects On Vocals

Summary

In this engaging tutorial, the presenter shares a technique for enhancing vocal effects to achieve a clean and impactful sound without the typical issues of delay and reverb washing out the vocals. The video addresses the challenge of adding delay to vocals without making them sound messy. Instead of using side chaining, the presenter introduces a method of vocal automation that selectively applies delay to the last word of each phrase, thus avoiding overlap with the first words. This is followed by the use of a compressor to duck the delay volume when the next vocal phrase begins, resulting in a clean and well-defined vocal track. The tutorial concludes with a before-and-after comparison of the track, showcasing the effectiveness of the technique. For those interested in mastering audio production, the presenter also provides a link to a website offering discounted courses on mixing and mastering.

Takeaways

• 🎤 The goal is to achieve clean vocal effects without them being washed out by delays and reverbs.
• 🔄 To make the vocal more interesting, the producer works on a vocal track with gaps between words that sound dry.
• 🚫 Adding a delay to a vocal track can make it sound messy if it affects the entire track, especially when there are gaps.
• ✂️ A solution is to apply the delay only to the last word of each phrase, avoiding the messy effect.
• 🎛️ Vocal automation is used to control when the delay effect is applied, specifically to the last word of each phrase.
• 📈 By automating the delay send, the delay is triggered only on the last word, enhancing the impact without clutter.
• 👍 Encouragement is given for viewers to like and subscribe for more content like this.
• 🔄 After applying the delay to the last word, a sidechain compression technique is used to avoid overlap with the next vocal phrase.
• 🎚️ A compressor is set up on the delay channel to duck its volume when the main vocal comes back in, ensuring a clean mix.
• 🎼 The final result is a track where the delay effect is well-controlled, providing a fuller sound without interfering with the vocals.
• 🎓 For those interested in learning more about mixing and mastering, a promotion for a summer sale on courses is mentioned at streaky.com.

Q & A

What is the main issue with the vocal track as described in the script?

The main issue is that the vocal track sounds dry and lacks impact due to the gaps between each word, making it less engaging in the song.

Why does adding a delay to the vocal track make it sound messy?

Adding a delay to the vocal track makes it sound messy because the delay picks up on the first transient of each word, causing an overlap and blurring of the words.

What is the proposed solution to make the vocal track more interesting without making it sound messy?

The proposed solution is to apply the delay effect only to the last word of each phrase, rather than the entire vocal track.

How is the delay effect automated to apply only to the last word of each phrase?

Vocal automation is used to release the last word of every phrase to the delay, so the delay only picks up on the last word.

What is the purpose of side-chaining the delay in the described process?

Side-chaining the delay is used to duck the volume of the delay when the vocal comes back in, ensuring a clean transition and preventing overlap with the next vocal phrase.

How does using a compressor in conjunction with side-chaining help in the process?

The compressor, set to side-chain to the vocal track, reduces the delay's volume when the next vocal phrase begins, resulting in a cleaner and more controlled sound.

What is the effect of the described vocal processing technique on the overall mix?

The effect is a cleaner vocal track with a more filled space due to the delay on the last word of each phrase, enhancing the song's impact without making it sound cluttered.

Why is it important to avoid having the delay on the first part of the vocal?

Having the delay on the first part of the vocal can cause the vocal to sound washed out and less clear, as it would overlap with the main vocal, reducing the song's intelligibility.

How does the side-chain release work in the context of the vocal track?

The side-chain release determines how quickly the delay's volume returns to normal after the vocal has finished, preventing an abrupt end to the delay effect.

What is the significance of the gaps between words in the vocal track?

The gaps between words are significant because they can make the vocal track sound dry and less engaging if not properly addressed with effects like delay.

How can one learn more about professional mixing and mastering techniques?

One can learn more about professional mixing and mastering techniques by visiting streaky.com, which offers courses and has a summer sale for discounted learning opportunities.

What is the final result of applying the described vocal processing technique?

The final result is a vocal track that sounds more interesting and impactful, with a clear and controlled delay effect that enhances the song without causing a muddy mix.