Mixing Background Vocals Part 3

Part 3 of 3 on mixing background vocals

Category:

Music

Tags:

• anthony
• background
• dm-4800
• dm4800
• jatworld
• mixing
• music
• nadjah
• production
• tascam
• thompson
• vocals

[basskeys129]

J Is there a big deal in using plug-ins in channel strip vs. buses. Is it a cpu issue or does it in fact effect the sound of the mix.

[JATWorld]

As far as I can tell it does not affect the sound at all. It come down to a matter of preference and resources. For a large mix using busses makes a lot of sense. For simpler stuff you may use stem mixing or channel mixing. Either way create your own presets once you start producing a sound you like. It will save you time and your clients money which they will appreciate.

Peace.

[JATWorld]

I say relax and remain calm. trying to force lyrics will just make your music stiff. Most music will provide imagery or emotion. Follow it...you can also ask others what they sense when they hear the music without words and follow that.

[melodic21]

Oh and can u do a lead vocal tutoral

[JATWorld]

Working on it. What would you like to know in particular?

[melodic21]

Thanks so much for the videos, ur so rite everyone is makin beats nice 2 kno how 2 make a complete product. i am a gospel artist that sings, plays guitar, bass and keys and i wanna produce my own cd. jus 2 put a single on myspace is garage band decent enough 2 start, not 2 sell tho jus get me out there?

[JATWorld]

My opinion is that a great song is a great song. The rest is secondary. I would say use what you have and keep things simple. Also decide what you want to highlight. If it is your voice then downplay the music and let your voice shine.

Again keep is simple and be careful not to over process your music.

[bookabaybe22]

Dam bro not bad not bad at all

[BETHEONE77]

I like watching your videos! its funny to see how the music jumps out at you! loving it! i don't normally mix stuff but this is really cool.

[videosongman]

Great tutorial. Reminds me of SWV or 90's type of background vocals (really cool R&B treatment). So I learned that:

1.) Must have a great singer or singer(s) to begin with

2.) Layering or Double tracking is your "friend"

Really appreciated this video. I think you're the ONLY ONE on youtube who really gave me a "ballpark" idea on achieving really "tight" commercial vocals.

Keep up the GREAT WORK!!!!

[KevanRCraft]

Excellent 3 part tutorial. Effective because one can see the concept of multi-tracking, mixing, grouping and adding affects, EQ, Compressor and a small amount of Reverb to enhance the mix and the composition.. Some great ideas and workflow here plus I like the backing vocal arrangement... The cascading effect is special and works a treat with the rest of the musical arrangement of the song.. Good stuff... Thanks for sharing.. Very informative and educational.. Appreciate it..

[LYTEYEARPRODUCTIONS]

i hate the way logic sounds you did a great job but i think protools sounds better

[TheDymondusic]

how does it sound that way? what are u using to get the vocals to sound like that?

[playagibson]

Thank You !!!

This is incredible. I had a hunch I should process the back ups as a group and now I know how to approach it.

Great advice on reverb by the way. I'll definately use that .

[mnash3]

Awesome video!!!

This answered my question about harmonizing e.g. either I learn how to harmonize or bring in some folk to do that part... LOL...

It seems that the gist of it is lay the background vocal, eq it, compress it, and makes sure that it is panned out of the middle and let the lead and rythm sections have the middle.

I might practice laying some background vocals and mixing them in the next couple weeks.

Definitely thanx for the education.

I'm out.

Mark

[musician1971a]

Oh, one thing, there still seems to be a problem with the syllables being not really in sync in all tracks, which makes the whole thing a bit messy. Is that for another tutorial...?