Which vocals are better?

[kingdomofposeidon]

Just wanted to get some opinions on the chorus of a song I'm working on - trying to decide whether it sounds better with just a single track of vocals or double-tracked. I still need do automation curves on these so the volume of the vocals is more consistent throughout, but I want to decide which vocals I'm using first. And if you have any comments about anything else, please post! Tips are certainly appreciated Thanks!

[Ken J]

Doubling the vocals always sounds better.

[kakeux]

Both could work if the single vocal is made louder and fatter. Some multidelay could help too.

At the moment the doubled one would be my choice.

I suggest to add one harmony that you could put quite far in the mix, but well I'm a harmony addict.

Cheers!

[m24p]

Certainly of the two clips you've posted, the second (doubled one) sounds significantly better.

[Emma]

While the doubling sounds better to me from these samples, it does depend on context, plus there are tricks you could use to beef up the single track. While doubling it may sound perfect for a full rich setting, sometimes I find doubling can also take away from the sound, by smudging any subtle vocal nuance... depends on what sort of sound you are after.

[shackman]

Doubling the vocals always sounds better.

I used to think that. But experience has taught me different.

While the doubling sounds better to me from these samples, it does depend on context ..... depends on what sort of sound you are after.

With doubled vocals you either need a singer who is absolutely millisec perfect (best option) or edit and edit and edit to get the two vox far enough apart to give body but close enough together to sound like a single singer.

I now treat "doubled" voals as a different "instrument" . It then becomes a question of which instrument for which song, rather than "better" or "worse" than.


On your two takes, the vocals sound diffeent, not worse or better (IMHO). BOTH could be improved, and on this song, I'd go with the doubled.

[KaptivatedMC]

The doubled vocals sound better, but I think the singled could be a lot better if they were louder or fuller. For now, though, I think doubled vocals sound pretty nice.

[Ken J]

The doubled vocals sound better, but I think the singled could be a lot better if they were louder or fuller. For now, though, I think doubled vocals sound pretty nice.

You make the vocals fuller by double tracking them. No other way unless you have some sort of a physio-acoustic device that will do the job for you. But that device will never sound as real as the real deal of double tracking. Not coping the track but recording the vocalist twice or even three times.

[garageband]

You make the vocals fuller by double tracking them.

He did say "... or louder". Less complicated, that.

[Ken J]

He did say "... or louder". Less complicated, that.

Wasn't worried about the louder. As long as the vocal sits well in the mix then all is good. If not, push the fader up or pull it back.

[garageband]

Quote Originally Posted by Ken J View Post
Doubling the vocals always sounds better.
(Shackman) I used to think that. But experience has taught me different.

To me, doubled vocals sound like doubled vocals. It just another musical texture. "Clarinets are always better than oboes." And if it were absolutely better, everyone would do it all the time. After all, why wouldn't you? It's better!

It's a musical device like any other, the overuse of which is tiresome to listen to.

Wasn't worried about the louder. As long as the vocal sits well in the mix then all is good. If not, push the fader up or pull it back.

My point was that it's possible to over-think this, looking to employ fancy techniques and pass over basic solutions (like "turn it up") and diagnostics. I mean, how is he gonna know if it sits well in the mix if it's not roughly the size it's going to end up being?

[Ken J]

I mean, how is he gonna know if it sits well in the mix if it's not roughly the size it's going to end up being?

Good question! If he likes where the vocal sits then for him it sits well in the mix. Gotta remember that what sounds good to you or me may not be the intention of him or the artist. I heard some really crappy mixes take center stage and become million sellers while brilliant mixes never get off the floor.

When it comes to vocals, you can add so much in effects, multi-track them, shift pitches and corrections, and so many other things. A vocal is something that can be experimented with. Even a simple change of mic and preamp or mic placement can make a world of difference in just a single tracking with nothing added.

Getting back to how does he know? If it sounds right to him, it's done.