Automation on Vocals

[Lateralus359]

I've read several things about automating vocals and how some(or most) mixing engineers raise up vocals in chorus and drop them back down in the verse. I get that. It makes sense. What i don't get is when someone says they automate every syllable in the vocal passage. How is this done and why would you it?

[frshtrx]

maybe if you provided a link to where you've heard of someone "says they automate every syllable in the vocal passage", then it could be clarified?

technically, by applying any effect over the length of a track it has been 'automated on every syllable"...
if someone had to go the length of adding control points for a volume envelope on every word on a track, chances are the source recording sucked or they've got limited skills regarding other ways to more efficiently attack whatever the problem may be...maybe both.

So, unless you have an understanding of the conversation and the perspective of the person saying it, it's just f.u.d...

[TonyB]

I agree with frshtrx. One practice is to automate the end of phrases to highlight them and bring 'em out (not to mention doubling the end of phrases and choruses) but that's for enhancement and effect.

But as frshtrx said, it they are doing it for every syllable, something seems wrong. Why couldn't the vocalist accommodate and/or control the dynamics of the song?

[String7th]

Compression already does this. You are able to make the louder syllables the same volume as the softer ones.
And instead of raising the volume on choruses, try doubling the vocal track, harmonize, add a double effect track and others to make it sound bigger, but the main track stays the same.

[garageband]

The point of overactive vocal automation is to make a compressor work less hard. Oddly enough, if you're going for a "natural" effect, it's not a bad way forward. Not everyone has excellent microphone technique and it's tough to teach it someone really quickly.

[Lateralus359]

Maybe the guy was just exaggerating how he automates! Anyways thanls for the advice!

[hessodreamy]

Here's a quote from the B-man:

Originally Posted by brandondrury

I've heard of R&B engineers who will only knock off 1-2dB from a vocal because they want the signal as transparent as possible and then use automation on a per-syllable basis to get the level right.

I mean, I've recently worked on a song where the singer is ALL OVER the place, dynamically. And not in a good way. The quiet sections had some syllables jump out and some inaudible. Then there was a loud section with a similar range of dynamics. Fixing this situation just with compression meant the compressor was overworking and sqaushing the sound. Yeah there's many was of solving the problem, but automation on individual syllables is one of them.

[TonyB]

Originally Posted by hessodreamy

Here's a quote from the B-man:


I mean, I've recently worked on a song where the singer is ALL OVER the place, dynamically. And not in a good way. The quiet sections had some syllables jump out and some inaudible. Then there was a loud section with a similar range of dynamics. Fixing this situation just with compression meant the compressor was overworking and sqaushing the sound. Yeah there's many was of solving the problem, but automation on individual syllables is one of them.

... or find a new singer!

[hessodreamy]

Naughty ;-)

[TonyB]

Originally Posted by hessodreamy

Naughty ;-)

Couldn't help myself. But you are right, from what I've seen it's standard practice to work the volume automation as much as possible before relying too much on the compressor.

I've actually "rode the fader" on some vocalists while tracking, but you need know your preamp very well to keep the level changes seamless/transparent.