Vocal processing

[Lintzstudio]

I'm trying to learn some new processing techniques. The goal is to get vocals sounding full and yet keep them transparent in the mix. How do the big studios do it?
This is in preparation of an album release. I'm going to outsource for mastering. My mix isn't quite there yet. Any tips?
ps - I'm running PT M-audio / Mac , with a pile of pluggins (Waves, Line 6, Air)

[paul999]

Can you post a sample.

[Vulconizer]

Post a sample in Bash This Recording. This should get you some help in regards to your question.

[Lintzstudio]

I'll have to have a band meeting. We're being tight on releasing material until copyrights are complete.
Thanks - Loren

[tacman7]

Some ideas here:

Vocal Processing In Cubase 4

[Lintzstudio]

Thanks Tacman. The article gave me some insight on comp and Eq.
I'm curious if anyone out there uses compression in side chain on final mixes. My thoughts are putting compression on a (instrument mix) track, side chain to my vocal and only compress the freq range of the vocal lightly. This may make the perceived volume of the vocal louder while keeping the instrument punch.
The genre I'm mixing is industrial metal with spoken and clear vocals and some whisper lyrics.
I'm going to fire up the studio now and try some different comp and Eq.
Thanks again - I'll let you know how it goes

[brandondrury]

There are a zillion ways to do it. My advice is to approach it creatively instead of objectively. Don't look for "fidelity" or "professional" (I HATE that word!). Look for exciting!

On a good day in certain genres no processing is necessary. Then again, there is a huge difference between Marilyn Manson vocals and Elvis vocals.

Brandon

[bitflipper]

"zillion" may be a somewhat conservative estimate.

It may in fact be a "gazillion".

The subject could fill books, and has. The one thing that nearly all techniques have in common is starting with a quality microphone. After that, it gets complicated.

[Lintzstudio]

Thanks Brandon,
I'll keep experimenting. I'm probably being too scientific in my approach. I've mixed singles before with no sweat. This is my first album, so I'm trying to stay consistent for 11 songs and stressing.
I'll trust my ears, they haven't failed me yet.
Sorry about not posting a sample. We are not releasing any info until Fall under our copyright/marketing plan. I will post a track for your opinion in Sept.

[brandondrury]

"zillion" may be a somewhat conservative estimate.

It may in fact be a "gazillion".

Well said. I had a feeling my math was a bit off.

I'm probably being too scientific in my approach.

The only scientific corollary to audio recording is when you start getting into chaos. When science gets so sciency that it's no longer science then you start getting close to recording land.

I'm naturally geared towards the technical / math / science route. When it comes to recording, all bets are off. It helps understanding input impedances / capacitive reactance but that stuff is meaningless when I'm running 3 distortion plugins into 3 delays and reversing it.

I get into this mentality stuff way more in Killer Home Recording (ALMOST FINISHED!!!!)

Brandon