Mixing RnB Vocals

[Trumpspade]

I will post this in the Mixing section, but I figured I will give it a shot here 1st.

Is there any ratios as far as mixing for Main Vocals vs Background vocals? I am not sure if I am asking it correctly. But if the main Vocals are sitting pretty good in the mix, I'm sure it should stand out a bit more than the background. (Of course not to the extreme!) I am wondering if there is a golden rule of thumb or some standard mixing technique regarding vocals. I have listened to various commercial songs and I am wondering if there is a specific db degree between the two!

Sorry if this question is wacked. I am working with someone and they asked the question actually and I figured I will hit y'all up for guidance.

I normally just mix to taste, but I want to be aware of so called "Standards " as well..........

I am speaking for RnB music. I am sure every genre may have their own standards.....

[gullyjewelz]

i think its a great question, as it will certainly lead to a good guide for a basic "tryout" - i dont really know myself . . . im very interested to see what kind of answers are forthcoming though

[NL5]

I normally mix background vocals about 6-12 db's below the main vox, but there is no hard and fast rule IMHO. One thing I like to do is treat the background vox different than the main vox. i'll pan them out a bit. Send them to the verb pre-fader fairly hot, but pull the channel fader down a ways. I will also shelf the highs at about 10-12 khz at about -6-10db. Creates a pretty cool effect, and makes the background vocals prominent without fighting the main vox.

I have a song in the mp3 clinic that was done using this technique. It's far from being done and just a rough mix, but you can get an idea of what it sounds like.

[bknot1]

yeah.. i mix background vocals about the same 6-12 dbs lowere then the vocals.. with panning.. and the rest is your taste or flavor for the mix..ie.. effects you want to use...

[Trumpspade]

Originally Posted by NL5

I normally mix background vocals about 6-12 db's below the main vox, but there is no hard and fast rule IMHO. One thing I like to do is treat the background vox different than the main vox. i'll pan them out a bit. Send them to the verb pre-fader fairly hot, but pull the channel fader down a ways. I will also shelf the highs at about 10-12 khz at about -6-10db. Creates a pretty cool effect, and makes the background vocals prominent without fighting the main vox.

I have a song in the mp3 clinic that was done using this technique. It's far from being done and just a rough mix, but you can get an idea of what it sounds like.

I will check it out!

Thanks for the information.........

[Mindset]

Usually you'll be trying to make each sound sit right in the stereo spectrum. Volume, delay, panning, and frequencies will control your perception of depth, distance, origin & time. So you pan to where you want the origin of the sound. The volume will control distance. Lighter/higher sounds usually sit higher in a stereo field, where lows usually hit you in your gut instead of your face, right... So put your main vocals upfront, or near there. Your backgrounds could be panned farther apart. Use your EQ to help each vocal sit better between the music. Rememba, better to cut than to boost. Picture it a 4 dimensional room where you can place sounds in different sections instead of all in the same range, usually muddying it out, and masking occurs more often, ya kno.

[Trumpspade]

Originally Posted by Mindset

Usually you'll be trying to make each sound sit right in the stereo spectrum. Volume, delay, panning, and frequencies will control your perception of depth, distance, origin & time. So you pan to where you want the origin of the sound. The volume will control distance. Lighter/higher sounds usually sit higher in a stereo field, where lows usually hit you in your gut instead of your face, right... So put your main vocals upfront, or near there. Your backgrounds could be panned farther apart. Use your EQ to help each vocal sit better between the music. Rememba, better to cut than to boost. Picture it a 4 dimensional room where you can place sounds in different sections instead of all in the same range, usually muddying it out, and masking occurs more often, ya kno.

I was waiting for you to pop in here and lend a brother your expertise. I bet you know where Bin Laden is too. DId O.J. really kill his wife? (just kidding) Thanks for the info Homeboy!!!!