LOW Voice Mixing Tips

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stevepeter83

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Hi everyone,

If a singer hits that low part of a song (eg. verse), what can you do to make the voice sounds strong in the mix? Do you double ups, do you do panning? What do you do?


Steve
 
When I think 'doubled I think image/time spread, less focused. 'Low typically if anything might want more defined.

Maybe consider making a bit of extra space for it in the mix too (watching for what might be getting in the way.
 
Make more room for the voice, and try bringing the level up a bit compared to the choruses.

I generally wouldn't double track in a verse, but it depends on the song and genre.

Quite often I'd try duplicating the vocal track and applying reasonably heavy compression to the copy.
Bring the fader up on the compressed copy to taste.


Volume automating the part can help a lot too; This'd actually be the first thing I'd do.
It makes it much easier to find the right level for the vocal, because you know the level won't drift too much throughout the part.
 
stevepeter83 said:
Cool.

If you don't mind, do you know how this is done, I really-really love the mix on this one:

I Lift My Hands by Chris Tomlin - YouTube

On the very first verse, do you think it's just his voice or is it doubled?


Steve
Click to expand...
Wow quite a production!.
I'm not sure what you're hearing, but it seems a very clear straight vocal at the top there. Very controlled and leveled (partly from good singing, mic technique, plus good recording/sweetening and compression no doubt. But nothing much in the way of effects or doubling at all there. Against the open background? The voc is actually pretty dry -which is part of what allows it to connect and be intimate.
 
Hm....

So I guess to get a professional mastered song you'll need:
1. Excellent performance
2. Excellent mixing
3. Excellent mastering

Is that correct?

Therefore, can I assume that without a good performance the mixing and mastering won't do any good? What I'm saying is, the music has to be tight, vocal has to be spot on, etc --> This first then we worry about mixing?



Steve
 
stevepeter83 said:
Therefore, can I assume that without a good performance the mixing and mastering won't do any good? What I'm saying is, the music has to be tight, vocal has to be spot on, etc --> This first then we worry about mixing?
Click to expand...
Yes, you can assume that. In fact, you might want to make it your mantra.
 
Cool. Thanks everyone....now the picture looks a lot clearer to me...Cheers.
 
stevepeter83 said:
Therefore, can I assume that without a good performance the mixing and mastering won't do any good? What I'm saying is, the music has to be tight, vocal has to be spot on, etc --> This first then we worry about mixing?Steve
Click to expand...

You can extend that thought a bit further:

Mixing is not the best place to fix problems in the performance.
Mastering is not the best place to fix problems in the mixing.

Without a good performance, the mixing won't do any good.
Without good mixing, the mastering won't do any good.
 
Yep yep....now I get it. That's why I never get an excellent sound in my mixing because I think for me personally, the main problem lies within the performance. I guess that's why we need a music director or arranger. Awesome...cheers once again.
 
stevepeter83 said:
Cool.

If you don't mind, do you know how this is done, I really-really love the mix on this one:

I Lift My Hands by Chris Tomlin - YouTube

On the very first verse, do you think it's just his voice or is it doubled?


Steve
Click to expand...

mixsit said:
Wow quite a production!.
I'm not sure what you're hearing, but it seems a very clear straight vocal at the top there. Very controlled and leveled (partly from good singing, mic technique, plus good recording/sweetening and compression no doubt. But nothing much in the way of effects or doubling at all there. Against the open background? The voc is actually pretty dry -which is part of what allows it to connect and be intimate.
Click to expand...

Definitely a great production! Wow. As for the effects on his voice, mixsit is right that there isn't much processing but I thought I'd let you know that I hear a touch of echo/delay. That may be the "doubling" that you hear. It's not much... just enough to add a subtle little something to the voice. You can hear it especially well at the end of the song when he's saying "Let faith arise".
 
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