Multiple Vocal Tracks

[R D Smith]

I would like some feedback on my latest effort. I'm trying to learn how to use multiple vocal tracks to get a fuller sounding vocal. I don't have a good space to check the mix where I'm at now. I've been listening on a couple of different stereo and Bluetooth systems in addition to headphones and ear buds. I was having an issue getting the vocals to fit in with the guitar tracks and I think that is mostly resolved. I've probably got it as good as I can under the circumstances.

This is two acoustic guitar tracks panned 20% left and right. And two vocal tracks in the center with a third vocal track during the chorus.

Carefree Highway

 

[Papanate]

I would like some feedback on my latest effort. I'm trying to learn how to use multiple vocal tracks to get a fuller sounding vocal. I don't have a good space to check the mix where I'm at now. I've been listening on a couple of different stereo and Bluetooth systems in addition to headphones and ear buds. I was having an issue getting the vocals to fit in with the guitar tracks and I think that is mostly resolved. I've probably got it as good as I can under the circumstances.

This is two acoustic guitar tracks panned 20% left and right. And two vocal tracks in the center with a third vocal track during the chorus.

Carefree Highway
View attachment 150619

Would you send me the tracks? I could mix them - to hard to describe.

 

[rob aylestone]

What you have created is a lead guitar and a background vocal. everything draws attention to the guitar. The guitar has clarity - but the question is why two guitars and why three vocals?

Old fashioned double tracking as in two identical separate vocal tracks needs amazing precision and endless practice. I think nowadays I would craft a perfect take, treat it with care and tweak the pitching and other bits and pieces, and then try it with one guitar and maybe another complimentary instrument. The two guitars seem to fight a bit, and the vocal is just swamped.

 

[Slouching Raymond]

I don't hear much of multiple vocals, maybe due to the prominent guitar.
Perhaps the multiple vocals should include harmony, different words, and different melody.

 

[TalismanRich]

The first thing I would do for a "fuller sounding vocal" would be to get closer to the mic (assuming its a cardioid) to use the proximity effect and to eliminate the heavy room sound. 3-4 inches away and just off to the side or above the nose and pointing at the mouth to control plosives and sibilance should REALLY fatten the vocal. Then you can add a touch of "room" with a bit of reverb if needed.

 

[TalismanRich]

I whipped this up in about 30 minutes. I've heard the song but never tried to play it. It's just one verse. Is the tone closer to what you are looking to achieve? This is my Miktek MK300, about 6 inches away and slightly to the side. There's no EQ or compression on the voice, just a small amount of plate reverb.

 

[R D Smith]

I whipped this up in about 30 minutes. I've heard the song but never tried to play it. It's just one verse. Is the tone closer to what you are looking to achieve? This is my Miktek MK300, about 6 inches away and slightly to the side. There's no EQ or compression on the voice, just a small amount of plate reverb.

That sounds good Rich, and is closer to what I'm looking for. The mic is a Rode NT1, and I was about 6 inches away and slightly off center.

Rob, I've pretty much come to the conclusion that the "room" I hear is the vocal tracks that are not perfectly lined up. I just needed someone who knows (like you) to verify it. I usually do one lead vocal and add effects, backing vocals etc. This is just an experiment, and I see that trying to put together multiple vocals is not as easy as it would seem.

I want to thank everyone for all the comments. I will revisit this and go with one guitar track and vocal and remix from there.

Papanate, I think I will take you up on that, but I'm in the process to traveling so it may be next week. What are you looking for and how can I send the files?

 

[TalismanRich]

I have an NT1. I'm almost wondering if you had the mic facing the wrong way! Was the gold dot facing you? The NT1 doesn't sound that different from the MK300, a bit less top end but should be pretty full at 6 inches.

The recording you posted sounds very "roomy". I would have expected you to say the mic was 3 or 4 ft away, not 6 inches. But if you had the mic reversed, it will be picking up all of the reflected sound, not the direct sound from your voice.

 

[Papanate]

Papanate, I think I will take you up on that, but I'm in the process to traveling so it may be next week. What are you looking for and how can I send the files?

Google, Dropbox or some sort of file sharing site?