Double tracking question

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NolensVolens

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I have recently tried double-tracking vocals in parts of a song, by recording a second vocal track. I'm having a problem in that the doubled parts always sound 'robotic' and unnatural. When listening to a professional CD where this is done, the second vocal only really becomes apparent if you listen for it.

Could anyone give me tips on how I should record, compress, eq, pan, gain, etc, the second vocal track to overcome this problem?

cheers.
 
change mics for the second vocal, so it doesn't match so much.
turn the second vocal down more,
try cutting some highs out of the backup.

some people don't seem (in my opinion) to take to doubleing so much.

someone will probably be allong with better advice, i personally think doubleing is a pain in the but.
 
First check your phasing. Did you accidentally reverse the phase on one of the takes, this would create a very unnatural sound. But definitely pan the doubled part away from the main vocal. Also have it sung differently, unless you are simply trying to thicken it up without altering it. Either different melody or tone of voice. EQ and effects depend on what you are going for.
 
Doubled vocals can sound really great I reckon. Maybe it sounds robotic because you aren't monitoring the first vocal properly. Sometimes if the levels aren't right and you try to double while listening to the original and it is a bit high in vol you tend to sing by numbers rather than with the feeling.
 
Timing differences can create horrible results. At times, you will hear two voices, and at other times you will hear 1 bigger vocal. This can be really ugly because it becomes very apparent that there was a double tracking done. You're not fooling the brain into thinking it's one singer anymore.
 
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