How do I make my choruses?

[tbiddy38]

When doing R&B I still don't get the strong chorus on my mixes. I pan my vocals but I still want them to sound smoother than the lead vocals, (Think Michael Jackson & Justin Timberlake choruses). I was wondering if anybody knew of any techniques I could use to get radio quality choruses in my mixes, ie. effects, etc. I'm using Pro tools LE 6.9 for mac, I would greatly appreciate any suggestions.

 

[Cloneboy Studio]

Use good singers.

 

[mshilarious]

Tune 'em, rolloff lows, compression, reverb, a touch of chorus, not too much sparkle so they don't step on the lead . . .

 

[scrubs]

...I was wondering if anybody knew of any techniques I could use to get radio quality choruses in my mixes, ie. effects, etc. I'm using Pro tools LE 6.9 for mac, I would greatly appreciate any suggestions.

The software probably plays only the tiniest role in great vocal tracks. Great voices, great mics, & great preamps should be your top priority (followed by great converters & great effects processors). What are you using for these?

As was alluded to above, the harmony vocals on many pop tracks are auto-tuned so the pitch does not waver. Of course, they didn't have auto-tune when Thriller came out, but MJ has a pretty amazing voice.

Doubling the lead vocal and compressing the doubled track can thicken a lead. Also, a little volume push at the chorus is common.