Panning mutiple vocals?

[coolsoundman]

The person I'm recording did his own backup vocal. I was wanting to know how would you work with this backup vocal? I'm like wanting to pan the main vocal left about 30 - 40% and then pan the backup vocal to the right side somewhere about the same amount as the main vocal. But that would be only on the chorus of the song and when it comes to the verse's of the song I would want to pan the main vocal back to center. What would you guys think is the correct way of handling the panning of the voice?

 

[ndycus1]

the way you mentioned would be fine. anything would be fine. as long as it SOUNDS good, it IS good. if this method sounds awkward, then experiment and try something different

 

[coolsoundman]

the only thing that is hard to do is to hear the difference. Unless I use headphones.

 

[prestomation]

Here's what I would do in that situation. Double track the backup. Center the main and pan the backups 30-40% to either side. Offcentering the main vocals always sounds strange to me, unless both vocals are of equal importence.

 

[Canobliss]

Here's what I would do in that situation. Double track the backup. Center the main and pan the backups 30-40% to either side. Offcentering the main vocals always sounds strange to me, unless both vocals are of equal importence.

I agree with this. If it is too late to retrack another backup vocal you can always copy the one nudge it over about 20 ms and pan them opposite sides about 50-70%. Maybe eq them a little different as well or pitch shift one 10-15 cents.
Depending on the music you can also try tucking the backup vocal under the main vocal. Bring it down in the mix and maybe drop the EQin the upper mids so it doesn't get in the way of the lead.

 

[rayc]

But record a second one IF you can - it'll sound SSSOOO much better.
Cheers
rayC

 

[Canobliss]

But record a second one IF you can - it'll sound SSSOOO much better.
Cheers
rayC

retracking it will only sound better if its done right. I have had some sloppy rappers who double their backups but can match em up tight enough so ill just throw one out and make my own double in the mix as described above.
The funny thing is when they hear the mix the think they are the shit and there flow is air tight..hahaha.

 

[ndycus1]

all i'm trying to say is that there isn't a "correct" way to do this. mixes from people who pan everything the same way all the time tend to have mixes that sound very boring and sterile. if you want a 'textbook' method of doing things, my suggestion would be to double-track (re-record) the harmony and panning them far left/right. But, if you use the same method every time, then no creativity is involved, and therefore this mix will, again, possibly sound boring.