Vocal Effects

[Diffusion]

I record rap vocals, and I've heard that reverb is used very often but i think it sounds terrible... i thought maybe its not used on vocals only instruments.... does anyone use effects like reverb on vocals? if so, what effects do you use and how often?

 

[RAMI]

Reverb is definitely used on vocals. When you say, "It sounds terrible", you're either talking about a bad reverb, bad application, or it just wasn't right for that particular track. Most vocal tracks have at least some reverb on them. And, yes, even rap vocals. Even if they sound really dry, chances are there is still some reverb on it.

 

[Gorty]

A basic rule I use myself regarding reverb is to have enough of the effect applied so when you listen to the track with the reverb applied you don't notice the effect so much but if you remove it you notice that it is not there.

I did say a basic rule, I find effective!

 

[Matheon]

yup.. your problem is probably too much. most rap i hear you can barely pick out the reverb.

also the kind of reverb you want is a big factor..

the wrong effect will ruin a track but the right settings will really make it work. just try different things.. sometimes you might want a high end tail coming in with a 150ms delay .. sometimes you might want a howling midrange of a reverb sitting way behind the track.

but reverb isn't NECESSARY.. you can get a great sound without touching it..

if you can't find a verb you want then don't worry about it.. try some delay..
i've used everything on vocals at one point or another.. reverb, chorus, flange, delay.. if it gives you the sound you want then that's all you need to worry about.. if it "sounds terrible" then you either need to retrack the vocal line or do without the FX.

sometimes a dry vocal may be the ticket..

 

[Diffusion]

i guess im gonna play around with different effects a little more... is there a difference between full verb, reverb, and quick verb?