Vocal Processing (High Frequency)

[mactreouser]

Hi,
How to make a vocal's Hi-Mid to High frequency smooth and sweet during the process ?

 

[mixsit]

Where to start..

Where to end?
-Starting with good sources. (Has to be in here..
-Is the voice 'smooth? (Some are pretty raspy..
-How's the mic?

-Don't boost necessarily- the top. Rather try cuts / dips- maybe in lows-low mids, on that track if needed, but also around other tracks that might be making it seem like 'it's not bright enough'.
-Same with upper mids. That can be a place for cuts- to reduce harshness, and make the top come through w/o some much boosting.
-Leveling. 'Gain/trim rides/automation -pre insert/fader/compressor- so the compressor(s) can be allowed to be zeroed in on 'smooth (rather than trying to do big level control fixes'.

..Not the end. Just this one's end.

 

[mactreouser]

Where to start..

Where to end?
-Starting with good sources. (Has to be in here..
-Is the voice 'smooth? (Some are pretty raspy..
-How's the mic?

-Don't boost necessarily- the top. Rather try cuts / dips- maybe in lows-low mids, on that track if needed, but also around other tracks that might be making it seem like 'it's not bright enough'.
-Same with upper mids. That can be a place for cuts- to reduce harshness, and make the top come through w/o some much boosting.
-Leveling. 'Gain/trim rides/automation -pre insert/fader/compressor- so the compressor(s) can be allowed to be zeroed in on 'smooth (rather than trying to do big level control fixes'.

..Not the end. Just this one's end.

Appreciate!
Does Strong/Hard compressed with auto-gain to -12/0 on vocal will caused the unsmooth (ears hurt) result?

 

[Massive Master]

That's sort of an open-ended question with a zillion potential answers.

Yes. Over compression can easily bring out things that either weren't there - or things you didn't notice before.

 

[mixsit]

That's sort of an open-ended question with a zillion potential answers.

Yes. Over compression can easily bring out things that either weren't there - or things you didn't notice before.

Agreed. Although '-12/0' is not useful info.
One thing.. Turn off the Auto Gain. Try using the compressor with as little reduction as possible, tune' and try low ratios and different attack / releases, then add a bit of make up gain -if or as it's needed.The idea being these 'auto gains' -and going too far/deep with processing- can make it harder to keep your eye (ear :>) on where you were.. vs where you're ending up. Or to put another way, in the end, why it's sounding the way it does.

 

[mactreouser]

Thanks All!
Does a Dynamic Mic solve the unsmooth Sibilance on Vocal? Or Mixed between Dynamic and Large Diaphragm Condenser Mics.

 

[jkuehlin]

Nuke the fucking hell out of it. Pultecs, 1176's, 1073's (or at least vintech/bae/protico clones), Distresstors, 2A's will never steer you wrong. You'll get fat and smooth out of any of those. If you want extremely smooth, douse it with something warm and transparent but not brittle. API, Shadow Hills, or Chandler. Be careful with SSL and Avalon. Their saturation is lovely, but they're both aggressive channel strips.