Doubling vocals

[Richmo]

What exactly is this and how is it done? I have been stereo panning one track only.
Any answers??

[kensuguro]

I usually "really" double the vocal tracks, as in retaking the same lines. Panning 1 recording won't work. It's the minute variations in intonation and timbre from 2 different takes of the same line that creates a natural sounding "chorus" effect.

Usually, I bring up the main vocal, and then EQ the doubling lines to sound crips and thin. The trick is that you'd want the doubling lines to sound like vapor surrounding the main vocal. (sorry for the bad imagery)

You can also try doubling the melody with octave above, or below. I do this all the time. The trick with doubling is to get a take that's really close to the original. Anything that's even minutely off in pitch and pronounciation can ruin the effect.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: kensuguro on 2003-12-18 10:25 ]</font>

[eliam]

When I want to thicken a vocal track without the doubling effect, I simply copy/paste the mono track on 2 other tracks, pan them on either sides, apply eq or other treatment. Sometimes a slight chorus on the doubled tracks does a nice job, but it depends, trust your ears. This technique really helps to give a mono track some dimension.

[kensuguro]

I had some free time so I did a demo of some double take vocals.

http://www.iface.ne.jp/~ken/vocaldouble.mp3

It cycles through
melody
melody+doubling
melody+doubling+octave below doubling
everything together

and then it cycles through each of the parts.

I used EQ and some psyQ on the vocals. So much for "boy band" style singing. hehe. That thin adolescent voice.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: kensuguro on 2003-12-18 11:24 ]</font>

[Richmo]

Thanx Ken,
That was really helpful. Yeh, I've tried the cut and paste double but wasn't that satisfied with the results. I like the imagery by the way!!
I'll give it a go, Thanx again