Skip to main content

Hi,
See on a lot of tracks artificial harmonised vocals
How is it done?
I've tried copying and pasting samples and altering the second one up in pitch.. but it sounds um... somewhat strange.. like a hissing sound... and also.. the harmonies don't always work

so how is it done?

Comments

anonymous Tue, 08/02/2005 - 09:37

You need a good vocal processor for that. A really good one will let you input the chords of the song or the vocal notes with MIDI and then allow you to adjust the harmony by selecting the interval. Usually, down a minor 3rd (if in a major key) or up a major 6th (if in a minor key) will work exceptionally well. And, there is always a perfect 4th either direction. If doing blues, go up a major 7th or 9th (2nd plus one octave).

therecordingart Wed, 08/10/2005 - 16:23

I tell my clients off of the bat that I don't use Autotune or Melodyne for anything other than effect if the mood of the song calls for it....I refuse to "fix" vocals. Why?

1. If the singer can't sing it....why should he fool himself and everyone else when he could work on becoming a great singer. I think Autotune type programs have given hope to horrible musicians when in the past you either "had it" or worked your ass off to "get it." There is a lot to be said about feeling proud of yourself when you work hard to nail the perfect take. No plugin in the world can give you that feeling!

2. The nuances of your voice should be a part of your character....look at Kurt Cobain....horrible singing voice....but a lot of character and energy. Look at Freddy Mercury....terrific voice, great harmonies, and almost sounded robotic on his own. These guys had one thing in common...they worked with what they had the best that they could.

3. I hate numbering the points I try to make that are completely off topic from the original post!

anonymous Wed, 08/17/2005 - 09:14

harmony vocals

I usually sing 'em myself. I can't hear the harmonies so I figure them out and record a midi track which I output to a synth. I sing along with the synth.

I've also used and have been somewhat successful with TC-Helicon VoiceOne using the shift function. The actual singing overdubs usually sound better.

Ted

anonymous Wed, 08/17/2005 - 13:25

A fan of the real deal...

As many have said, the best thing you can do is record the real thing. In the time you posted to this forum you could have had it done. If you want the harmony to sound natural yet very tight, pan it dead center with the main vocal and squash it to get a good steady dynamic.

The machine-made double-tracking epidemic is a result of poor singers in dire need of Pro Tools tricks to make them sound good, not for effects.