Vocal effects

Vocal effects play a key role in the modern music industry, transforming raw recordings into expressive and harmonious elements of a track. Their proper use helps make vocals cleaner, clearer and more organic in the overall mix, be it a studio recording or a live performance.

Knowing the basic principles of vocal processing allows you to not only improve the sound quality, but also highlight its unique features. Modern technologies make it possible to adjust the pitch, expand the sound space and give the vocals the desired atmosphere that matches the artistic concept.

To achieve a professional sound, it is important to use basic processing tools. Equalization helps remove unnecessary frequencies and make the voice more intelligible, compression smooths out dynamic jumps, and a de-esser reduces the harshness of hissing sounds. These techniques allow the vocals to fit harmoniously into the mix and avoid overloading individual frequencies.

Creative use of effects opens up even more possibilities. Delay and reverb create volume and depth, auto-tune can correct intonation or add a specific sound, and vocoders allow you to radically change the timbre of your voice. These techniques help not only improve the recording, but also give it a distinctive style.

Whether you just need to slightly improve the natural sound or radically change your voice, the right selection and combination of vocal effects will help you achieve the desired result and reveal new facets of sound.

Why use vocal effects

When working with vocals in a mix, it is important to use EQ, compression, and reverb or delay, even if their effect is minimal. These effects help to balance the sound, make the voice more intelligible, and fit it naturally into the instrumental background.

However, vocal processing is not limited to just basic instruments. Various techniques can give the voice more depth, make it cleaner, rougher, or richer, depending on the desired effect. Experimenting with effect parameters allows you to achieve a more expressive and memorable sound.

Pay attention to how the vocals are processed in popular tracks. They rarely remain unchanged throughout the entire composition. Often, small changes, such as adding reverb in the chorus or increasing compression on certain phrases, make the vocal part livelier and more interesting.

Even small adjustments can significantly improve the sound of vocals. Try experimenting with effects – this will help your voice fit better into the mix and make the recording more professional.

Vocal Effects Basics

Vocal effects help enhance the sound of vocals, making them more expressive and professional. They allow the vocal part to fit organically into the mix and match the style of the song.

Understanding a Vocal Track

A vocal track is the original recording of the voice, made from a microphone without any processing. It is a clean sound that can be adjusted and improved with effects.

To achieve the best result, it is important to record the vocals as cleanly as possible, without extraneous noise and distortion. A high-quality original recording will allow you to minimize processing and avoid excessive use of effects.

Before going into details, it is important to remember that in most cases, minimal processing produces the best results. The less correction required, the more natural and organic the sound will be. If you are unsure, focus on professional recordings in the same genre – this will help you develop the right approach to processing the vocals.

Clarity

Before applying effects, you need to make sure that the vocal track does not contain any unwanted noise, extraneous sounds, or digital distortion. A clean recording will make further work easier and will make the sound clearer.

Tonal balance

The voice covers a wide range of frequencies, so it is important to ensure that the low, mid and high frequencies are evenly distributed. This will allow the vocals to sound natural and harmonious in the mix.

Dynamics

Dynamic range determines the difference in volume between quiet and loud parts of the performance. To make the sound smoother, you can adjust the volume levels manually or use compression. These methods allow the vocals to retain their expressiveness without overloading the overall mix.

The main goal of processing is to emphasize the individuality of the vocals, preserving their natural sound and ensuring a harmonious combination with the instruments.

Essential Vocal Effects for Live Performances

A quality performance on stage depends not only on vocal abilities, but also on the right equipment. Using vocal processors and effect pedals allows you to improve the sound of your voice in real time, making it more expressive and professional.

Vocal Processors

Vocal processors are designed to process sound during a performance. They help to correct the pitch, add reverb, suppress sharp hissing sounds and create polyphony. These devices greatly simplify the vocalist’s work, automatically adjusting the sound to the specified parameters.

One of the popular vocal processors is TC Helicon Mic Mechanic. It combines studio reverb and auto-tuning in a compact case, convenient for use on stage. This device is especially useful for vocalists who need minimal but high-quality sound processing without complex settings.

Vocal Effect Pedals

Effect pedals give the vocalist the ability to manually control the sound of the voice, adding various effects at the right moment. This is especially important for live performances, where dynamic and expressive performance is required. Among the most popular effects:

• Distortion – adds sharpness and graininess to the voice, creating an overdrive effect;
• Delay – adds echo, making the sound more voluminous and rhythmic;
• Loop playback – allows you to record and overlay vocal parts on top of each other right during the performance.

By combining various effects, you can create a unique sound, adapting it to the style of music and the nature of the performance. Using vocal processors and effect pedals helps not only improve the sound, but also diversify the performance, making it more lively and memorable.

Key equipment for recording vocals

High-quality microphone

A microphone is the main tool that determines the accuracy of voice transmission. Condenser models are most often used for studio recording. They are highly sensitive and can capture the smallest nuances of performance, which is especially important for genres with soft and expressive vocals.

At the same time, dynamic microphones are often more suitable for loud and energetic performances, for example, in rap or rock music. They withstand high sound pressure well and provide a dense sound without excessive detail.

Audio interface

An audio interface acts as a converter, converting an analog microphone signal into a digital format. Its quality affects the clarity of the recording and the detail of the vocals. A good interface should be equipped with high-quality preamplifiers that provide clean signal transmission without extraneous noise.

Low latency is important for comfortable work, as it allows the vocalist to hear himself without a noticeable delay. It is also worth considering the compatibility of the interface with the microphone and other equipment to avoid connection problems.

A competent choice of microphone and audio interface will help to achieve professional vocal sound, preserving its natural timbre features and dynamics.

Digital audio workstation

A digital audio workstation (DAW) is the main tool for creating music. It allows you to record, edit, arrange and mix audio tracks, providing full control over the music production process.

The choice of DAW depends on the ease of use and the tasks that need to be solved. It is important to consider the functionality, plugin support, compatibility with equipment and the convenience of the interface.

One of the convenient solutions is Amped Studio. This platform works entirely in the browser, which makes it accessible from anywhere with an Internet connection. This format is convenient for collaboration and allows you to quickly share projects without installing additional software.

Vocal Production Methods and Effects

To achieve a professional-sounding vocal, it is important not only to record the voice well, but also to process it correctly at the mixing stage. Even basic sound processing techniques can significantly improve the final result.

Basic Methods

Equalization

Equalization is one of the key tools in vocal processing. It allows you to adjust the frequency balance, removing unwanted resonances and emphasizing the desired frequencies. A parametric equalizer is the most convenient, as it allows you to fine-tune individual frequency ranges. Low frequencies are usually located on the left side of the scale, and high frequencies are on the right, within the audible range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

High-Pass Filter

A high-pass filter is a useful tool for cleaning vocals from unwanted low-frequency noise. It cuts off the lowest frequencies, helping to get rid of dull sounds caused by breathing, the proximity effect, or the lack of a pop filter. This is especially important when working with a voice that contains pronounced consonants such as “P” and “B” that create overload at low frequencies.

Compression

Compression is used to equalize the dynamic range of vocals, making quiet passages more audible and loud passages less harsh. This is especially important to ensure a smooth sound in a mix where vocals need to be heard against the background of instruments.

When set up correctly, a compressor not only stabilizes the volume level, but also adds density to the vocals, making them more focused and professionally processed.

Delay

The delay effect creates a sense of space around the vocals, adding depth and volume. Depending on the parameters, the delay can create a slight echo or form a rich texture, enhancing the emotionality of the performance.

There are several types of delay that are used in vocal processing. A short delay helps smooth out the sound, creating the effect of doubling the voice, while a longer delay adds atmosphere to the vocals, making them more spacious and lively.

Reverb in vocal processing

Reverb is one of the most common effects used in vocal processing. It creates a sense of space, giving the voice depth and naturalness. In everyday life, we constantly encounter this effect: if you clap your hands in a room, you can hear the sound reflecting off the walls, creating a characteristic echo.

By adding reverb in a digital audio workstation (DAW), you can change the acoustic perception of vocals. This effect helps to give the voice a softer, more spacious sound, or, conversely, create the effect of performing on a huge stage.

Reverb time

Reverb time determines how long the effect lasts before it completely fades away. The longer this parameter, the greater the sense of space. A short reverb time creates a compact sound, similar to recording in a small room, while a long one can imitate a concert hall or cathedral.

Mixing

The ratio of the processed and original signal affects the perception of reverb. If the effect is used as a separate channel (bus), its level is usually set to 100%, and then the overall volume is adjusted.

Pre-Delay

This parameter determines how long after the main sound the reverb enters. If the delay is short, the vocals immediately gain volume. A long pre-delay gives the voice more definition, allowing words and consonants to sound natural, without getting lost in the reverb tail.

Advanced Techniques

Doubles and Harmonization

Doubling vocals is a great way to add energy and depth to a section. If you listen closely, you’ll hear that many of your favorite songs have doubles in the choruses. If there’s more than one take, they’re usually panned pretty wide left and right.

If you don’t have double takes of a section where you want to use this approach, you can also use the Vocal Doubler plugin to achieve the sound. Soundtrap comes with an easy-to-use
Harmony can help add layers and depth that complement the main melody.

To create three-part harmonies, you can either record each harmony part separately or use a vocal harmonizer plugin that intelligently generates harmony parts based on your lead vocal.

Both options are good, depending on your final sound. For a natural vocal sound that supports the lead vocal, you should record 3-part harmonies with the artist or backup singers.
For a more modern vocal effect, feel free to experiment with the settings of the vocal harmony plugin. With these types of tools, your imagination is the limit!

Pitch Correction

In today’s music industry, pitch correction software is a key component of polished vocal sounds. It is the tool to turn to in order to achieve a refined, perfect tone without robotic artifacts.

When using pitch correction, subtle adjustments can preserve natural vocal nuances while correcting any false notes.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and take more responsibility for a more creative effect! Sometimes the coolest effects come from experimentation.

Vibrato

Vibrato and pitch modulation is an important parameter in vocal processing, which is responsible for the natural changes in pitch during performance. These fluctuations occur in any live voice and give it a characteristic expressiveness.

During singing, the pitch of a note can fluctuate slightly above or below the main tone. Correcting this parameter allows you to either strengthen or weaken these natural variations.

If you want to create a robotic sound effect, vibrato can be completely removed, achieving a perfectly even pitch. This is typical for hard auto-tune processing, often used in modern genres.

De-essing in vocal processing

De-essing is a technique that helps reduce the harshness of sibilants and hissing sounds in a vocal recording. This effect works like a frequency-dependent compressor, tracking and reducing the volume of unwanted high-frequency resonances.

The problem most often occurs when using condenser microphones, which emphasize vocal details, including excessive sibilance. On headphones, such sounds can sound especially harsh, making listening uncomfortable. To avoid this, a de-esser should be applied before compression, so that processing occurs on the original, unprocessed signal.

Threshold

The threshold determines at what volume level the hissing sound will be suppressed. The lower this parameter, the more frequencies will be affected. The setting requires precision – too much suppression can make the vocals sound unnatural, and too little will not eliminate the problem completely.

Frequency Range

This parameter allows you to select a specific frequency range in which unwanted hissing sounds are present. Typically, they are in the range from 4 to 10 kHz. Fine tuning helps to remove only the problematic frequencies without affecting the rest of the vocals.

Vocal Compression

Compression is a key tool in vocal processing, allowing you to make the sound more even in volume. It reduces the difference between the loudest and quietest sections, making the performance stable and expressive.

Threshold

The threshold determines the volume level at which the compressor starts working. If the signal exceeds the set value, compression takes effect. To achieve a natural sound, the threshold should be adjusted so that it affects only the dynamic bursts of the vocal, without suppressing quiet details such as breathing and natural tones of the voice.

Ratio

This parameter controls how much the signal is compressed when it exceeds the threshold value. For example, a ratio of 3:1 means that excess volume will be reduced by a factor of three. Higher values, such as 5:1 or 10:1, give aggressive compression suitable for vocals in a dense mix, while softer settings preserve the naturalness of the performance.

Makeup Boost

After compression, the volume of the vocals may be reduced because the compressor reduces the peaks of the signal. Makeup Boost allows you to regain the lost volume by raising the output level. When adjusting this parameter, it is important to consider the balance with other elements of the mix so that the vocals sound clear, but do not overwhelm the overall composition.

Parallel Compression

Parallel compression, also known as “New York compression”, is used to increase the density of vocals without losing their natural dynamics. This method allows you to enhance the sound while preserving the original character of the performance.

The essence of the technique is that a heavily compressed version of the original vocal signal is added to its original signal. To do this, a duplicate track is created, which is sent to an auxiliary bus with a compressor set to a high compression ratio. This processed signal is then mixed with the original, adding density and richness to the vocal.

The settings for parallel compression depend on the style of music and the character of the vocal. It is important to achieve a balance between the processed and clean signal so that the vocal remains expressive, but at the same time does not lose clarity.

Using this method makes the vocal more powerful and intelligible in the mix, while maintaining its naturalness and emotion. This is especially useful in genres where the vocals need to remain rich and energetic without abruptly changing the dynamics of the performance.

Vocal Distortion and Noise Control

Distortion can add punch and energy to vocals, making the sound more aggressive and expressive. It is important to consider the style of the music and look at reference recordings to choose the right distortion type.

Distortion requires care, as overuse can ruin the clarity of the vocals. Experiment with the settings, gradually increasing the intensity to achieve the desired effect without losing clarity.

Ambient Noise Control

The clarity of a recording depends largely on controlling the noise in the room. External sounds and poor acoustics can negatively affect the quality of the vocals, so it is important to pay attention to the recording conditions.

Noise Gate

Noise gates help eliminate background noise when the vocalist is not singing. This tool works on the principle of cutting off the sound below a set threshold. The main thing is to set the parameters correctly so that the noise is removed, but at the same time quiet vocal phrases are not affected.

In-ear monitors for live performances

During concerts, in-ear monitors allow the artist to hear themselves better and maintain precision in their performance. They reduce external noise and help the singer control the balance of the mix, which is especially important in loud stage conditions.

Interesting vocal effects

Some vocal effects do more than just improve the sound, they also add a unique character to the recording. They help create an atmosphere, emphasize certain moments in the performance, and make the vocals more expressive.

Adding rich reverb

Reverb is used on almost every vocal track, even if it’s subtle. But beyond the standard settings, you can add richer reverb to individual phrases or words to make them stand out in the mix.

Background vocals can also be treated with a strong reverb and then reduced in volume. This will create a sense of space without overshadowing the main vocal. Most reverb plugins have ready-made presets with intense settings that you can use as a starting point. If necessary, the level of wetness of the reverb can be adjusted manually to achieve the desired effect.

Pre- and Post-Delay

The pre-delay setting in the reverb plugin determines the amount of time between the start of the vocal part and the moment when the reverb kicks in. This parameter allows you to make the voice more voluminous without blurring its clarity. To start, you can set the delay within 20-40 milliseconds and then adjust it depending on the sound.

An additional post-delay delay adds echo after the reverb, creating a smoother decay. It is better to use a short value so that the delay does not overload the mix, but only adds depth to the sound.

These effects help to liven up the vocals and make them more expressive, adding spatial and atmospheric layers to the overall composition.

Depth with delay

To achieve more spatiality without unnecessary repetitions, you can use a simple technique. Set the delay to 100 milliseconds and limit the number of repeats to one. This will create a subtle echo effect that will add volume to the vocals, but will not clutter them with excessive reflections.

This effect can be applied either directly to the vocal track or through an auxiliary bus. The choice of method depends on the desired result and the convenience of working with the mix.

Autotune

The Autotune effect corrects or changes the pitch of the vocals, which can be used both for intonation correction and for stylistic purposes. It was developed in the late 1990s by engineer Andy Hildebrand and was originally intended for processing seismic data, but quickly found application in the music industry.

Today, Autotune is used in a variety of genres – from pop music to hip-hop. Depending on the settings, it can make the correction imperceptible to the listener or, on the contrary, create a recognizable effect, giving the vocals a mechanized sound. To achieve the desired result, software is used, such as Antares Auto-Tune or other plugins. The settings are adjusted depending on the task: you can delicately correct the notes or deliberately change the vocals, giving them a characteristic modern tone.

Vocal Synthesis

Modern technologies allow you to radically change vocals, creating artificial voices or modifying real ones. Vocal synthesis and vocoders are two key tools that are actively used in music production. The group Daft Punk clearly demonstrated how expressive such effects can be in their later albums.

Vocal synthesis is based on the creation of a completely artificial voice without using recorded human vocals. With the help of synthesizers, you can set the timbre, pitch and articulation, creating a sound that is impossible to obtain naturally.

To work with this effect, special programs are used, such as Vocaloid. They allow you to enter text and melody, after which the system generates vocals that can be customized in timbre and intonation.

Unlike vocal synthesis, vocoders work with a real voice, changing its characteristics. This effect superimposes the parameters of the recorded vocals on another sound source, such as a synthesizer, creating a robotic or electronic tone.

Vocoders are used to create voluminous sound textures that differ from the original voice, but at the same time preserve its intonation features. They are widely used in electronic music, pop and hip-hop projects to give vocals an unusual sound.

Vocoder and its use in music

A vocoder is an effect that modifies the voice, giving it a mechanical or electronic sound. It is often used to create futuristic vocals associated with science fiction and electronic music.

Some artists have made this effect an integral part of their style. A striking example is Daft Punk, whose music is filled with vocoder effects. Their characteristic sound is based on voice modulation, which can be heard in tracks such as Lose Yourself to Dance. In these compositions, the vocoder is used with different settings, creating unusual shades of vocals.

How a vocoder works

The principle of the vocoder is based on mixing two signals. The input voice is recorded through a microphone and transmitted to the modulator. At the same time, a synthesizer is connected to the vocoder, which serves as a basis for processing. Voice characteristics are superimposed on the synthesized sound, forming a new timbre.

The vocoder settings allow you to control filters, the number of equalizer bands and the depth of modulation. This helps to create both a soft and melodic sound and a sharp, mechanical effect. This instrument is actively used in electronic music, hip-hop and pop industries, adding unusual shades and a recognizable style to vocals.

Talkbox

Talkbox is an effect that allows you to change the sound of an instrument using your mouth, creating the illusion of a “talking” or “singing” instrument. It was popularized by Roger Troutman, and later became a hallmark of many musicians. The basic principle of operation is that the sound of the instrument is transmitted through a special tube to the performer’s mouth, where words and shades of sound are formed, after which the processed sound is captured by a microphone.

To create this effect, a special device is required, consisting of a speaker, a plastic hose and a mouthpiece. The musician plays the instrument, and the sound is directed through the talkbox to the mouth, where articulation changes its timbre. This makes it possible to form words or vocalize melodies, creating a unique sound.

To achieve the talkbox effect, you will need the following equipment:

• Talkbox device – the most popular models include the Dunlop Heil Talk Box and the Rocktron Banshee Talk Box. They are equipped with a built-in speaker that transmits sound through the tube;
• Musical instrument – most often a guitar or keys are used, since they allow convenient control of the sound;
• Amplifier – needed to feed sound from the instrument to the talkbox, since it is not connected directly;
• Microphone – records processed sound to transmit it to a mixer or speaker system.

Create a choir from your own voice

Even if you record alone, it doesn’t mean that your vocals should sound lonely. You can turn your voice into a whole choir, like Queen did in Bohemian Rhapsody or Jacob Collier did in his multi-layered arrangements. This will give your track depth, volume and impact.

Where to start

First, tidy up the main vocals. Edit them, choose the best takes, remove unnecessary hissing sounds and adjust them so that they sound the way you want. After that, you can move on to layering.

Record a few additional vocal parts. Start by doubling the main melody – this will make the sound thicker. Experiment with different ways of singing: sing one take louder, another quieter, try whispering or even changing the timbre by holding your nose.

Add vocals in different octaves. Sing the main melody an octave higher in falsetto or find a low tone for the take an octave lower. The more variations, the richer the sound will be.

Record harmonies. Start with thirds and fifths from the main melody, then try more complex intervals. If you can’t record them in the desired range, you can change the pitch with a pitch shifter plugin.

When you have multiple vocal tracks, it’s important to process them correctly.

• Panning. Spread the backing vocals to the sides by 50–100%, leaving the central space for the main vocal;
• Volume control. The more tracks you have, the more important balance is. Adjust the levels so that the vocal layers don’t drown each other out;
• Group processing. Combine the backings into one bus, applying EQ, compression, reverb and delay to them. This will help them sound cohesive and clear.

Creating a Vocoder Effect with Autotune

If you’re looking for a vocoder-like vocal sound, you can create it using Autotune on the bus. This technique works well for dense choral parts, as well as for multiple vocal tracks, giving them a synthetic feel.

To achieve this effect, follow these steps:

1. Create a new bus channel and name it something like “Autotune”;
2. Route all the vocal tracks you want processed to this channel;
3. Apply Autotune to the bus with a fast attack time to make the sound more robotic;
4. Adjust the volume of the processed signal so it doesn’t overwhelm the mix.

How does this affect the sound?

With this setup, Autotune processes all signals sent to the bus at once, creating a single processed layer. This layer is then fed back into the mix, layered on top of the original vocals. The result is an electronic sound similar to a vocoder, but still retaining the natural intonations of the vocals. This method adds a modern touch to the track, making the vocals more expressive.

Make vocals wider and more voluminous

If your vocals feel narrow and lacking presence in the mix, you can add width and depth to them using processing. This method uses a bus and stereo widening effects.

How to set up the widening effect:

1. Create a new bus channel and name it something like “Vocal widener”;
2. Route your main vocals to it to process them separately from the original track;
3. Add a stereo widening plugin like Ozone Imager or any other tool with a stereo image widening function.

Adjust the parameters of the widener until you feel that the vocals have become more spacious without losing focus.

How does this affect the sound?

This method helps to make the vocals appear wider in the mix, creating a sense of space around them. If the vocals sound too narrow or lacking presence, stereo widening will help them take up more space without increasing the volume. The main thing is not to overdo it, so as to maintain clarity.