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James Arter is a song-writer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He holds a First Class BA (hons) degree in Music Technology, at the London College of Music, and produces his own music as well as others. He fronts a band called DiceJar and is also part of the music production duo, Happy Bunny // Poison Peanut.
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Tighter Vocals (Backing or Doubling) Using the Flex Tool

Tighter Vocals (Backing or Doubling) Using the Flex Tool

James Arter on May 6th 2011 with 15 comments

The vocals are always the most important part of a mix. They sit right up front and are the main thing that the listener will latch on to. If they sound too lazy and loose, it can throw the whole track out and give an overall messy feel.

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This entry is part 3 of 17 in the Recording Vocals Session

Recording and Mixing Stereo Backing Vocals – Part Two: Adding Effects

James Arter on Feb 19th 2010 with 18 comments

It takes a lot more than good pre-production to make vocals sound professional in a track (although it certainly helps), and there are many ways to improve your mix. In Part One of this tutorial we had a look at the pre-production as well as how to mix lead and backing vocals together effectively with the use of EQ, compression and panning. This time take it one step further and add the sheen to the sound.

Just a bit reverb and it’s done? Not quite. Read on…

I chose to record an acoustic version of Liberian Girl by Michael Jackson. Listen to the whole thing, here:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

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This entry is part 2 of 17 in the Recording Vocals Session

How to Record and Mix Stereo Backing Vocals – Part 1

James Arter on Nov 30th 2009 with 19 comments

Recording backing vocals in stereo has been a tried and tested technique for years. Some of the greatest singers have done it – Michael Jackson, Marti Pellow (Wet Wet Wet), Mick Hucknell (Simply Red), Seal, Madonna, Christina Aguilera – and they’ve done it well. But how do you get that layered, wall-of-sound backing vocals without clouding the lead? How do you choose how many and which ones to do? Read on…

I chose to record an acoustic version of Liberian Girl by Michael Jackson.

Listen to the whole thing, here:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

(Continue)


This entry is part 1 of 17 in the Recording Vocals Session