Vocals sound dry, need your expert opinions

[srv-musikmaker]

Hey guys, so my vocals and vocal harmonies in this composition sound a bit dry I think. I'm the person singing (not the guy rapping in the verses) FYI. What would you recommend? Do I put some delay and more reverb on and sidechain to the main vox? Maybe an exciter? Would love to get some advice and your opinions.

https://soundcloud.com/srv-musicmaker/g ... al_sharing

[Watchful]

You should actually experiment with ALL of these things, as every song is unique in its vocal character.

Given the style of music here, I might recommend any or all of the following:

1. Feed your lead vocal track into a plate reverb to add a little depth to it
2. Create a send from this track to an auxiliary track; on that track put in a short delay...feeding into a larger reverb (hall-type or larger). Adjust volume of this track so it's just below the original track in terms of level. You just want to hear a little delay and reverb to create the idea that the space you're in is quite large.
3. Experiment with an exciter. I don't think you need it: your vocals as they are bright, clear, and enunciated. But why not? Give it a test and see.
4. Repeat step 2, but instead of delay and reverb, put in some saturation. Adjust that to taste: I'm not a personal fan of saturation (I'm old; in my day, we wanted distortion OUT of a track!), but you might find something you really like. As before, adjust the output level so that it's just under the main track to sweeten the it.
5. Finally, experiment with a parallel track. Basically copy the original track but use very different EQ settings to carve out different effects. As before, lower its level to just under the main vocal.

Bear in mind, all these parallel tracks are going to boost the overall output, so you'll probably want to re-balance them so that you vocals aren't crazy loud over the music.

None of these are super-firm suggestions: every song should be different, and feel free to reject anything I recommend. Only you know what will fit best, so go ahead and mess around. Remember this key detail: your original vocal track is REALLY good, so you can't ruin it! The experiments, however, can, so reject anything that doesn't add sizzle or energy to what's already there.

[vurt]

yup try anything you think of. you can always change it.
i can almost hear some daft punk style vocoding...

[srv-musikmaker]

You should actually experiment with ALL of these things, as every song is unique in its vocal character.

Given the style of music here, I might recommend any or all of the following:

1. Feed your lead vocal track into a plate reverb to add a little depth to it
2. Create a send from this track to an auxiliary track; on that track put in a short delay...feeding into a larger reverb (hall-type or larger). Adjust volume of this track so it's just below the original track in terms of level. You just want to hear a little delay and reverb to create the idea that the space you're in is quite large.
3. Experiment with an exciter. I don't think you need it: your vocals as they are bright, clear, and enunciated. But why not? Give it a test and see.
4. Repeat step 2, but instead of delay and reverb, put in some saturation. Adjust that to taste: I'm not a personal fan of saturation (I'm old; in my day, we wanted distortion OUT of a track!), but you might find something you really like. As before, adjust the output level so that it's just under the main track to sweeten the it.
5. Finally, experiment with a parallel track. Basically copy the original track but use very different EQ settings to carve out different effects. As before, lower its level to just under the main vocal.

Bear in mind, all these parallel tracks are going to boost the overall output, so you'll probably want to re-balance them so that you vocals aren't crazy loud over the music.

None of these are super-firm suggestions: every song should be different, and feel free to reject anything I recommend. Only you know what will fit best, so go ahead and mess around. Remember this key detail: your original vocal track is REALLY good, so you can't ruin it! The experiments, however, can, so reject anything that doesn't add sizzle or energy to what's already there.

Thank you so much for this, I will try out what you said and see how it turns out.

[srv-musikmaker]

yup try anything you think of. you can always change it.
i can almost hear some daft punk style vocoding...

Hello there, thanks for the feedback. Yes, I just did some harmonising and chorus in the beat part.

[srv-musikmaker]

Hello guys, I did make some edits as per Watchful's suggestions and also brought the track up nearly a db. I think the vocals sound wet enough now. Do have a listen, would love to know what you think.

https://soundcloud.com/srv-musicmaker/g ... al_sharing

[Watchful]

Yes, hear how big your voice sounds? It really floats over the music and ties into it at the same time. Also, it sits apart distinctly from the rap and supports it. With the crowd in the background, your voice now fills the entire stadium. You chose very well here.

You could continue to experiment or stay right where you have it. I'd be very satisfied with this result. Really good work!

So what path did you choose? Definitely hear some good delay and reverb, here.

[Watchful]

Now I've got this tune stuck in my head. A great calypso vibe to it. Mission accomplished.

[srv-musikmaker]

Yes, hear how big your voice sounds? It really floats over the music and ties into it at the same time. Also, it sits apart distinctly from the rap and supports it. With the crowd in the background, your voice now fills the entire stadium. You chose very well here.

You could continue to experiment or stay right where you have it. I'd be very satisfied with this result. Really good work!

So what path did you choose? Definitely hear some good delay and reverb, here.

Thank you for the feedback, really appreciate it. I sent the main dry vocal to a plate reverb (TAL Reverb 2) and had just the wet of it as you had suggested. Also, sent the rap to the same plate channel but at a far lower mix level. Seemed to do the job.

[srv-musikmaker]

Now I've got this tune stuck in my head. A great calypso vibe to it. Mission accomplished.

Thanks, really glad you enjoyed it

[srv-musikmaker]

Another version, vocal levels more balanced and I think I got the reverb just about right, although the rap part can use a bit of liveliness

https://soundcloud.com/srv-musicmaker/g ... al_sharing

[srv-musikmaker]

Another version, vocal levels more balanced and I think I got the reverb just about right, although the rap part can use a bit of liveliness

https://soundcloud.com/srv-musicmaker/g ... al_sharing

[Watchful]

Sweet. Now, on your next project, ignore all those suggestions and do something totally different!

You can get lost in all the options for vocals, and it will always be a worthwhile trip. You did really good work, here, and hope to hear more from you.

[srv-musikmaker]

Sweet. Now, on your next project, ignore all those suggestions and do something totally different!

You can get lost in all the options for vocals, and it will always be a worthwhile trip. You did really good work, here, and hope to hear more from you.

Yes I am often guilty of holding onto songs trying to achieve the best possible results I think this is pretty much ready, thanks for the advice and support, appreciate it.

[darkinners]

Your vocal is not dry, did you by any chance record your vocal in a small untreated room? I can hear the reflection in the lower mid, that generally don't mix well with music.
And vocal is way too loud compare to the music.