Processing voice recordings for post or music mixes requires high quality tools that are fast and transparent. In this video brought to you with the support of Harrison we show you how to get professional results in a few moves.

Do I Need Vocal Processing?

For any voice recording, be it a vocal in a music mix, film dialogue, or other spoken word application, some kind of filtering and/or dynamics control is usually necessary to refine even the most well-recorded of voices. Although processing is not compulsory, when we do need to process we have the option of creating plugin chains, or better still, a single dedicated tool for voice refinement as a more streamlined option. Arguably that tool needs to do the following:

Even-out dynamics. Even in an ideal listening environment, voices that disappear into a mix or poke out above it will benefit from some light compression, possibly after fader moves or a ‘punchbag’ compressor to kill the biggest hits. Limiting at the end of the chain can be good to have as a safety.

Deal with spectral content. Some bass filtering is usually needed to deal with signals from close worked directional mics. The high end will sometimes need either a lift or de-emphasis depending on the voice/mic combination.

Manage sibilance. Distracting “s” and “t” sounds from certain voice/mic/position combinations can be de-emphasised with a de-esser. Working the mic slightly off-axis can also help with this.

What Is Harrison Consoles 32C-VIP?

The new 32C-VIP (Vocal Intensity Processor) plugin from Harrison combines high and low pass filtering, compression, limiting, and metering in one place for a simple, high quality processing solution for any voice.

An “Intensity” knob controls the overall input level to the plugin. This feeds into built-in levelling compression with a fixed -24 dB threshold and a very low ratio. Increasing the intensity level will drive the leveller harder and cause more compression to occur. Levelling happens before the filters.

The VIP Hi Pass has a unique “bump” feature providing low end punch for thinner sources and the classic resonant shape that gives your lows a little lift around the turnover frequency before being cut below that. At the top, a “bright” button is provided to add obvious sparkle to the high end. These have the same functionality as the original 32c console circuit’s 'dual log' potentiometers to cover an extraordinarily wide sweep range. You can hear more about this circuit in Julian Rodgers’ article covering the 32c channel EQ here.

An analogue style VU meter shows the average level of the output signal with a -12 dB reference level. This means that the 0 marker on the meter equals -12 dBFS which is a good target level to keep vocals at an optimum level. Apart from the classic look, VIP’s slower VU will give a better impression of average level compared to a faster DAW peak meter.

An RTA Display (Real Time Analyzer) shows a visual representation of the spectral characteristics of the processed signal. Usefully, the RTA shows the pre and post filter readings overlaid on top of each other. The pre-filter analyzer shows the signal before any spectral processing in dark-grey while the post-filter analyzer shows the signal after spectral processing in a lighter grey colour.

A built-in Limiter at the final output stage prevents clipping. The limiter has a fixed threshold of -1.5 dB so the output signal will never exceed that level no matter how high the Intensity is set.

In the video we show you how to sculpt a voice using the 32c-VIP to remove boominess, add brilliance, and even-out dynamics to improve intelligibility.

Final Thoughts

Often, recorded voices will need some help even when you have the right voice/mic/position/room combination. Without over-complication, Harrison Consoles’ 32C-VIP distills that processing into one quick, professional tool that gives voices that final sheen.

Price is US$89.00 MSRP- head over to Harrison Consoles for more information.