How to Get Convincing Group Vocals With A Plugin
Getting the sound of group vocals or even an entire choir with one voice is possible but the results can vary. We check out a way that brings many voices without using multiple passes or sterile doubling effects. Hear it for yourself…
In Summary
Tracking up one voice is time consuming and tiring for the singer. Previous experience of early doubling devices might make some reluctant to turn to a synthetic solution to get realistic ensemble vocals, but things have changed. Using an advanced tool such as Antares Harmony Engine can turn in results that sound better than a tired singer.
Going Deeper
One Line, Many Voices
Any replicated performance can be thought of as an ensemble performance. The most obvious example might be choral voices, but band vocals can benefit from this kind of arrangement as well. Certainly there are countless recorded examples of ensemble vocals providing anything from thickening or emphasis, through choral textures, right up to the sound of ‘crowd’ vocals where the aim is to threaten the song’s recipient!
The One Voice Choir
While band records can actively benefit from vocals with lots of wild timing and pitch variations, choral sections are different. These need the diversity of a group of different voices each with an acceptable level of accuracy. This gives rise to a sound that can really raise the spirit of a recording or live performance that is hard to beat.
Up until now there have been few quick, convincing ways to do this with one or two singers. Some techniques involving multiple passes can be helped along with old tricks like pitch and formant shifting, or even moving the ‘ensemble’ around in front of stereo mic arrays. Ultimately though, these techniques can still sound sterile or wear out the singer!
Generating Choirs
In the video we show how Antares Harmony Engine can be used to generate entire choral sections from just a simple double tracked part from one singer. Working with a single line, we show how minimal tracks can be used to create the impression of a whole vocal ensemble for those times when time or artist availability make the alternatives impossible.
When convincing group vocals are needed from a one or two voices, up until now the engineer has had limited options. Using Antares Harmony Engine in its primary role quickly reveals its other trick: group vocals that convince. For those who don’t have the time or inclination to do multiple passes, or for the more common problems surrounding getting everyone in the same room it could make life easier.
A Word About This Article
As the Experts team considered how we could better help the community we thought that some of you are time poor and don’t have the time to read a long article or a watch a long video. In 2023 we are going to be trying out articles that have the fast takeaway right at the start and then an opportunity to go deeper if you wish. Let us know if you like this idea in the comments.