Rowman & Littlefield Publishers / Hal Leonard
Pages: 96
•
Trim: 7¾ x 9¼
978-1-5400-2487-9 • Paperback • September 2018 • $27.00 • (£19.99)
978-1-4930-8261-2 • eBook • December 2023 • $25.50 • (£19.99)
Craig Anderton is an internationally recognized authority on music and technology. He has played on, produced, or mastered over 20 major label recordings, did session work in New York in the 1970s on guitar and keyboards, played Carnegie Hall, and more recently, mastered well over a hundred tracks for various artists. His onstage career spans from the 60s to current, EDM-oriented solo performances. As an author, he co-founded Electronic Musician magazine, and has written over 35 books on musical electronics and over a thousand articles. He has also lectured on technology and the arts in 10 countries, 38 U.S. states, and three languages.
Introduction. About This Book
The Impact of Great Vocals
How to Use This Book
Tips and References
Chapter 1. Your Mic Is Your Instrument
Dynamic vs. Condenser Mics
The Importance of Room Acoustics
Connecting Mics
Mic Preamps and Setting Levels
Accessories
Key Takeaways
Chapter 2. Recording Techniques
To Hold or Not to Hold?
Mic Technique
Monitoring Your Vocals
Recording a Vocal
Overdubbing Vocals
Punching Vocals
Composite Vocals
Key Takeaways
Chapter 3. Preparing Your Vocals for the Mix
Step 1: Remove Hiss
Step 2: Delete Silences
Step 3: Reduce Breath Noises and Inhales
Step 4: Reduce Plosive Severity
Step 4: Phrase-by-Phrase Normalization/Gain Changes
Step 5: De-Essing
Step 6: Pitch Correction .
Step 7: Tweak the Vibrato
Time to Start Mixing
Key Takeaways
Chapter 4. Equalization
Equalizer Responses
Main EQ Parameters
What You’ll End Up Equalizing .
Dynamic Equalization
Automated Equalization .
Typical EQ Curves for Vocals
Key Takeaways
Chapter 5. Dynamics Processing
How Dynamics Processors Work
Types of Dynamics Processors
Sidechaining
Key Takeaways
Chapter 6. Reverb and Delay
Reverb Processing
Delay Processing .
Key Takeaways .
Chapter 7. Automating Parameter Changes
Automation Basics
Automation Methods .
Automating Effects .
Key Takeaways
Chapter 8. Double-Tracking, Harmonizing, and Layering Vocals
Automatic Double-Tracking (ADT) Plug-Ins
Pseudo-ADT with Pitch Correction
Shifting Pitch to Create Pseudo-Double Tracking
How to Mix Double-Tracked Vocals
The Doubled Vocal Fix
Creating Harmonies with Pitch Correction Software
Techniques for Layered Vocals .
Key Takeaways
Chapter 9. Vocal Performance Tips
Emotional Dynamic Range
Avoiding the Vocal Disconnect .
The Performance Curve