Can you sidechain vocals?

Can you sidechain vocals?

By sidechaining the vocal and compressing guitars, keys, backing vocals – or even the everything EXCEPT the vocals… You can subtly create more room in the mix for the vocals to cut through. Add a compressor to whatever is interfering with the vocal.

How much does it cost to compress vocals?

A good starting point for a rock vocal would be a 4:1 ratio with a medium-fast attack and a medium release. Then, set the threshold for around 4 to 6dB of gain reduction. Increase or decrease the attack time until you get the right level of forwardness for the mix.

What does sidechain compression do?

It is a type of compression where the effect level on one instrument is controlled by the volume level of another instrument. When other instruments in a mix get louder, the sidechain effect increases so that the track it’s on will never be drowned out.

How do I set up sidechain compression?

Here’s how to set up sidechain compression.

1. Insert a compressor onto the bass track (select a compressor with a sidechain or key input).
2. Select the kick drum audio as the sidechain input.
3. Adjust the threshold and ratio controls so that the bass is compressed by the desired amount whenever the kick drum hits.

Should you sidechain your reverb?

Use sidechain compression to remove atonal transients As a result, leaving these transients in can cause a noisy reverb. If the reverb were to simply react to the tonal aspects of the instrument, it would sound smoother and less distracting.

Do vocals always need compression?

For modern genres, they often need to be up front at all times. If not, your mix will suffer. One of the most effective tools at your disposal for crafting consistent vocals is compression. When combined with automation, compression can make your vocals sound loud, punchy, and modern.

Should I compress kick?

Kick Drum Compression is Essential In the context of a solo drum performance, you won’t HEAR any need for a compressor. This is why we need to focus on the bigger picture, not on any particular track.

Do you sidechain vocals in a bass track?

If it was a typical lyrical line, not say, a choir or anything, sidechaining would be really noticeable because humans are fine tuned to hear other human voices, and messing with them even slightly is really obvious I personally sidechain compress everything with my kick and snare as the key inputs, unless it’s a bass track, then just the kick.

What’s the best way to sidechain a song?

You can subtly create more room in the mix for the vocals to cut through. Add a compressor to whatever is interfering with the vocal. Sidechain the vocal, start with a ratio of 2:1 and adjust the threshold until you see 1-2dB of gain reduction.

Do you sidechain vocals before or after a snare?

It really depends on the genre and your personal taste. Though, when you do sidechain vocals heavily, its good to move consonants around the sidechain slightly (before or after), just so the lyrics are understandable. I like sidechaining vocals to a snare just a tiny bit. Found it work pretty well If it fits the track.

Do you move consonants around in sidechain vocals?

It really depends on the genre and your personal taste. Though, when you do sidechain vocals heavily, its good to move consonants around the sidechain slightly (before or after), just so the lyrics are understandable.