Vocal Double-Tracking

Here's a technique that's been used by some of the all-time musical greats, and if you're not already aware of it, let me briefly tell you about it.

Double-tracking a vocal serves many purposes, among them "fillling out" the vocal track, but also creating a warmer and more powerful mood at the same time. Not all types of songs benefit from this, but you'd be surprised how many really do. Oh, and don't confuse this with "chorusing" the vocal. Machine-driven double track doesn't work nearly as well because of its predictability and a sound that tends to be "non-organic."

In order to successfully double-track a vocal, the singer is expected to display total technical discipline. He or she must be able to sign along with his/her best take in EXACTLY the same way. Most singers will not sing 100% accurately but as long as the rhythm and pitch are tight, this can create that broad, warm and powerful sound that can make a good vocal sound great, and has even been known to make a mediocre vocal sound really good and interesting. Some really great singers use this technique to achieve a "natural phasing" effect. You really have to be very disciplined and good to do this, but if you are able to deliver two "identical" performances, you'll notice that the effect is no longer just that of a "chorus" but also more that of a "natural phaser."

When this works, the effect can be mesmerizing.

The trick to double-tracking is not to make it obvious. Listen to a classic album like Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" and you'll be surprised that virtually all vocals on it are double-tracked. But you'd be hard put to pick that out in the mix! Today, a huge majority of singers resort to this technique in the studio (across almost all musical styles too!) simply because the result almost invariably makes them sound way better and more in control.

Just remember: your "reference vocal track" (that best vocal take which you're trying to sing along with) has to have loads of character to begin with. If it doesn't, double-tracking may still help, but "greatness" might elude you... :)

LISTEN TO: 223-Q/Tuesday May 20, 2009