The use of background vocals is common in music production, particularly in the pop and country music. However, background vocals are often challenging to mix typically for a beginner in audio mixing.
This short guide will help you get started in mixing background vocals so that it will stand out from your mix while not affecting or drowning the lead vocals which of course is more important than the background vocals. For mixing lead vocals, refer to this tutorial: Tips on how to mix vocals and put some effects like a professional. Update: September 27, 2011: For guide in tracking vocals, you can read this tutorial on how to record vocals properly on your PC.
Background vocalist in the recording studio
The most important audio parameters that can be adjusted to create great background vocal mix are the EQ , Reverb and Panning settings. Compression techniques are still useful but not as useful as the three based on my experience.
So lets start with EQ Settings:
Cut -9dB to -12dB, 3000Hz, Q=1.4
Boost +6dB, 15000, Q=1.0
Apply high pass filter starting at 250Hz
Graphically, it will look like:
parametric equalizer for background vocal settings
Discussion;
The 3Khz frequency range (Q=1.4) is cut to give way for lead vocals. The amount of dB to be cut from that range is around -9dB to -12dB. It is highly important to use your ears during mixing, and these figures may not be applicable in all background mixing scenarios.
For example, in some instances -6dB cut is enough.
It is highly important to boost the hi-fi range (15Khz) to give smooth thin background vocals (with positive sibilance effect) which are desirable in pop and country music.
Since bass vocal frequencies can often cause masking in the background/lead vocals, it is filtered using a high pass filter.
Panning Settings:
For panning, the lead vocal is always positioned in the center of the mix. But the background vocal can be either be panned slightly left or right. The suggested settings: LEFT (-10 to -20) , RIGHT (+10 to +20).
Compression Settings:
Compressing background vocals is often desirable especially if it fairly occupies a substantial portion in the mix. I use the settings mentioned in this tutorial: Audio compression tips for mixing.
It is important to balance the overall volume particularly between the lead and background vocals. After you compress the background vocals; you need to adjust the overall volume of background vocal track in such a way it will not overpower the lead vocals but not too soft.
Reverb Settings:
Reverb settings in background vocals is very important. Typically for lead vocal and background vocal mix, the lead vocal is left dry or with very little reverb (~300~500ms) but the background vocal reverb will have a higher reverb settings (around 1000ms ~2000ms).
Again use your ears to adjust the settings. If you use Sony Express FX reverb, background vocal settings is around 50% reverb and 50% dry. The most desirable reverb type for vocals are “plate” reverb types. For more details, read this tutorial: rock vocals reverb settings.
Content last updated on June 17, 2012