Ella Walter
Panning hip-hop chorus vocals is a creative process that can greatly impact the overall sound of a song. While there are no set rules, the goal is often to create a full and spacious sound that complements the song's vibe and emotional narrative. A common technique is to have the lead vocal in the center, with two or more backing vocals panned hard left and right, creating a vocal sandwich. This adds width and depth to the chorus, making it feel huge and energetic. To achieve this, multiple takes of the chorus are recorded and stacked, with each vocal part occupying its own space in the stereo field. The volume levels of each part can then be adjusted to create the desired effect, whether it's a subtle or shocking entrance for the chorus. Experimentation is key, as different songs call for different treatments, and the mixing engineer must ultimately trust their ears to determine what works best.
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What You'll Learn
Record multiple takes of the chorus
When it comes to recording multiple takes of the chorus, there are a few different approaches you can take. One common technique is to record 4 stacks: a lead vocal, a backing vocal, and two dubs. You can then pan these tracks in different ways to create a full and spacious sound.
For example, you might pan the lead vocal and backing vocal softly left and right, respectively, and then pan the two dubs hard left and hard right. This creates a sense of balance, with the lead vocal sitting in the centre and the other tracks panned in opposite directions. You can also experiment with panning the lead vocal to the centre and panning the other tracks in opposite directions, leaving one in the middle.
Another approach is to record multiple takes of the chorus and pan them in different ways to create a more modern sound. For example, you might record 4-6 tracks of each note and pan them hard left and right. This creates a wider soundstage and can make the chorus feel more aggressive or energetic compared to the verse vocals. You can also try duplicating the lead vocal 2-4 times and panning the duplicates hard left and right, with a slight pitch shift in opposite directions.
It's important to remember that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to panning vocals. The best approach will depend on the style of music, the song's vibe, and your creative intentions. Experiment with different panning techniques and listen to which ones work best for your particular song. By recording multiple takes of the chorus, you'll have more flexibility in the mixing process and can create a more dynamic and engaging sound.
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Pan the lead vocal to the centre
Panning lead vocals to the centre is a common practice in modern stereo mixing. This convention ensures that the recording will work on most sound systems and that the core of the song remains intact. It is also a way to make the lead vocal more prominent, as most people are accustomed to hearing the output of a stereo speaker pair as an even spread of sound, with the lead vocal in the centre.
There are different approaches to panning lead vocals. One approach is to create a "vocal sandwich", where the lead vocal is centred and surrounded by backing vocals panned hard left and right. This technique makes the chorus feel huge as it covers every part of the stereo field. Another approach is to double track the lead vocal, panning one vocal slightly left and the other slightly right, creating a bigger sound while still keeping the vocal centred.
However, there are no set rules for vocal panning, and it ultimately depends on the song's vibe, flow, and emotional narrative. Some mixers choose to pan lead vocals hard left or hard right, especially in rock songs, to create a more produced sound. In hip-hop, layering and panning choruses can be more complex, and experimentation is often necessary to find the right sound.
When panning lead vocals to the centre, it is important to consider the relative levels of the individual parts of the mix and the arrangement of other tracks. The lead vocal should be distinct from the backing vocals to avoid sounding muddy. Additionally, panning decisions should take into account the section of the song, with vocals wider in the chorus and narrower in the verse.
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Pan the harmonies left and right
Panning harmonies left and right can be done in a variety of ways, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The best method depends on the song and the desired effect. Here are some ways to pan harmonies left and right:
Hard Panning
Hard panning involves sending vocals to the extreme left or right of the stereo field. This technique is often used to create a wide-sounding mix and make space for the lead vocal to shine through. However, some producers caution against hard panning all vocal elements as it may not give the vocals the desired fullness. Instead, a combination of soft and hard panning can be used. For example, panning the lead vocal and one backing vocal 25% left and right, respectively, while panning the remaining vocal elements hard left and hard right.
Soft Panning
Soft panning involves placing vocal elements slightly off-centre, such as 15-20% left or right. This technique is useful when you want to maintain a balanced and cohesive sound, especially when listening in stereo.
Oscillating Panning
This technique involves automating a harmony to oscillate between the left and right channels. This can create interesting and dynamic effects, adding movement and depth to the vocal mix.
Widening Plugins
Widening plugins can be used to create space and width in the vocal mix without the need for traditional panning techniques. This method allows for more control and precision in shaping the stereo image.
Panning in Relation to Song Vibe and Intentions
The approach to panning should consider the song's vibe, flow, and emotional narrative. For example, if you want the chorus to shock the listener, you can use panning techniques to make the vocals sound opposite from one another. On the other hand, if you want a smoother and more subtle effect, you can keep all the vocals in a similar reverb.
Panning by Song Section
The panning approach can also vary depending on the section of the song. For example, you might want wider vocals in the chorus and narrower vocals in the verse.
Panning to Create Space
Panning harmonies left and right can create space around the main vocal while maintaining the overall atmosphere of the mix. This technique is particularly useful when there are other hard-panned instruments or sounds in the arrangement.
In conclusion, there are various methods for panning harmonies left and right, and the best approach depends on the specific song and the desired effect. Experimentation and listening are key to finding the right panning technique for your hip-hop chorus vocals.
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Adjust the volume levels of each part
Panning and mixing hip-hop vocals can be done in a variety of ways, and there are no set rules. The best approach is to experiment and see what works best for the specific song and your artistic intentions.
When adjusting the volume levels of each part, consider the shock factor you want to create. If you want a smoother, more subtle effect, keep all the vocals in a similar reverb. However, if you want the chorus to stand out and surprise the listener, make the vocals sound opposite from one another. Play with different reverb tones to create a sense of transparency and cohesion in the mix.
For a more modern sound, go for a hard left-right pan and heavily compress after EQing. This will create a spacious stereo image and add a three-dimensional feel to the vocal mix. You can also try panning the lead vocal to the centre with two or more backing vocals panned hard left and right, creating a "vocal sandwich". This makes the chorus feel huge as it covers every part of the stereo field.
Another technique is to use Doubler 2 to pan the backup vocals to the outside and remove the signal from the middle channel, creating a sense of the backup vocals "hugging" the main vocal. Remember to detune one of the channels to avoid phasing issues.
Additionally, consider the relationship between the vocals and the instruments. The panning of the vocals should complement the panning of the instruments to create a cohesive soundstage. For example, in a rock song with a full band, you might pan the vocal harmonies to match the positioning of the corresponding instruments.
Lastly, pay attention to the volume balance between the lead vocal and the adlibs/dubz. You can raise the lead vocal by a small amount, such as +5, to ensure it stands out above the other elements.
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Use plugins and effects
The first step in mixing hip-hop vocals is to get rid of any unpleasant sibilance in the vocal with a de-esser. Be subtle and set the de-esser so that it only clamps down on the most obvious offenders: extremely harsh esses, tees, and so on. You can also use a high-pass filter to get the vocal out of the kick and sub's way by carving out the low end.
Next, you'll want to use EQ to shape the tone and dynamics of the vocal. A good starting point for EQing hip-hop vocals is to boost between 600-800 Hz, giving the vocals more body. You can also try boosting between 100 and 1000 Hz, and somewhere around 6k and beyond, to make the vocals more present in the mix. If you're looking for a specific EQ plugin, the Pultec EQ plugin is a popular choice for lead vocal EQ.
Compression is also crucial in hip-hop vocal mixing to ensure tight, consistent vocal tracks. It's not uncommon to have 15dB of gain reduction on a hip-hop vocal to keep things focused. Spread your dynamics processing across two or more compressors to avoid overworking a single compressor and imparting too much of its sonic signature on the vocal track.
Parallel processing is another useful technique in hip-hop vocal mixing. This involves mixing a dry signal with a wet signal, which can add impact to the vocal. You can set up parallel compression by routing your vocal track to an auxiliary channel with a compressor, and then mixing in the hypercompressed signal underneath the main track. This will fortify the low end and add some midrange excitement.
You can also experiment with parallel distortion in the same way as parallel compression, using a distortion plugin on the auxiliary channel instead of a compressor. The Eventide CrushStation distortion/overdrive plugin is a great option for processing vocals, offering a range of distorted tones to get creative with.
Delay and reverb are also important effects to consider when mixing hip-hop vocals. Delay can add some slap and space around the vocal without drowning it out, while reverb can create a big, washy space that works well with more melodic rap styles. If you're looking for a free plugin to add glitch effects to your vocals, Dblue Glitch is a popular choice. For a robotic T-Pain effect, Autotune is the go-to plugin.
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Frequently asked questions
There are no set rules for vocal panning, but some general tips include:
- Panning the lead vocal to the centre
- Panning backing vocals hard left and right
- Using the "vocal sandwich" technique, where the lead vocal is surrounded by two or more backing vocals
- Adjusting the volume levels of each part to create a warm and focused or wide mix
- Considering the song's vibe, flow, and emotional narrative when panning vocals
To create a modern sound, you can try panning vocals hard left and right and then heavily compressing after EQing. This technique will make the chorus of a song feel huge and create a three-dimensional feel.
Some common mistakes to avoid when panning hip hop chorus vocals include:
- Not recording multiple takes of the chorus, which can result in a sloppy mix
- Copying and pasting the same lead vocal take instead of re-recording, which will only increase the volume without adding any processing
- Overusing plugins, which can make the mix sound muddy
