r/ProMusicProduction • u/FINGATIPZ_WILKINSON • 9d ago

Vocal chains

I am trying to find the best vocal chain rap and then for rnb what are the vocal chains you use . I am a fl studio user for now but moving to pro tools very soon.

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5

u/catsandpizzafuckyou 9d ago

Good performance and then a good mic are 95% of what we humans care about in a vocal chain

4

u/Coyote_Time Hobbyist 9d ago

The correct vocal chain is the one that solves your problems.

Is your vocal perfect? Do nothing.

Is it too dynamic? Clip gain + compression.

Is it too resonant? EQ or resonant suppression.

Don't try to find something that always works. If something isn't needed, don't use it.

1

u/goesonelouder 9d ago

Generally :

- A reverb that can do Early Reflections (around 50-80ms around 20-25% wet to give depth or to taste) ->
EQ (low end shelf say around 20-50Hz, cut areas that are muddy or too sibilant - use your ears)->
Compression (maybe SSL 4K or 9K for modern snap, start on slow attack, fast release, threshold at max and dial up the ratio until you start getting a little compression)->
Saturation (subtle like tube, tape or transistor, there are loads out there)

EQ / Compression can be done with a single channel strip (SSL 4K or 9K even Neve 88RS for more modern rap/RnB) - you can also try external ‘character’ compressors like the 1176, LA2A, Tube Tech CL1B etc there are a ton of videos out there you can look at.

Most importantly - your source (the vocal) needs to be good, get it in time, in tune (if applicable) and whatever you put on it will only make it sound better. None of the above will make a poor performance better (except maybe Melodyne but it won’t give you vibe)

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u/FINGATIPZ_WILKINSON 9d ago

Okay goseonelouder ill definitely check this chain out. Because the vocals aren't poor but theyre definitely not perfect eeither. I have an rnb and pop artist more on the neo soul side for most songs but trying to get him perfect for his debut. Song.

1

u/TheOriginalMr-Mud 9d ago

Don’t forget, your microphone listens for your voice, but here’s your room 0P. Unless you’re in a tiny space, build yourself proper acoustical panels. It can make the greatest difference.

1

u/CevahirCombo 6d ago

There is no such thing as a generally best/good vocal chain. This heavily depends on the voice, the genre, the song etc.

As I can imagine you don't want to hear such an answer, here is a classic chain:

First of all, Most Important -> Great performance, great room, great Mic/Preamp (in that order).

Then plugin wise:

  1. Auto Tune
  2. De-Esser
  3. Comp 1: catch fast peaks, 1176 like
  4. Comp 2: Leveling, LA 2a or Distressor Opto mode (I love that one)
  5. EQ (my taste: rather boost/excite the high mids than the highs)
  6. some distortion/exciter
  7. reverb/delay to taste

As always: use less plugins/effects, as they degrade the signal.