The Secret to PRO Vocals (Layering)

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MY GEAR:
DAW (Music making software): Logic Pro and Ableton Live
Studio monitors (speakers): Yamaha HS8's
Headphones: Audeze LCD X (open back)
Camera: Canon 80d
Computer: Mac Studio with M2 Ultra chip and 2 TB hardrive
Midi controller (keyboard): Komplete Kontrol 61
Interface: Scarlett Clarett 2 pre
Desk: a cheap one from ikea
Chair: also a cheap one from ikea
My favorite plugins that I use the most:
XFER Serum
Sylenth 1
Nexus 3
Kontakt
RC 20
Valhalla Shimmer
Valhalla Vintage Verb
Shaperbox 3
XFER OTT
Fab Filter Saturn 2
Fab Filter Pro C 2
Arturia Pigments
Baby Audio Comeback Kid
Output Thermal and Portal
LABS Soft Piano
Hardware that I use behind the scenes but not in videos:
Elektron Octatrack (my fav)
Elektron Digitakt
Korg Minilogue XD

[@Noe463]

“ISNT THAT ELECTRIC” seeing your enthusiasm and passion for what you do is refreshing makes me wanna get better and better keep it up +1

[@seylan1972]

Yeeeah, his smile make me laugh

[@danescamilla5435]

no forreal I never knew this

[@logiarhythm6285]

5:13 omg yeah

[@alextennant4218]

Yeah I subscribed on that line alone

[@s.qubeofficial9777]

You sound great, if I was in Europe I should I have work with you

[@Tepzy]

"ISNT THAT ELECTRIC!" That is the EXACT same energy I get when I get a good mix going that really made me smile

[@jaeypaschal]

Saaammmeeeee

[@FypSmpl]

Frrrrrrrrr

[@JoeBozz-cw4nc]

Beginner in de building 😅

[@achilleshector6977]

Kafkeflo

[@AVENUENIGHTS]

As a vocalist who is learning to mix their own projects, this video is an absolute find. Thank you for sharing and for your energy!

[@_imChr1s]

🎯

[@ursiimpleboy5914]

😂

[@cloudsbestshinobi]

the way these small adjustments just changed how my songs sound is actually mind blowing. I never thought something so small and simple could make such a difference. thanks frfr

[@hxmmusic3979]

List for me: 1. Lead 2. Doubles (pan one to left and one to right) 3. Harmony 4. Adlibs

[@ZoeyAlexandria]

Same

[@doubleftheking]

Do you pan the harmony too?

[@RVXbeats]

Try even with a vocal with only singing one note and its pretty high but not to high like an octave, like the key of the song

[@Tnhnff]

@@doubleftheking I don't think so 🤔

[@luvjacob]

@@doubleftheking i pan em left n right so they slowy move around tha head

[@ceiux]

The way he gets hyped while teaching shows that he really enjoys doing it 👍🏻 *BTW the most interseting part is this "5:13"

[@hide8653]

Lol yeah I noticed that. Good to see

[@Marquiboysss]

Hahah, scared Rome, nice bots

[@yvonneli7900]

and i enjoy watching it

[@evanmotions]

IsNt ThAt ElEcTrIc!?!?! 😂👌🏻

[@LeitoAMGMusic]

whats the name of the program he is using ?

[@ProduceWithGibbs]

Man, your love for making music is so contagious. Your reactions to ANYTHING that sounds good are priceless! Thank you for your passion and what you do for us!

[@MasterArrow]

One might even call them ELECTRIC!

[@cme9879]

I love how excited you are about what you do; it's amazing to see someone so passionate! Awesome

[@daddystvr]

1. main vocal 2. doubles (no change but don't just copy it) 3. harmony (first one high pitch, second one low pitch) that's what i need

[@Ariesphunk]

Sameeee.

[@Sean_Ralph]

And adlibs

[@shoshimizu4807]

Can you copy the main vocal for harmony

[@hunter424]

Thx

[@amaniarman460]

you forgot octave of main vocal

[@eross21]

also, put a 10-20 millescond delay either the left or right of a doubled tracks and make things even more magical

[@TheFactoryOfMusic]

facts

[@whoslaysee]

Thx man

[@lvyou69]

thats's more like it ,of course

[@aidancues]

Haas

[@flintbackwoods1416]

I was about to type this lol!! I learned this trick from Dave Pensado.

[@b1j]

It’s pretty clear that you are doing the right thing with your time! The joy radiates from you. I’m about to track my BGVs; I’ll keep this in mind.

[@SoundEff3ct]

Are your vocal packs for Mac software only or do they work on Fl studio

[@KAASHMUSIC]

I used to layer the same vocals 1 panned left and another to the right and it used to turn out real bad. So this one is a master class. Really appreciate the hardwork you put in these videos and those vocals damn❤️🙌🙌

[@droma_music]

I already feel like my vocal layering is 20% better

[@gizmo_kzn3097]

Same here

[@bustdownvic]

Factsssss

[@Kasioe]

Better Than this ??

[@johnpfokrelo5306]

Lie🤥

[@Tnhnff]

@@johnpfokrelo5306 bruh its a joke

[@katofett8648]

Alex: "ISN'T THAT ELECTRIC!?" Me: Yes Alex, yes you are lol

[@white-houseinc.9827]

i laughed so hard when he said that , i instantly subscribed🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@dosecoast9636]

Yo I feel all that haha. I feel the same way when I get a vocal sounding cool! IT WAS SO ELECTRIC

[@krispyasfk2567]

Only if electric is now a synonym for cringey or corny.

[@GURONGRAPPER]

Thank you so much. ❤️❤️

[@niiphoart8823]

@@krispyasfk2567 hush now

[@rojoratatatata4002]

We can tell you’re an artist, not just another mix engineer which is why I subscribed

[@muralist_]

It's so nice to see how your enthusiasm takes over as soon as you play the whole bunch of layers together! 🙂

[@TheCrafsMan]

Mannnnnnnn, you just taught me a couple tricks today, and I really appreciate it! Also, your ENTHUSIASM is infectious! :D

[@yxngbt387]

This was a nice breakdown really proved your point how it brings the vocals to life. You’re a very good audio engineer👍

[@improbablyyourdad8458]

Yo this video just gave me the confidence to keep working on music. This summer I started recording myself without researching how to do so, and I've legitimately been doing everything stated in this video. Thank you and keep being ELECTRIC.

[@nicksmith8557]

Dude! You are amazing. Your enthusiasm is completely infectious and matches your skills. Those examples sound soooooo good!

[@RandyVazquez]

Yo man, I just came across this right now and I gotta say: I came to see what you had to say, I stayed for your energy! You’re a lot of fun! Personally, I know these techniques and what you’re teaching in this segment, but I don’t care! This was fun! Hope to see more of your stuff come across my way 👊🏼 good job explaining why the layers matter

[@jonkerrmusic]

"ISN'T THAT ELECTRIC?!" got my like; cool ideas overall, as I hadn't considered running doubles, octaves, AND harmonies all together for a single vocal line. Thank you!

[@SOHBlue]

This was so helpful and awesome, dude. Love your energy. Thanks for making this!

[@spookyfingers]

Seeing how excited you get when mixing these songs is so awesome. Thanks for all of these great videos.

[@sleekitwan]

Probably the most concise and rounded view of vocal production of the ‘how-to’ tutorials I’ve seen. And great performances of course, and strong songs. Will probably reference your expertise more in future as a result. Really good stuff. Take care, be well, and thanks.

[@KavasPVP]

I somehow discovered all of these by myself, and while I was playing around I found out that vocoding a layer adds depth. Also you can render the final vocal as a full stereo separated track and another one full mono and play all 3 simultaneously. And for mixing I use fresh air to add color to the higher frequencies, some reverb with FabFilter and boost/cut unwanted freqs with Pro Q3

[@nevbarnes1034]

I'll try that.

[@timhoover2563]

Fresh Air is the truth.

[@_tomissa_]

thanks for the tip !!😇

[@UziBlancoOfficial]

Thank you Kavas and Shadow Gauge both for the tips!!

[@peepsgacha4378]

what is vocoding?

[@evedotcom]

You are a LEGEND. Such a clear, concise and high quality tutorial. I love how real your passion is for the music and how much you're feeling the vocals. Bless u!

[@jimlozano5619]

Amazing. Such a simple concept but a huge impact on the song.

[@MrTone075]

EXCELLENT information. I've been putting out songs for a couple years and NO ONE has really explained this in over 1,000 music related videos I've studied. Kudos.

[@dark_moth7]

This is super educating and interesting! I understood what I had to do to make vocals work together (outside of knowing what adlibs were) but I just couldn't get the right technique down when putting any of it into action. This video showed me how to properly use said techniques and I feel confident working with vocals now. 😁👍

[@azteccaves]

Straight Aces. 10 minutes, straight to the point, and clear examples. Thank you!

[@EyeLukMusic]

Love seeing your reactions while mixing, I can see your undeniable passion for it. 💯💯💯 Thank you for the info!

[@Jerematrix]

Thank you so much for these free KZbin Tutorials. They have helped me so much in the past few weeks, since I started watching them. They have helped me have so much more confidence in my works! :)

[@eqdior1021]

Super dope tutorial. learned these techniques when i first started because i was a musician at heart. it definitely paints the picture more clearly and brings life to the song!

[@gerrysnatabraja]

Concise explanation and loving your vibe! Something to add to fellow music production enthusiast 1. 'Double' really fatten those lead vocals, adds more energy and stability at the same time. You could use a more centered panning (5-10% L/R) for a tighter mix or wider panning (100% L/R) for a stereo feel. You could set different pre-delay and pitch to enhance the stereo feel (something less than 25 ms and +/- 3 to 12 cents pitch shift). Variation of the pannings, pre-delay, and pitch results different effects, so experiment with them! 2. Adlibs vary from vocal chops or auxillary percussions. My favorite example is in the song Flamingo by Kenshi Yonezu where use abundant of vocal adlibs and harmony on top of a catchy beat. Like the sound of your mouth clicking, popping, ahem, and "check-check" can be a tool for you. Have fun!

[@cosmicsea7]

Awesome tutorial. Thanks you! Btw I just love how happy you get when those vocal takes all come together. Good vibes. ❤️

[@joelmatthews]

Its so nice to see how much you clearly love doing what you do. Love this video man!

[@KillDylvn]

Love how passionate and excited you are

[@Themindfultruths]

Great Video here brother! very insightful and to the point. It's really amazing the difference these production tips make on your songs. 🎼

[@Ardient_]

Thanks man! I really needed this video for my project (which will have a segment with pure vocals, minimalist instruments) and couldn't find the layering right, but now I can actually hear the difference!

[@travisneon6971]

Really good recap. If you've never taken traditional classes this is very good tutorial 👌🏾 his personal presets are good af too that vocal is crisp

[@pellabeatspb]

I just looked at the thumbnail and I've already learned half of the lesson without clicking the play button, this video is better than others I've seen so far

[@NormanTiner]

Thanks for this video man. It really helped with my last two videos. It's hard doing everything on your own. So videos like this made by people with contagious joy are such an invaluable thing to have.

[@Growhouse_Pat]

Great vocal doubling video. Been looking for something like this. Sadly I figured it out over a couple years of trial and error haha but how you used the harmonies gave me some great ideas

[@chrisgreen4285]

Man this was very informative!!! But side note how much you enjoy and feel the music is truly beautiful man… I’m feeling inspired 🔥🔥

[@QNTM-_LUXXX]

Your passion and experience SHOWS , Never stop doing this , and thank you so much for sharing the sauce .

[@ArtiStik_ASQr385Ykx3z]

Just came across your channel Alex. I'm amazed what a wonders you can do with the vocal. I'm stunned. I'm surely start to use those few terrific ideas on my vocal. Great tutorial Alex. I gladly support your channel and check what more I can use to better my vocal. Short video, but very informative. Thanks Alex. Much appreciated it.😊😎👍

[@ayoutubecommenter3031]

I'm so motivated to make music right now, your tutorial is so straight forward, easy to understand. You just earned a sub!

[@loki-oq1lj]

Really your work is so helpful to me your tricks and secrets helps a lot 🙂. Thank you ❤️

[@fabrezz1]

this is actually awesome. There is so much energy you bring to this passion of yours its refreshing to see.

[@ashisrocknroll]

I like your vibe, bro. Well done.

[@Fisenberg]

Super excited for this series!

[@mg9760]

Vocal series will really be a gem

[@TenthElementGraphics]

This mans enthusiasm for good vocal performances literally makes me want to be a better person in life. I'm not even joking, the joy he has when he hears those tracks come together remind me that life is full of these small treasures that we all too often overlook.

[@zerosoma33]

Bot.

[@euqirnes]

Me encanta la pasión que le pones cuando escuchas tu composión, es la misma emoción que pongo cuando tmb escucho sonar bien mis beats y vocales.

[@LightGreenDay]

usually, every tutorial videos are kinda boring. but your video is sooo fun that I want to see more😍

[@Karikaturist93]

❤️ Thank you so much! I needed this for my songs!

[@JameyMan]

GAME OVER I love your enthusiasm dude 😂 keep it up❤

[@TheBigDrew947]

This was so much more useful in so much less time than anything else I could find on this subject. Thank you.

[@louisalexander2647]

Most songs these days sound good because of Dr Dre... that's how I learned how to do certain techniques. Layering has always been around but the way he did it is the way most people do it now. Even in hip hop. And with 2pac, he did adlibs a certain way, which most people now have done. Bone This contributed a lot too when it comes to vocal arrangements

[@Garcias.Tattoos]

Where can I learn more. I just started. I would appreciate the direction.

[@arthurverlaine6434]

I feel like jumping directly to Dr.Dre is kinda extreme with all the music and harmonizations other artist already a had in the past. Beatles, Queen, Police and others are gods compared to all of this. Still basic informative video about a building block of vocal making, useful for those who are approaching vocal writing for "the first time".

[@SamBsound]

@@Garcias.Tattoos Honestly start right here on this channel. I've been doing this for years and still this place is a gold mine.

[@JumpShiveTV]

@@arthurverlaine6434 you missed the part where he says “sound good”

[@mikeking9719]

I love your stuff. I only do rock so frequently I feel like I cannot apply any of your KZbin lessons to the music I work on, but I enjoy the additional knowledge 💯 Thanks

[@AlexRome]

you can totally apply this stuff in rock. I do it for my metal and alt clients/friends all the time.

[@jacobseal]

@@AlexRome This day and age metal and rock vocals are just as processed. When I hear new metal songs usually it just sounds like pop songs with heavy guitars. The same techniques are applicable unless you are trying to do something old school sounding.

[@blissfulhumanoid9536]

Absolutely brilliant! Great job!

[@izzyrmani_]

Omg This gave me goosebumps , the way u made those ad libs sound that way is amazing I have to try it on my own work

[@ajbanks3163]

5:00 that first harmony is crazy🔥👏🏾😤

[@schiribeatstrap]

🎤🔥 Wow, this video is an absolute game-changer! The secrets to pro vocals have been unveiled, and I couldn't be more thrilled! 🙌💯 The layering techniques explained here are pure gold. Can't wait to put them into practice and take my vocal game to the next level! 🎶✨ Thank you for sharing your expertise with us. You've earned yourself a loyal subscriber! Keep the amazing content coming! 🙏🔝💪

[@jasminelee606]

This was extremely helpful. Thank you so much for sharing this 🙏🏾

[@mortezadana7292]

Thanks for all the tips, I really like how you enjoy what you do :)

[@will_hunt]

Awesome tutorial thanks, I’d love to hear a similar video for rap. I have trouble doubling in that genre because I find it very hard to get there same takes at the same time with how percussive words are (as opposed to singing). I’m looking to find if there’s a way around that, maybe copy pasting the main take (and maybe fiddling with it a little is the best option)

[@ryanrobinson4072]

I’ve also found that if you duplicate take one and leave the original raw while pitchshifting the duplicate to perfection, you get that electric effect. I like the idea of 2 different takes and panning over though!! Im working on a song now and the chorus needs that push and this will probably be the answer!! Thanks man, great info 🤘

[@610sfinest5]

He said in this video that that's rookie mixing 101 lol but i I it as well. A great recording artist or.anyknr with enough time to develop can have an ear to know how to pan and turn down certain shit and how to get a dynamic and full sound without muddyness

[@ryanrobinson4072]

Well I would definitely call myself a rookie lol. But the hard panning has made a huge sound for me. Also with my guitars. Two takes, but each take panned hard L R. Massive sound even before frequency fluctuations. For vocal screams the hard pan but on either L or R, I will move the one of the takes over about a mil sec and it gives it a big sound too. Probably another rookie move but that’s helped for me a lot. Every bit of advice I can get I definitely consider and try though. I’m self taught and just do it for fun in my home studio. So any other tricks for vocals you have, shoot ‘em at me!! Always tryna get better

[@NathanMaingard]

Your vibe is magnifying my vibe. Thank you, brother

[@Street.Credit]

Great video my dude. Really explained it by letting us hear the difference. Made the track sound so much better. Will be trying this is a coupla days. Salute!

[@vanessajazp6341]

I believe it was the Beatles who first brought double-tracking into the studio. So much of what we do and take for granted in the studio these days was actually pioneered by the Beatles. The Flange effect was also attributed to the Beatles who literally warbled the physical flanges of the tape heads during mixing to get that signature effect. I always incorporate these techniques in the studio, and this is a great video showing how effective and evocative it can be. :)

[@neonmoss5511]

I love how you know this, and what’s even cooler is when you think there is probably so much that’s we take for granted that help us so much we took from someone who no one knows

[@NeonVars]

Love these techniques. Ive been doing doubles since I've started learning to record my voice almost ten years ago and it remains one of my favorite methods to make a voice pop. Just didn't know what it was called.

[@nealo814]

Doubles have been used for years. So easy to drop in nowadays. Very powerful tool especially lifting the choruses or bridge into chorus. These tracks sound like hits in the making! Enjoying your content!

[@thenima]

Nice sound man

[@nightmare8162]

Nice video bro you really highlight the importance of vocal layering in our music

[@50bandzent40]

Helpful techs, I made me understand how the vocals can be used as instruments

[@Brolinreactions45]

Thanks man, this video is so beautiful and complete meaning.

[@sumiremurasaki7932]

i like that he amazed and being happy from his work

[@eonhex7996]

Thanks for simplifying it! I guess I’ll have to do this separate though after my instrumental is exported as a single track because I only have limited amounts of tracks so I’ll finish my Instrumental and then put the vocals over it so I can mix it and stack the vocals properly. Thanks man. I hope to be able to help people with my music and you’ve helped with this one I think.

[@federico7367]

It's a good Idea if you want your session to be more organized... but you could also just crack ableton live 11 suite bro

[@ak-1879]

I love this guy’s passion. HES ELECTRIC ⚡️

[@R.B.D1]

real goosebumps on the first adlib after the reverb an what not. thank you that was very helpfull

[@Nobodyiamnobodyatall]

Appreciate your vibe homie, keep it up!

[@ezdrummersongs1713]

love the way you layered and arranged the vocals but would also be interested in what patches and plugins you are using and are they all loaded in the template you started with?

[@jackbr4441]

Vozes perfeitas, já prontas! Excelente qualidade!

[@RichRugerVR]

Using the tips from you has just enhanced my tracks by so much thank you kindly sir

[@juliangonzalez3541]

thanks for the ups this is what I like keep your hard work 💪

[@deannecalifornia4676]

This is amazing!!! My voice sounds so much better and it needs all the help it can get. You're awesome for sharing your knowledge so generously. Thanks for changing my art for the better.

[@DommoDommo]

Vocals sound awesome, layering was great. Volume wise where should they sit? Also maybe invest in RX8 and mouth-declick!

[@owelguitar]

Thanks for sharing this Alex!

[@JDEri101392]

I love your enthusiasm! It gets me pumped to work!

[@michaelorourke5848]

Ha ha class Alex! 5:14 Great info in this video Buddy! as always

[@alexwitt7678]

Thank You Alex, this turned my day around. I love this so much. I'm keen to learn as much as I can with you 😄

[@BipolarGrog]

This is GORGEOUS ✨

[@Kaapalkeens]

Hi! Thank you so much for this amazing tutorial, just were figuring out how the vocals on songs work, and got recommended this video! Very happy!♥♥

[@WilliamVercken]

I like how you like what you're doing. :D Nice video, thank you!

[@jaymethodus3421]

It's also a technique that "shines" too much for it's own good. When it sounds good it's great, and it's enticing to try and "squeeze" as much phatness, texture, and relative motion out of the vocals as possible, not recognizing that this isn't practical or even necessary to do. depending on situation, there's a ton of other ways to achieve similar results, and far more reliably for beginners I think? Idk I could be wrong, still great explanation, but this is just my personal experiences mixing vox for a little over a year. Takes a fine touch

[@WilcoxOshodi]

Wow i literarily screamed when i heard all vocals sounding in unison with the beat

[@nolanrepassah]

I just Love your Energy man!

[@mayurtummewar3312]

9:36 i totally got it after i heard it, it felt so good i got goosebumps 😭