How to Get Huge Background Vocals

In this episode I show you the secrets to HUGE background vocals like the wall of sound on Def Leppard, Nickelback, or Ed Sheeran records.

[@Majestyk_Goose_Games]

'the world dont listen in solo mode' is a phrase that i needed to hear lol. metal bass tracks are a pain in solo but in a mix work well

[@mikeb6686]

"Good is the enemy of great" I am going to hear that in my head when I am working on a project and I think "That's good enough". I appreciate the motivation!

[@BobbyHuff]

Yes!!! I try not to ever forget it!

[@jstanley011]

This channel is going to become legendary. Thank you Rick Beato.

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks so much for hangin out Jeff. So grateful Rick shouted me out!

[@JamesStaubes]

@@BobbyHuff You can also thank the KZbin algorithm because that's how I found you.

[@BobbyHuff]

@@JamesStaubes good to know they like me!!

[@arloroan3168]

Agreed and agreed about Rick Beato.

[@Cammi-Cat-XIII]

@@JamesStaubes same here. The KZbin algorithm brought me here. Although I do subscribe to Rick’s channel as well.

[@arloroan3168]

I heard this is also how Billy Gibbons gets his fat guitar tone. He'll play one track in standard tuning, then he'd pull on his strings. Just give them each a little tug putting him just a tiny bit out of tune. He'd play the same lick as befor, they would pan his guitar 45 degrees right and left and ala HUGE ZZ Top guitar tone! I love this channel. This lesson has just changed the way I record back grounds.

[@BobbyHuff]

Wow great Billy story!! Makes sense!

[@jameskimble6133]

Or triple mic the amp and slide that in app pitch control up and down.

[@callbackdons]

@@jameskimble6133 on Weezer's Blue album for the lead vocal on several songs, they ran it through a harmonizer set flat ..just to "touch" the track. I'll post the link to where Chris Shaw discussed it on gearspace, but this is the main comment I recalled: "The only effect I might have used would be an Eventide 910 set to 15ms on the left and 7.5 ms on the right. (harmonize ratio set to 1.00 (that thing always drifted slightly anyway). This was only used to widen the lead vocal in a very, very, very subtle way." gearspace.com/board/showpost.php?p=9852464&postcount=34

[@coreystuart]

The "oohs" when stacked are VERY reminiscent of Kenny Loggins' "Im Alright" when it goes into that classic breakdown, "oh heart pretend" ....awesome work Bobby!!

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks Corey I love that song and Kenny Loggins is brilliant!

[@craigingrammusic]

Man, your content is absolutely incredible. I’ve learned so much about mixing and production from watching you build tracks. You’re also funny and encouraging. Thank you for sharing your knowledge please don’t stop!

[@BobbyHuff]

Wow man. That’s so nice of you to reach out and say such nice things!! We are just getting started and have lots of plans for the channel...very grateful that we have new friends like you. So happy that you’ve been encouraged and that you “get,” my stupid sense of humor!! We ALL need a good laugh ALL of the time!!

[@tomasengstrom6362]

Doesn't matter if it's pitchy! You are doing it live and an easy fix afterwards! Keep up the good work!

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks Tomas!

[@billysmart6825]

I love the production tips. One note though- I have to turn the volume up super loud to hear what you say when you talk, but then when you play the music it completely blasts my head off. Just bring the volume of the music down a bit for a more comfortable viewing experience :)

[@TallMansRVReviews]

This should be mandatory viewing for engineers. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither is the perfect BGV/Vocal track. Amazing Bobby. Thanks for sharing the secrets. :)

[@BobbyHuff]

Hey thanks Tall Man!! What’s the hurry right?? You want it great...great takes time! I appreciate you watching.

[@kevinacres1699]

Bob, I have spent a lot, A LOT of time in songwriting and music production. Listening for ideas and foundations to build in my love for all things music. Every time I get a notification of a new video from you I am never disappointed. And I am immediately inspired to drop what I am doing and go and try out every one of your suggestions. Thank you for your channel and efforts. And your pitchy don't sweat it. you ain't heard bad until....... thanks waves

[@BobbyHuff]

Wow thanks so much Kevin!!

[@austo52000]

Just found this channel. Dang! Thanks for sharing so many practical things! These are incredible

[@zinghao131]

You're a genius entertainer and tutor! Great job!

[@danieldalton8224]

Thanks for the lesson on the little things... you’re amazing Dr. Bob

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks for always watching Dan!

[@factofrealitytv4294]

big fan! i enjoy your content, you give nice perspectives, knowledge and insight. i like to see how various other mixing engineers and producers make their magic

[@d.bofill]

Thank you for this!! It helped me a lot, I was strugling with the backing vocals for a song I'm working on, and this solved my questions! 🙌🏼

[@marcus_mayhem]

You're channel is amazing!!! Between you and Rick B we don't need anything else. Oh and Glen at SMG.

[@tor2112]

That was really cool! Sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing this

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks!

[@AriePapernick]

I’ve been binge watching your channel the last week. Although a bit cheeky, the content is great. I’ve already applied several of your tips. Thanks. Subscribed!

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks! More cheekiness to come!!! I appreciate you subbing!

[@HollywoodRecordingStudio]

Your videos are packed with really great information. It’s amazing how much information you convey in 10 minutes.

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks for watching Meghan!

[@johnsguitarmusicanddemos]

This channel is so full of important information and I love incorporating it into my own videos. Thank you for your uploads!

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks John!

[@RyanClouseMusic]

What an amazing channel!! I've been doing the stacked BGV technique for years but somehow never thought to detune some of the tracks like you showed here. That could be a game changer for me. Thanks for the content!!!

[@BobbyHuff]

THANKS RYAN!!!

[@doraysmith]

This was very very good...very inspiring...

[@Mark-db1ok]

Fascinating stuff here!! Thanks for the great music content. You've earned my subscription sir!

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks for watching Mark and I appreciate the sub!!

[@iswearnotme]

This rules. Your tutorials are next level.

[@BobbyHuff]

Ahh man! Thanks so much.

[@kellywendlandt3940]

Fantastic channel. A true hidden gem but it won't be for long. Thank you for sharing your expertise. It would be great to have you walk us through recording and treatment on a lead vocal (similar to this tutorial).

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks Kelly!!! Its on the list!

great tip for huge vocal effects. great content

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks for watching Erick!

[@jettjaguar8150]

thank you for the great lesson Sir

[@mathumphreys]

Awesome explanation, thx for taking the time to do this!

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks for taking the time to watch Matthew!

[@garcemac]

Thanks for this, Bobby. Now I feel compelled to record 60 vocal tracks for the song I am working on! Thanks again ;)

[@DavidDiMuzio]

Great tips 🤘🏻

[@nolanneal]

Great work! You even did that with open back headphones like a rebel! Love you brother.

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks my friend! Love You back.

[@humbuzztube]

Man! You can sing! You’ve got a refreshing approach… don’t apologize for a thing. The algorithm led me here thru your DLR pitch analysis but these production tips are the real gold. I also follow Beato. You earned another happy subscriber!

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks so much man! I really appreciate the kindness and the sub!! Beato is awesome and a good friend. Great channel!!!!

[@ananthkumar6165]

Great stuff ..thanks Bobby!

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks Ananth!

[@janjohansenmusic]

Thank you Dr Bob! Great channel! Detuning is common also for synth programming to make sounds wider.

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks JJ! Yes agreed!!!

[@losttribeaudio2434]

Thanks Dr Bob, education and entertainment in one place - love this :-)

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks so much man!!

[@vnblack7460]

Dude, I was kinda discouraged a little bout recording, after watching a few of videos, now I'm hyped up again. Thank you, you rule! 🤟

[@BobbyHuff]

Oh man!!!! You and I both have a lifetime of learning AND joy of learning ahead of us. Please don’t ever get discouraged. The more we know the more we find out we DONT know! Haha. Enjoy the dance my friend and GO FOR IT!!!

[@vnblack7460]

@@BobbyHuff Thanks so much for the reply, Bobby!. That means a lot. You're right, let's keep great music alive with lots of work and enjoying the ride!. Cheers my friend!

[@BobbyHuff]

@@vnblack7460 agreed man!

[@DanBaileyPhoto]

Awesome stuff, man!!

[@BobbyHuff]

Thank You Dan!

[@tonycampbell4982]

Very interesting on the high mid and lows on the set up of panning to get the effect nice video.

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks Tony!!

[@beantownmusic3532]

I love this guy, He has a very unique approach on his wisdom

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks John!

[@recklesssoles9339]

the remedy to my recording butt pain ....Thankyou Please more on main vocals please please please

[@RockinSG]

Great stuff! Makes you realize why it takes months, sometimes a year or more to put out a great album.

[@BobbyHuff]

Agreed Scott! Thanks for watching.

[@msb8013]

It takes me a long time to name it, add a photo and pick the lineup.

[@robbiedaug]

Wow, i saw the other huge backing vocal video ( Def Leppard) and i never realized so much work went into this.

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks for watching Robbie!

[@robbiedaug]

@@BobbyHuff It's easy to watch, but the work involved in making this?...i thank you, again.

[@Fos3tex]

That was excellent!!

[@BobbyHuff]

Thank you Phil.

[@bwhog]

Discovered the fine tuning technique on my own when I had a doubled guitar entering in half way through a solo. Deviating the tuning on the second guitar by about 15 cents really helped it come through without having to change the volume. Perfectly tuned harmonies can be a beautiful thing to behold but they're not always called for. I've also sometimes used the waves doubler on the already doubled main vox, which I had panned slightly L/R in order to let me do stereo things with it on the LVOX bus (because in a DAW we have the luxury to give every category of sound its own bus if we choose) when the song reached the chorus to help build up the lead vocal just a touch.

[@BobbyHuff]

GREAT COMMENTS!!

[@OAlem]

Kickass intro. I'm already convinced.

[@BobbyHuff]

Haha! Thanks man!

[@phoenixmediaforge]

Without a center group of tracks, you don't get the doubling effect like Queen. The center group is typically 3 or 4 dB lower than the L/R tracks, depending. L+C double, and R+C double, but L and R do not double and maintain the stereo width.

[@Vambibuda]

wow you are fucking amazing brother. I have never seen such video. Maybe because I do not record so many vocal but I never thought of so many modifications between sharp and flat. Very dope and clear explanation.

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks Vambibuda!

[@michaelrossfine]

Well this is amazing. Thanks Bobby. If you have microshift from arturia you can accomplish pretty similar detuning effects. it's great on a backing vox.

[@BobbyHuff]

Great idea!!!!! Thanks Michael!

[@rundaemon7109]

I think I love the little things song. It's super fun and gets me pumped up for the video.

[@BobbyHuff]

hahaha!! Thanks Run.

[@mostpeoplearebots]

thank you very much

[@jamesbridges1107]

That was awesome!!!

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks James!

[@jamesbridges1107]

@@BobbyHuff you bet. What I find really interesting is doing this via analog tape...Damn...I’ll never listen to Mutt Lange(and others) the same way again.

[@toddscotdrumcovers2341]

This is awesome

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks Todd!

[@SJR_Media_Group]

Amazing tricks that make music sound more alive

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks Steven!

[@SJR_Media_Group]

@@BobbyHuff I was aware of double tracking, but the ways it can be done today with digital post production blew me away. I knew Mutt was really smart, now much more respect. I know singers who do their own background vocals, then harmonize with themselves. It costs more, but sounds really good.

[@sinisalicanin]

Fantastic ,,from BERLIN best regards ;-0)

[@jerrylclement]

That was fricking awesome

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks Jerry!

[@NelsonClick]

I've been listening to this a dozen times and determining why it sounds so bad ass cool. It's because it didn't hit the resolving note but snare taps instead. It keeps energy moving forward and says "there's much more song ahead - don't miss it". My favorite song that does this is McCartney's " My Brave Face".

[@RyanMonty]

Dude you deserve a million subs. Was shocked to see you had less than 8k...

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks so much Ryan. Building momentum with great people like you watching. I appreciate your kindness.

[@RyanMonty]

@@BobbyHuff well deserved. Appreciate the vids, always struggled making my backround vocals sound "huge" despite layering 20+ in.

[@The_leftyplaysrighty]

nice! thanks.

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks Lefty!

[@oneworldfamily]

Lovely view out of your window!

[@kbrinson85]

mind blown!

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks!! haha

[@DAVIDJCARON]

Thanks for this great tip Bobby.. You also explain everything in such a comprehensive but also easy to understand way, that most people do not.. I was doing something similar with main vocals stacked 3 times, but only just time-shifting the 1st and 3rd copy forward and back a little in time from the un-shifted central track, to spread them out a bit, time-wise, but never thought to flatten and sharpen too, or to do so with Backing vocals.. Must try this technique.. Do you have a similar video on how to stack main vocals?

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks David! There is a Huge Vocals part 2 did u see that one? If it didn’t answer your question hit me back.

[@DAVIDJCARON]

@@BobbyHuff Yes Bobby, I just watched part 2.. Excellent as always.. Learned a lot from that too.. But was wondering if you had also made a video on using this cents tuning technique for main vocals, as opposed to Background vocals. I presume the same techniques can be applied but perhaps 20 stacks is not necessary or best, for main vocals? Btw, do you have any links where I could download the Melodyne and Antares pitch-correction plugins please? I use Cubase.. V5 i think.. a cracked copy! :) I could email you if you prefer.. I may also contact you at some later stage for future production work, as I like the way you work and the results you get..

[@BobbyHuff]

@@DAVIDJCARON thanks David. I don’t have any copies of Melodyne or the tuner I’m using. The one I’m using is in Cubase but I don’t think it was in version 5. If you purchase Cubase it is included for free and very good. For main chorus vocals I usually do 4 passes... 2 up the middle with one of them being at about 1/3 the level as the other and then 2 more panned LR. I tune the 2 in the middle to be pretty dead on and the two on the outside with the cents tuning. I also, depending on the song, will Vocalign them to be tight in time with each other. Auto tune demo should be at the Antares website and Melodyne demo should be at the Celemony website. Hope that all helps!

[@DAVIDJCARON]

@@BobbyHuff Thanks very much Bobby.. Much appreciated.. Looking forward to learning more from your next videos.. :)

[@f1jones544]

This is really interesting. I always wondered how producers like Lange and Roy Thomas Baker got their Wall is Sound sound without all the tracks becoming muddled. Now we know.

[@aTROPOSkEY]

THE WORLD DON'T LISTEN IN SOLO MODE! Love it!!!!

[@mantrinbago]

Great channel. Found it searching for Mutt Lange. Am a Logic Pro user but Cubebase looks interesting. You can use the Pitch Shifter plugin to get the same detuning effect in Logic Pro

[@BobbyHuff]

Welcome!!! Thanks for watching and hanging out mantrinbago! Logic is a great program. I work with tons of people that use it.

[@musicatto1]

New subscriber here - loving the content and wishing I had discover the good Dr a long time ago! Quick questions : 1) does anyone know what kind of mic he is singing into, and 2) is there any processing of the vocals, prior to effects he walks thru in the video...or is he recording completely dry? I ask because the original recordings (before the effects, layering etc) have a good, clean quality (probably just good mic, good recording techniques, I'm guessing😏. Thanks much!

[@BobbyHuff]

Hey man. I’m using an SM7B mic. I use it 90% of the time on all vocals! I have many different mics 47, 251, Slate, and this is my go to. Not expensive only about 350.00. I am however using a vintage Neve mic pre which is quite nice. There are all kinds of great mic pres. I would highly recommend getting a Universal Audio Apollo and using their API or Neve unison mic pres. They are Fantastic!! Thanks for watching and subbing!

[@WineSippingCowboy]

A number of musicians you listed worked with Mutt Lange! 🐕 Jeff Lynne, Roy Baker, Bob Ezrin, Bob Rock, David Foster, late Mike Stone/late Kevin Elson, late Bruce Fairbairn get the same result but with different means. 😎 Useful tactics! 😎

[@BobbyHuff]

Great list of talent!

[@WineSippingCowboy]

Yes! I forgot Mike Chapman, Ron Nevison, Ted Templeman + major country producers! 😃

[@RobertJSedky]

Great video Mr Huff! Any relation to the great Dan Huff?

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks Robert! Yes Dann and I are cousins!

[@garyjohnson4988]

Yes, they are cousins! David is very talented as well!

[@LoveBitesDefLeppardTribute]

Another great video here! One hint please: I have really low register voice (baritone), what should I use to octave up my vocals? Any specific tool? Thanks

[@BobbyHuff]

Hey man ....Try Melodyne.

[@brettallgood6541]

As a noob, these are very educational. By "noob", i mean i have yet to record an entire "full band" riff, much less an entire song🤣 All of that being said, my illiteracy in the software is both magnified and reduced by watching these. Thank you so much, new sub, i'll be paying very close attention as i get the music out of my head and coming out of speakers (10/10)

[@BobbyHuff]

Fantastic Brett! Thanks for watching and for the kindness…

[@a.i.override8914]

Dr. Bob is top dawg! 🎶💜🎶💜🎶

[@BobbyHuff]

RRRRUUFFFFFFF

[@a.i.override8914]

@@BobbyHuff YESSS!!! Thank you for the response Doc!

[@1171karl]

I'm enjoying these videos. With this one I'm just wondering how much different it would sound if you recorded say 2 or 4 of each part... OR copy pasted one of each part 8 times moving the start of each by a few milliseconds??

[@BobbyHuff]

Would NOT sound the same. I’ve tried them all! Haha. Take the time and do it right and you’ll be happy you did!

[@jwebstersmithii7459]

Knowledge. Here's one I discovered, too...for getting Mutt Lange rhythm guitars (early 80s style). Make sure your electric guitar is set to the bridge pickup. When playing heavy chords, do the picking almost right at the bridge. It gives you a very distinct nasal (really greasy) sound...as can be heard in its fullest on High n Dry + Pyromania...and AC/DC Beating Around The Bush. Use away, if you hear it too. It belongs to all of us.

[@BobbyHuff]

FANTASTIC J! Thanks!!

[@jwebstersmithii7459]

@@BobbyHuff Thank you, brotha. The work you're doing is important if we are all to evolve to a higher level of creativity and quality. Cheers to that!

[@BobbyHuff]

@@jwebstersmithii7459 Wow that means a lot man. I try to find topics that aren’t widely spread and available out there on KZbin and I’ve been fortunate enough to learn from some of my heros. I appreciate you watching!

[@1funkyangel]

Hey Dr. Bob ,.. could you do a video about to save processing power with all the vocals instruments and effects ? 🤔🎶🎤

[@BobbyHuff]

Hey. Great ideas but unfortunately I think it means it’s time for a new computer…plugins get better but unfortunately use more processing power which means it’s time to upgrade your computer….the cycle of life! Haha

[@lawrencerasmus]

Then I listen to a old 45 of the Coasters from the 1950s and wonder wtf happened to music . Great info , always use your methods 👌

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks so much Lawrence! Love the Coasters!

[@FStoppers]

Love all your videos but I gotta ask, why does your mic always sound so bad at the opening and closing of your videos but then great at the desk? No lav?

[@BobbyHuff]

The purpose is to match the audio to the video environment of a dr speaking in an operating room. Speaking on a LAV mic in that setting looks ridiculous. I’ve learned from TV and film work you must match the audio to the video environment or you’re doing it a disservice. Notice the audio dries up in the studio portion of the video…

[@TheeRocker]

Hands forward pliers, saying "here's your tuner sir"... lol

[@tazchevelle4506]

Hey Bobby, thanks for breaking the bullshit cone of silence on these taboo subjects. Great stuff.

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks Taz! Glad you found it interesting!

[@gregmann5687]

Panning these vocals hard left to right like you're doing, would it change the sound much if you bounce the lefts down to one track and the rights down to one? Just wondering, my Pro Tools version I think limits me to 120 tracks. Thanks for these great video helps, they're terrific!

[@briancase6180]

Also, you didn't talk about mono compatibility.... I presume out will just work ok because the sharp and flat won't cancel? And the stereo widening you used is mono-compatible?

[@spigglemyxic1261]

​@@briancase6180 I think you've confused pitch with phase. Two signals at different pitches can coexist but two frequencies out of phase will cancel each other out. The peaks and valleys of in-phase non-matching frequencies would match/ synchronize when mixed. Frequency A's peaks would all line up with Frequency B's peaks and the mix's strength increases. Out-of-phase frequencies are opposites/inverse of each other. When Freq. A is at a peak then Freq. B is in a valley. When they're combined they negate each other and reduce the amount of energy in the mix. A waveform has peaks and valleys. If we give values to the parts of the wave form we might end up with something like this: Peak (+1), Middle (0), Valley (-1). Two in-phase waveforms would look like this: A: 1 => 0 => -1 => 0 => 1 => 0 => -1 => 0, etc. B: 1 => 0 => -1 => 0 => 1 => 0 => -1 => 0, etc. If we add these in-phase signals together it looks like this: 2 => 0 => -2 => 0 => 2 => 0 => -2 => 0, etc. Two out-of-phase waveforms would look like this: A: 1 => 0 => -1 => 0 => 1 => 0 => -1 => 0, etc. B: -1 => 0 => 1 => 0 => -1 => 0 => 1 => 0 etc. If we add these in-phase signals together it looks like this: 0 => 0 => 0 => 0 => 0 => 0 => 0 => 0, etc. Different pitches would just be different waveforms. Using the thinking above it might look like this: A: 1 => 0 => -1 => 0 => 1 => 0 => -1 => 0, etc. B: 2 => 0 => -2 => 0 => 2 => 0 => -2 => 0, etc. Adding different pitches that are in-phase produces an additive effect the same as identical pitches: 3 => 0 => -3 => 0 => 3 => 0 => -3 => 0, etc. Different pitches that are out of phase could look like this: A: 1 => 0 => -1 => 0 => 1 => 0 => -1 => 0, etc. B: -2 => 0 => 2 => 0 => -2 => 0 => 2 => 0, etc. Adding different pitches that are out-of-phase produces a cancelling effect the same as identical pitches: -1 => 0 => 1 => 0 => -1 => 0 => 1 => 0, etc. Hopefully that makes sense. If it didn't, well hey... I did my best at 4 a.m. (aka "Don't drink energy drinks after 9 p.m.)

[@MrRick693]

Great channel! Please, I NEED to know what the hell AC/DC does with all their back-up vocals!!??

[@BobbyHuff]

Prob just the sound of their voices!! I’ve never heard any particular secrets. Maybe the later stuff after Mutt they added something like Dimension D chorus or the Dolby trick…which you can replicate in a plugin called Type A. I wouldn’t be surprised if there were whisper vocals as well. I think the older stuff is just their voices stacked!!

[@barryallen6217]

This is THE video i've been looking for .. big background vocals ... but did you really sing so many times .. or did you just duplicate them ?

[@ChuckHaney]

Slightly off track. I once read an idea for harmony parts. Rather than have 3 different people sing only one part (one for low, one mid, one for high,) all three sang every part. All 3 sang the low part together, all 3 sang the mid part together, all 3 sang the high part together. Do you know any examples of this technique?

[@kunzbass]

Years spending my time on other channels Bro... this is the shit!

[@tpike32]

Question . Can you just record 1 part. Paste for next . Edit that 13 cents . Take first part paste for 3 . Edit .. etc? Since you have 8 parts , divide that by 4. Only edit those 2 . Pan . Cent.. etc.. then paste those parts ? Instead of editing every track one by one ?

[@briancase6180]

First, thanks! This is really helpful and fun. But, OMG, I implemented this technique by accident! I overdubbed myself without tuning and realized it sounded 'good' in that wide, chorus-y way that you implemented intentionally. If you accidentally get the flat and sharp parts overdubbed, you can get this effect without meaning to! Now I know why it "worked."

[@BobbyHuff]

Great Brian!!! Happy accident!!

[@IrnBruNYC]

Checking in from 2023, are you still using Windows 7?

[@medallion39]

What plugin can I use in pro tools to do the tuning trick?

[@coolmacatrain9434]

I'm hearing a lot of Steve Miller in this!

[@BobbyHuff]

Yeah I didnt intend that but it kinda happened that way. I love Steve Miller! Thanks for watching!

[@basderas86]

Hey Bob! Great stuff, you are a treasure man! Though, OCDwise, NAME THE GOD DAMNED TRACKS BEFORE RECORDING, DUDE!! :P

[@BobbyHuff]

Ha! I never name tracks or look at track names and find it a distraction. I memorize quickly what things are by how the wave file looks. I know….Just my quirky way that my brain works. I wouldn’t recommend it.

[@basderas86]

@@BobbyHuff it definitely seems to work, thus, if I were you, I wouldn't worry at all!

[@Corey_G]

Would doing this to guitars be over doing it?

[@MichaelClearyBand]

Noice.

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks Michael!

[@RyanMonty]

The microtuning here is essentially (sort of) how Eddie Van Halen got his huge Hagar era tone during the F.U.C.K. and Balance records. Center guitar normal tuning, left shifted down 10 cents, right up 10 cents.

[@BobbyHuff]

love that Ryan...thanks for sharing!

[@briancase6180]

Yes, Eventide micro-pitch boxes were used, if I am correctly informed. I have used this on synths to get a nice wide sound. I used a stereo-split device and then put a pitch-shift device on each channel, one up a few cents, one down a few. You get a nice "stable" chorus effect with great stereo separation and good mono compatibility. In bitwig, the stereo-split and pitch-shift are standard. You can also use mid-side split for a variation. You can even modualate or, better, automate the pitch up/down amount to get a variably wide image. It can "evolve" from center to wide as the energy increases.

[@BobbyHuff]

@@briancase6180 good stuff! Like the vocal trick on David Gilmore!

[@RyanMonty]

@@briancase6180 Yep exactly.

[@somethingbl]

Was Mutt Lange really doing with with Def Leppard in the 80s though? They didn't have digital DAWs and software like this, and I doubt those guys could sing 15 cents sharp or flat on demand.

[@BobbyHuff]

Yes. They did it with Fairlight, Synclavier, or Eventide.

[@tedb1015]

Did you sing each part 8 times or copy and paste? Would that work as well since you're manipulating them anyway?

[@BobbyHuff]

No Ted. Definitely sing all the parts.

[@megazillion2946]

Mutt Lange used to make them do thousands of takes right? no auto tune? This is great though. I don't like a super tight tune but I like the dirt

[@BobbyHuff]

Thanks for watching Mega!

[@jamescordova1796]

Hey Bobby how could they have done this back in the day only having 24 Tracks and no Pitch software? The reason I ask is I only have 16 Tracks.

[@BobbyHuff]

With 24 tracks they would fill up 22 tracks with back ground vocals on a “slave,” reel of tape and bounce them back to 2 tracks on the Master reel and then do it again and again until they got what they wanted. For bands like Queen or Def Leppard there were also several singers around one mic so the stacks of vocals got super big. As far as pitching they did it with chorus effects or a Lexicon unit where they could flatten or sharpen the sides to get width.

[@jamescordova1796]

@@BobbyHuff Ok good. That's something I can do with my studio. When you do your stacks do you leaver them all in for mixdown or do you bounce to 2 tracks as well? Do you think that diminishes how big it sounds in the final mix? Thanks for the feedback.

[@BobbyHuff]

@@jamescordova1796 I wait towards the end of the mix to make sure I am happy with the internal balance of the parts in the BGV stacks and then if I have 90-120 tracks of BGVS I’ll usually bounce them to save on CPU. I always mark which project save is the latest one that is not bounced in case I hear something I don’t like and have to go back to the unbounced BGVS to re balance the parts or change the eq etc.

[@jamescordova1796]

@@BobbyHuff Awesome advice. I like the idea to save CPU as well. Keep bringing the goods!!!Thank you.

[@kaislivesoundchannel4706]

Off topic: are those superior drummer samples ?

[@BobbyHuff]

Yes I believe so. Superior Drummer 3.

[@gizmogearloose3391]

THIS....is Sorcery!!!

[@BobbyHuff]

HAHAHAHA Gizmo!

[@christianhelwig]

I think I remember hearing Barry Manilow would sing his BGVs 50 times

[@BobbyHuff]

Wouldn’t surprise me!

[@humblehombre9904]

You are brilliant. This is a lot of work. You’re worth your money. HOWEVER. This is no longer music. I hope you understand what I mean. To manipulate a terrible take, and crow bar it into the tune, allows any buttwad to make an album. This is why we have the shit music we now have to hear while getting groceries. When a singer/instrumentalist plays perfectly in studio, they WILL play just as well live, without the backing tracks to save their unearned careers. I’m looking at you, Mariah Scary. I long for 2inch tape days.

[@BobbyHuff]

Welcome to 2021!

[@humblehombre9904]

@@BobbyHuff I hope you know what I mean Bobby. I have listened to all your stuff. I love your work, and style. This is by far the greatest learning channel. My buds went to Fanshaw’s in Toronto and put out similar sounds in studio. So you have given me the tools they received because they had the money to go learn it. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you. I am not knocking you in any way, only a bloated industry where talent seems to be secondary now. You are helping fix this.

[@BobbyHuff]

@@humblehombre9904 hey man! I get it! Thanks so much for the kindness!

[@godfreyozzy7128]

Van Halen used to do the same with his guitar parts. I think from memory he used to detune +/- 8 cents.

[@BobbyHuff]

Was it Dance the Night Away?

[@godfreyozzy7128]

@@BobbyHuff Think he did it from 1984 onwards. Learnt about it from this Pete Thorn vid kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpuxc595gKh5b7s