JAY Z'S EPIC $50,000 Vocal Chain | Best Vocal Chain 2022

[@archiebeatz]

In this video, I breakdown 3 verified vocal chains of the legend, Jay Z. Thank you all for watching and supporting my channel. I really appreciate each and every one of you!

[@ScantlessBeatz]

Did you say you have 70 🎤's? You might need a microphone intervention LOL

[@billesposito2112]

Dude I could listen to vocal chain design for days . I love this shit . Bring it !

[@ovadoseod]

Keep in mind that a lot of these vocal chains are based on the vocalist first and for most so if your not recording someone who sounds exactly like jay or Beyoncé, in tone and style your prolly not gonna get the desired results you want. When it comes to gear a lot of it is based on functionality. The 87 is a neutral mic where it doesn’t add much which is good if the vocalist already has good character and tone. The 737 is also transparent meaning it’s not coloring the vocal and the Cl1b which is an optical compressor is good for things that are legato and don’t have many changes in dynamics. It also can be used as a vca bust it’s not quick a as a vca compressor so if you have a vocal that’s fast and dynamic it might be best to use a vca compressor to catch peaks and a optical to smooth things out or for a certain tone. The ssl is very transparent as well so guru was probably just using it to monitor until everything was recorded then set up on the console to mix

[@michaelrice6620]

Yup, also people need to think that most these vocal chains for artist were based on the gear the studio had. Most high end studios have mics like u87 hooked up to a certain preamp to a certain compressor they like. The engineer knows how it sounds and its his favorite setup. At times if something isnt quite working with the artists voice then they might change something here n there but for the most part most these artists vocal chains become their vocal chains because they went to the studio that had that setup and the artist knows it works and sounds good so they stick to that instead of wasting money n time trying other stuff.

[@Ifelovv]

💯 Michael Rice

[@alexandre7634]

Yung guru is probably the best and most expensive part tho 😂

[@archiebeatz]

Hahahahahaha, mannnnnnn.

[@reggiedillard7731]

🎯🎯🎯 🎯 🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@jacksp8de]

Facts 😂

[@TheRealCalijokes01]

Yea that just blew my mind I didn’t know he working with jayz

[@justin43098]

This is really interesting man. I'm a huge Jay-Z fan and it's cool seeing all this stuff I would never think about. I also find it interesting that there are so many subtleties in the equipment and they can't just reproduce it digitally.

[@mojoiam]

I used to fancy 251 because of who used it.. but I tried it on my voice, not a fan. for anyone with a ‘end goal mic’ in mind, go rent a studio that has it and try it instead of saving up for a mic you won’t like. I blind tested 30 of the most popular studio mics including all the main vintage ones. Concluded I’d like to get a Manley Ref C. To each their own though. U87 is cool.

[@Gadoora]

👑👑

[@BCRilakuma]

I can tell you that the software sounds definitely different from the Analog one. I also tried something like this chain for vocal session a few years ago. E251->NEVE1073->UA1176->SSL 4000->Protools. This real desk offers a signature sound that software can’t emulate 😂. I am sorry to say that for high quality production money is a must.😢

[@freebeat2289]

for reallll

[@TranquilizedHorsefly]

nope, for high quality production money just reduces that amount of processing and extra work, if you believe that then you got alot to learn... i am a hardware nerd i lvoe my hardware for the tactile feeling and workflow, software is alot better nowadays, you dont get all the same quirks compared to analog hardware but nowadays digital stuff is getting alot better and are incorporateing analog filters , lots of hybrid gear now...

[@BCRilakuma]

@@TranquilizedHorsefly I can agree with you in these 2 years because of the high powered PC or MAC such as M2 Ultra. Software can run as over 64x over sampling. However the highest quality production still need 1-3 pieces of hardware for hybrid mixing or mastering. But for some really low budget indie productions. In the box mix and master are good enough in nowadays.😁

[@djcj]

Loving this content man! Been binging your videos! Thank you!

[@archiebeatz]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. I hope you are enjoying my content.

[@marcusdwaynegonzalez5557]

So much to repair, that is for guys who have big clientele and the budget to service the equipment. All others use the software to learn the hardware, become proficient with the software emulations so that when you are allowed to touch the console you float right through the session. We are blessed to have the software tools!

[@L.I.T_MTB]

Please keep this series going !!!! 🙏🏾

[@archiebeatz]

We are moving full speed ahead, lol. So much more is coming and thank you for supporting!

[@jossuecastaneda8135]

Loving this series 🥰😍🥳 top notch content Archie 🎉🎉🎉

[@archiebeatz]

Thank you so much brother. I'm glad you can appreciate my presentation and efforts.

[@albertwilliams3748]

Archie Beatz, you are awesome my man! Thanks for all you do!

[@bacrispy]

Love the video 💯

[@208visions3]

this series is everything

[@archiebeatz]

Thank you! More is coming!

[@nicholasriley4729]

Never been a fan of the Avalon but I get how it could pair well with a good sounding vintage 87.

[@archiebeatz]

Yes, same here. I chose to go with the Neve 5211 and 6176 (using the 610 side sometimes but mostly bypassing it and hitting the 1176 compressor side.) It does it's thing with most FET style microphones for sure. Thanks for commenting brother.

[@michaelperez5273]

Beyonce also used the Bricasti Design m7 Reverb on her vocals

[@RuslanKD]

Great breakdown. Do you think running into the sl console is over kill?

[@archiebeatz]

Thank you. I wouldn't say it's overkill but if I had one around I would definitely run my signal through it. I don't think it's necessary to go out and buy a console unless it's something you seriously want to do.

[@johanolofandersson8801]

It's complete overkill to buy a Large Console to record just one Channel. Have a look at their Solid State Logic 500 Series Dual SiX Channel Channel Strip. It is possible to buy just one analog channel. It seems nice. Cheaper than the Avalon 737 for example.

[@tecno8335]

What is behind that sound? Engineer: 🙋

[@juicyj2536]

Fun fact, Is This It by the strokes used an Avalon 737 with the compression maxed. I know Julian was given an Neuman mic but preferred the AT4033 (lol)

[@marcianeke6365]

Great content Archie! Keep it up g

[@archiebeatz]

Thank you!

[@JaeBTundra1]

This is good stuff right here.

[@archiebeatz]

Thanks bro! I'm giving you a shout in my NAS video coming up this week.

[@JaeBTundra1]

@@archiebeatz Appreciate that bro. Keep the positivity and videos coming.

[@chrisw5742]

YUUUUP ELAM 251 = awesome. I want one too. Gonna have to build one. But one with a modern tube in it..... That c12 capsule is awesome.

[@archiebeatz]

HAHAHAHA! Agreed! That's a great idea. Most building materials are so easy to get nowadays. Please keep me informed with your build. Thanks for dropping by Chris.

[@geraldgoodiii6993]

What about a 500 series SSL channel strip ? That takes it down from 50k to $5k for the full channel strip (I think the preamp stage, dynamics , and EQ all are in different modules)

[@archiebeatz]

That will work as well for sure.

[@Kilogramproductiontt]

how does the software emulation plugins compare to the hardware

[@archiebeatz]

It's extremely close. To the untrained ear, it sounds the same. With that being said, I prefer the outboard hardware but you don't necessarily need the hardware if you are on a budget. I hope this helps.

[@saltwatermusicco.6323]

The Neumann M49V was released this year, the one in the video is a vintage one.

[@DJDoubleEdge]

Nice coverage and knowledge ABz!!!

[@333MediaGroup]

Dope series bro🔥🔥🔥

[@archiebeatz]

Thank you so much Leo!

[@diegobernard9506]

I really love your vocal chain videos! Please venture out to rock! Chris Martin's vocal chain is quite interesting :D PS My vocal chain is an Apogee Symphony I/O > Universal Audio LA-2A > BEA 1073 > ELA M 250 E. I plan to stack a Tube-Tech CL 1B with the LA-2A in a near future ^ ^

[@carlosbrown3591]

NIce! mines is Burl Mothership > BAE 1073MPF > TT CLB or UA 1176LN or Retro Instruments 176

[@carlosbrown3591]

Damn I forgot to mention the mic(s). Sony c800g, Flea 47, Neumann U87❤️🤟🏾

[@chrispanetta9885]

I don't know if someone pointed it out the g series is already in your hands apparently Archie. Switch to brown nobs and it imitates the G console's eq section. I read that at a couple of places. Don't know how accurate kt is.

[@mahdiakhi1424]

10th-cycle project!!! The good old days, I remember mines! I take it that you graduated from the Conservatory of Recording Arts?

[@tonygunz21]

In the clip where Jay Z is with the M49 and CL1b, I'd assume they're using the Avalon M5 preamp that's to the left of the CL1B.

[@archiebeatz]

Great catch and eyes brother. I totally agree. That's most likely the case 🙌🏾

[@timdatailor8482]

Great breakdown

[@iamernieg]

Dude, I have a friend that engineers for Bonnie Rait, and he just engineered the release of the new Selena/Moonchild album. Bro….he, to this day, SWEARS by the Mojave Audio 200!!! He use to use the ELAM 251 with Erykah(yes, he has one) but he said they’ve changed since then because she doesn’t use headphones anymore when recording. Imagine that…..👀 He would probably put that Mojave Audio 200 up against ANYTHING except that 251!! CRAZY!!!! His name is Chris Bell. Check him out! 💯💯💪🏾

[@Justice098]

Word I know Chris from Dallas. Legendary engineer.

[@archiebeatz]

That's so awesome. I have yet to play around with the 200 but I've worked with the 201 fet... I can't believe how great it sounds. Hahahahaha, the ELA M 251 is a problem, lol. I would only put an original AKG C12 and the telefunken C12 against it, lol. That's awesome. I will look him up. It's great to see these conversations man.

[@Ifelovv]

Bro u gotta demo the Lewitt 1040. My research points to it sounding extremely close to the 251 on it’s tube circuitry. 🤷🏾‍♂️. Worth a shot if u ask me

[@skippruitt2391]

This is good stuff bro. What ribbon mics do you like on Alto sax?

[@archiebeatz]

Thanks brother! I'm actually testing a few ribbons now. I will have results next week brother 🙏🏾

[@LaMarrBrewster]

Great video. I just stumbled into your channel. I'm getting into recording my guitar through logic and curious what you think about RAM requirements? Is 8gb enough

[@archiebeatz]

Thank you so much. I hope you are enjoying everything I've created. You will be great. I just wrapped up testing my new M2 MacBook Pro 8GB.. I can run Logic Pro X and Final Cut Pro without any hang ups. That's even with all my film orchestral VSTs running from EastWest. I hope this helps.

[@tskolits]

Love your videos! Thanks!

[@archiebeatz]

Thank you and you are welcome!

[@rook9309]

I wonder what the difference would be using the pre from the SSL first in the chain, then going out into the Avalon

[@archiebeatz]

It's a different sound. I've used the 4000G direct pre's several times and it's a bit transparent will little character for my preference. I still love it though. The desk layout and workflow is my flow. I hope this helps.

[@rook9309]

@@archiebeatz thanks yes

[@michaelvaleone]

Bro you got a piece of history if you got or had the SSL belonging to Metallica...that's dope

[@GODJJIM]

Vids like this keeps me inspired about where my home studio and personal vocal chain can go. Would you recommend some of the budget outboard gear like those made by warm audio?

[@PicassoBeatz]

Save for the best, or you will lose more money in the end.

[@jeffreyvsco]

next artist be like Michael jackson $100,000 vocal chain

[@archiebeatz]

😂😂😂😂😂 Maybe

[@jacksp8de]

What’s cool is I seen Young Guru using an Apollo and UA plugins on the UA KZbin channel, he says the plugs are close enough to the hardware he knows and love. I know UA paid him lol so grain of salt. He says it’s more convenient to use the plugins though and sometimes he doesn’t want to bother with expensive gear.

[@liljae6816]

What you think about the c414

[@archiebeatz]

It's one of favorite top 10 for vocals and acoustic guitars.

[@garyclement2888]

We living in a good period in time that we can purchase products from Universal Audio and other companies whom produce products that have superior quality sound at a minimum price. just makes me wonder, how much better with technology be in 20 years. Prayerfully prices on good equipment will continue to drop, giving many access to some of the best equipment.

[@mendavinceatunuvbare1870]

You have spoken well, but there is this microphone show cased in NNam 2024 in Anaheim California 2014 by Wavy Wayne. What could be the deferens in impose response?

[@NVRLOSTT]

How do you feel about recording with these setups with plug-in versions? like plug-in Neve amp, or a mic emulator. l have a cheap setup so im wondering if emulating these chains it will make my mic/ recordings more harsh. Have a AKGP120 with a SSL2 right now.

[@archiebeatz]

Honestly, it's a legit option. I love hardware and the sound but nowadays you can get by with plugins. Especially UAD, Waves and Slate. I will always invest and collect analog gear but not having this stuff won't ruin creating great music. I hope this helps.

[@purposedriventv]

Can you do a rap vocal recording with the Antelope Axino USB mic? I’m curious about that since it doesn’t require an interface

[@wallace_nelson]

Great video Bro. Thanks for!

[@archiebeatz]

Thanks brother!

[@Keviekev115]

So there’s a reason why their voice sits so perfect in records. Here I am using a $200 usb at mics lol

[@GlacierSound]

Many reasons

[@Holysci22]

you good people bro. thank you for everything that you do. as far as mixing goes, should i leave the tube tech compressor on my vocal chain after i’m done recording the vocals ?

[@watchmykicksllc]

Bro can you do a plug-in vocal chain? I’m recording in Luna and either my headphones too low or my mic too low or I’m peaking… need help!

[@D.Rothchild]

He went in with those 2. But he had all kinds of ins going to the SSL he couldve added.

[@oscarhenryjr]

Archie, thank you for educating us. I’m interested and sound engineering. What is the best way to learn is it to schools or online or through KZbin I’m based out of New York /New Jersey

[@liljae6816]

I was wondering if you could do a vocal chain for CHIEF KEEF, LIL DURK OR GHERBO I THINK THAT WOULD BE INTERESTING

[@bencalhoun]

Yer awesome. Great videos! Thx!

[@tragicvillesocialmedia9878]

Yooo Archie good video, what's a good alternative for the 737? Currently don't have Apollo so I can't run it, but I can settle for something close to it .

[@believe-in-righteousness]

Great video

[@Unitonika]

Archie💙

[@archiebeatz]

Heyyyyy! I hope you and your parents are doing well!!!!!!!

[@Unitonika]

@@archiebeatz We're great. Thank you for asking. 🤗💙

[@SamRawsteen]

Yes the sphere is crazy!!!

[@billbeats5135]

Idk about the tube mic into the tube pre i havent had good experiences with that.

[@frankjamesbonarrigo7162]

No delay on the vocal?

[@prod.2642]

10th cycle proficiency? Did you attend CRAS? Awesome video btw

[@maximustheproducer]

DOPE VIDEOS!

[@hazegreen1896]

the main thing is Jay Z. everything else is frosting on the cake. and and artist like that with his timbre and feel should make it easy. The best singers and players make it easy to record them in my experience. Then its up to the engineer's skills and after that the gear. Guru is super talented though. All this gear is basic pro chains. U-87s, tube techs, avalons, etc are in every pro studio. Its really how you use them to capture that exact voice or whatever you are recording and you can do it without them, with skills, if you have to. That SSL was kind of a deal imo though at that price with the sidecar. I wouldnt count that in the chain, maybe 1 channel on tracking if they use the eqs. Mixing is a dif story of course. That Telefunken is pretty sweet though.

[@saintclarityakacasanovabro7992]

The Mojave ma 201 is a sleeper too

[@Tim_ArtistName_Tallent]

I wish you would have rapped something bro lol for real . Great video nonetheless

[@archiebeatz]

Hahahahaha, I would have gotten boo'd off the stage, lol. I'm a singer so my rhythm-less talking voice was the best I could do for this video, lol. Thanks for dropping by Tim.

[@Tim_ArtistName_Tallent]

@@archiebeatz lol! I think that vocal chain you could have rapped the ABCs and itd be firee. Blessings glad to be here thanks

[@Lapography]

That is an Avalon M5 preamp. Check out my mic reviews

[@KINGBLVKE]

This man went to CRAS! Shittt. I guess CRAS PEOPLE DO MAKE IT!!!

[@icaris78]

dope vid

[@runupdez6030]

Man said 10th cycle proficiency… sounds like CRAS😭

[@archiebeatz]

You nailed it!!!!! I was sad to hear they got rid of the SSL 4000G+ 😔

[@runupdez6030]

@@archiebeatz I believe they still have it, at least they did when I graduated a few months ago. If I’m not mistaken it’s in the newer Gilbert campus

[@riasure]

Hey Archie Beatz, what’s good?! Always look forward to your videos😄👍🏾. Also I received a message from you on an old post, just wanted to confirm it was from you and not a fake post. Please confirm. Stay blessed🙏🏾

[@iamernieg]

WOWWWWWW 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@archiebeatz]

Thank you!

[@tellybeatzofficial]

Nice 👍🏾🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@archiebeatz]

Thanks brother!

[@tellybeatzofficial]

@@archiebeatz anytime keep releasing awesome content ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾

[@marcusdwaynegonzalez5557]

Your welcome he gives the company that made him one!

[@cecegomez3529]

You should do Ariana Grande

[@archiebeatz]

Yesss! Been working on that video. It should be dropping this week.

[@dannydaniel8975]

It's odd. Soulja Boy used the original blue Mbox, a $100 Marshall MXL mic and the stock sounds from FL studio 5 and sold 10 million records and I rappers with million dollar studios that can't sell two copies

[@pacinoslimthedrumpadpapii7853]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@archiebeatz]

Thanks bro!

[@MultiKulti]

m49 costs around 20-30K . The one you show is the modern reissue nothing like the original

[@archiebeatz]

Yes, totally. I'm aware which is why I specifically stated, "M49 V" not just the M49. Correctly identifying microphones minimizing confusion is important to me.

[@chrisw5742]

OK I never listened to him but I will go give it a listen. For 50k vocal chain I better have eargasms.....

[@chrisw5742]

OK he is just rapping at a low volume.... HE DON't NEED NO 50k vocal chain lmaoooooooooo. oooh bling bling basically....All he needs is a $20 Behringer mic and would sound pretty much the SAME.

[@maverickturner8699]

10th cycle project man you went to CRAS didn't you?! If so....#FellowAllum

[@tayoprism9520]

PLEASE DO NICKI MINAJ I NEED HER INASNE VOCAL CHAIN😭

[@archiebeatz]

She's dropping in the next few days!

[@tayoprism9520]

@@archiebeatz You don’t even know how much I appreciate you for this…if I had 1 BIL I’d give you $100M lol😂

[@TrapBoiFuse561]

Man 😂everybody use the CL1B i need too 😊

[@archiebeatz]

Man, I just talked to my wife about purchasing one. She looked at me crazy, lol. I may still have a chance, lol.

[@TrapBoiFuse561]

@@archiebeatz December I’m save up just so i can hear it my self so it better have me sounding like Zeus 🤣😂🤣

[@TrapBoiFuse561]

@@archiebeatz keep trying lol

[@BroccoCorleone]

Plug in alliance has 4000 g ! Better then uad for that plug in

[@geraldgoodiii6993]

Slate Digital mic 🎤

[@archiebeatz]

I've heard great things about the slate mic. I'm working on getting one in the studio next week.

[@KennyLauderdale]

I have the Sphere

[@tayoprism9520]

Jay Z uses the Telefunken for mostly everything because it’s the mic Beyoncé uses

[@archiebeatz]

Yes, the switch was made completely which is why I save the best and recent for the last part of this video. Thanks for watching and commenting brother.

[@StarskiYall]

Archie if you’re in the LA area and wanna come check out my c800g tube tech cl1b 1073 etc let me know!

[@b.o.n.a]

BRAZIL FAN

[@frankjamesbonarrigo7162]

He looks like that gay painter

[@jvonnjvonn4688]

you guessing thats what u think he use tho

[@garethde-witt6433]

🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣 Don’t make me laugh Jay Z what joke🤣😂🤣😂

[@vidoemakenoke2424]

Ik heb geen geluk ikweet dat ik dakloos gaat worden iedereen is al weg

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Pop stars use the most expensive things because they have millions of dollars to waste, they sho the music gear like Dimonds, to show off.

[@LBloggie]

beyonce aint been the same since she switched mics but she didn't sound that good with the sony 800 either

[@larrytan73]

Young Guru talked about his vocal chain and it's not that...

[@BustaMovePurkinz]

Jay z has a vocal chain?😱😱😱 I thought his vocals were mixed by God himself

[@Traidmarc]

The equipment doesn’t matter, skills and talent does. So this was rather pointless 😢

[@hip_hopwar8844]

#mahsaamini

[@hip_hopwar8844]

#مهسا_امینی

[@ericques9974]

SSL, lmaoooooo. I enjoy watching your videos man, you are funny as hell in a good way. You know why SSL was so good ? Monkey see monkey do, lmaooooooo. I had a TTV in my fridge one time, but that did not mean to invite my friends over to watch a movie on it, lmaooooo so hardddddddddddddddddd