Mixing Vocals to A 2 Track Instrumental (The Key Secret)

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At some point whether we are an artist, producer, or engineer, we will have to tackle the dreaded Vocal + 2 Track mix. The challenge is that we are locked in to whatever the instrumental already sounds like. In this video you will learn the key secret to making these mixes work, and unlearn a mistake you may have been making in the process!
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Instagram: @Weiss.Advice

[@commonsense5188]

Been mixing for years and took a couple off from music and just came back this January. I've been diving back into tutorials etc to regain my skills and see what new techniques I might have missed out on. This is my first time seeing something like this done to a 2-track. Since I was pretty intrigued by the outcome, I opened up my DAW and gave it a go with Neutron and within 30 seconds of fiddling around I made a 2-track that, while not necessarily poorly mixed, it is rather lifeless and FLAT come ALIVE. Brilliant! Fantastic tutorial.

[@WeissAdvice]

I appreciate you letting me know! Comments like this are what motivate me to keep making tutorials.

[@EngeniusBeatz]

The Moment we've all been waiting for !! Incredible stuff as always matt !!

[@WeissAdvice]

(in Mortal Kombat voice) It has begun!

[@jjboogie1]

And here we go with the good stuff! Excited to see this channel blow up.

[@WeissAdvice]

Thanks JJ!!

[@darrenmorris8685]

man, the way you articulate things is beyond me. I am so grateful for your desire to equip and teach. You're as gifted a teacher as you are engineer. Excited for the platforms growth and I can't wait for the website.

[@WeissAdvice]

I appreciate the encouragement Darren!

[@bamvoxstudios]

This is literally the problem I've been struggling with this week. Thanks so much for this video.

[@WeissAdvice]

No problem, I hope it helps!

[@michaelsmith7075]

I'm glad u back I been rocking with you going ten years Thanks for all your help My mixing improve so much

[@WeissAdvice]

Hey, thank you so much Michael! It's been really interesting to look at things from a fresh perspective after a decade+ of doing this.

[@onetruth_1]

Good job thank you for this gem! Awesome

[@CjDWIZ]

@weissadvice you are truly my favorite engineer to learn from. love the way you explain things !

[@WeissAdvice]

Thanks Cj!

[@prodpenthouse]

One of the most informative tutorials I've seen in a very long time. The whole white noise thing was super helpful. Thank you sir.

[@WeissAdvice]

Thanks for tuning in KIDWST!

[@chsprod]

Mind-blowing !!! Never thought to look this way, thank you so much

[@WeissAdvice]

Thank you CHS!

[@mixedbygip8938]

love the videos my guy!!! I been trying to learn new ways to mix vocals to a 2track beat and this is perfect!

[@WeissAdvice]

Thanks Gip!

[@panickedrobert]

I wish you the best! Keep em commin’, you’re the 🐐!

[@WeissAdvice]

New videos coming tomorrow!

[@kelvinfunkner]

that's insane! never heard of this trick. ever :-) Just awesome!

[@nashse7en]

Weiss for president now.

[@thatboychubflightteam8506]

Not the one n only weiss finally found ya my brudda💯💪🏾🙏🏾

[@WeissAdvice]

Yea, I went into hiding LOL. Glad you found the channel!

[@abletonclipper16]

Interesting choice for a first video. Looking forward to the future of this channel!

[@WeissAdvice]

I asked my IG following (@Weiss.Advice) what people wanted to see, and this was the most popular suggestion. If there's anything you'd like to see, let me know!

[@EliteOnTheBeat]

Almost 10 years later and you matt are still my Guru! 🤪 I just use trackspacer and side chain vocals to the beat and call it a day. BTW using trackspacer AFTER an effect like reverb/delay does some pretty amazing stuff. 😏

[@WeissAdvice]

I haven't had much luck with Trackspacer for opening up a 2 track - but you're not the first person to mention it here.

[@bf4lvr]

Could you explain this more please?

[@mrslickbeats]

wish I had watched this video 2 weeks ago! haha this is some great advice, can't wait to use it on my next mix, great video!

[@WeissAdvice]

Thank you!

[@JohnnyTechAudio]

This is the sauce. Thanks, Matt!

[@WeissAdvice]

Thanks for tuning in Johnny!

[@DFJ-qq3uf]

I’ve watched this over a dozen times. Instead of carving out freq. permanently. I was using fab to 🦆 when the vocals came in. It’s like rearranging your bedroom and noticing how spacious it is now. Thnx again. First time hearing this technique 💘

[@WeissAdvice]

Ducking can work if you really need it - but I rarely get the results I want that way, personally.

[@RandomRelapse]

🦆with the fab MB in the range where the vocals exist is my go to, especially while tracking over the 2 track. Also in M/S so i can just duck the M channel. Also in mixing, if u have the lastest RX suite, applying spectral repair and de-clip to a youtube rip before applying transient shaping can help restore some punch and detail surprisingly transparently.

[@elikrantzberg]

Great work, as always Mat.

[@WeissAdvice]

Thanks Eli!

[@lilrealondatrack]

Highly informative as always thanks

[@WeissAdvice]

Thanks Lil Real - and thanks for joining in on Clubhouse!

[@beromabeats]

This is great bruh!

[@Russplight]

Matt is just to damn good. EXCELLENT!

[@WeissAdvice]

Thanks Russ!

[@ezstproductions_]

Appreciate this one. Just starting to use the transient shaper plugin regularly

[@WeissAdvice]

It's a very very useful tool!

[@YFEmaxi]

love this video so much.

[@yrkobeats8966]

Great Advice Love it love it and LOVE IT!

[@WeissAdvice]

Thanks Yrko!

[@marcianeke6365]

man this is a game changer. thank you so much.

[@WeissAdvice]

No doubt Felipe!

[@Genolexis]

Yo thank you for this video. Well done. Wish there were more tutorials on mixing 2 tracks

[@LogiKILOfficial]

Love this!

[@WeissAdvice]

Thanks Kil!

[@NotationCreation-]

Thank you, Great stuff here!

[@WeissAdvice]

Thank you Nick!

[@Daviddosi]

Your a true gem my friend

[@WeissAdvice]

I do my best!

[@AutoclaveBeats]

Thank you Weiss for this tutorial...I would love to see a tutorial were you show us Producers and mix engineers how to make Mix a beat in a way it's compelling to the artiste to buy but also free from the issues you showed us how to correct in this video

[@WeissAdvice]

Ideally the producer simply gets better and better at mixing. This 2trk was already pretty good, so I think it can be used for the final mix down. Things get a little crazy when the 2trk mix itself is hurting...

[@andresiegfried2084]

Really valuable info to me.... I struggle often with how much vocal treatment can I do until I destroy the performance ("Feeling/Emotion"). Especially when I go with Melodyne. It's more an editing topic... but...Would be great to see your approach. Best Andre.... Good Luck!

[@WeissAdvice]

Thanks a GREAT suggestion! I'd have to think on the best way to present that in a concise video. Maybe a bonus "fireside chat" just talking about the ideas rather than demonstrating specifics.

[@gh0stransist0r]

Thanks, that's one nice tip.

[@WeissAdvice]

Thanks for tuning in gh0st!

[@YngHstlr]

Super helpful thank you

[@WeissAdvice]

Thank you!

[@diezfender]

Great info , thanks!

[@WeissAdvice]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@THEFUTURESOUNDBEAT]

dope tuto just in time i needed it thanks

[@WeissAdvice]

Never on schedule, always on time

[@rohitRraina]

Weiss advice #1 , I took it. Thank you ❤️

[@WeissAdvice]

Thank you Rohit!

[@Bitforceband]

Joey here, and I’m 100% here to support and learn!

[@WeissAdvice]

Glad you're on board Joey!

[@gaganbakana]

Great .. all the best..

[@WeissAdvice]

Thank you Gagan!

[@CAASIforYOU]

Never thought about doing this until now. Thank you! #weissadvicetothemoon

[@WeissAdvice]

The Bitcoin of internet education??

[@NasirAli-hs8np]

No haters here man, all love and appreciation for your efforts! and we have same hair style. :) Thank you!

[@WeissAdvice]

Thank you Nasir!

[@KitchenHooligan]

Holy shit, this was super informational and helpful!

[@WeissAdvice]

That's the goal - every time.

[@teeaymusik9811]

This was just the best advice ever in mixing with a 2 track beat, thanks man.

[@WeissAdvice]

Thanks Teeay!

[@al_gatorr]

Very useful info. Thanks

[@WeissAdvice]

Thanks Andrew!

This’ll help us a lot

[@WeissAdvice]

I think mixing 2 tracks is something we encounter pretty frequently.

[@icxndzn]

this is gold

[@WeissAdvice]

thanks Icon!

[@threethievesmusic]

Great tips. I mix so many jobs like this.

[@WeissAdvice]

Certainly no shortage of 2trk + vocal mixes to be had

[@Luan_araujo91]

amazing job bro!

[@WeissAdvice]

Thanks Luan!

[@Luan_araujo91]

@@WeissAdvice please post more vídeos about vocal 2track mixing. Thumbs UP for you.

[@GabrielCsanalosi786]

This was great! Do beat makers ever provide the stems aka individual audio tracks for mixing?

[@WeissAdvice]

More experienced producers typically do, but it depends on the circumstances.

[@zaalimbeats]

Sauce 🔥

[@aherbs86]

THANK YOU!

[@WeissAdvice]

Thanks Adam!

[@montblackmusic6908]

My maaaaan MATTHEW ALWAYS DELIVERS 💯✈️

[@WeissAdvice]

Back and better than before Mont!

[@johnwallis8325]

this changed my life thanks

[@WeissAdvice]

Oh dang! LOL - thanks John!

[@johnwallis8325]

@@WeissAdvice i was using track spacer but this is much better i might jus try both together jus use track spacer ever so slightly

[@officaldemise6763]

Great video. Once I have finished transient processing I have a question... The beats are usually clipping. So would it be correct to bring the beat and vocal volume down so the master bus is between -3/6 db and then use a limiter to give volume back again?

[@WeissAdvice]

Great question - I would make two recommendations. First, work in a 32-bit session to prevent internal clipping. Second, set your gain on your elements lower as the very first step in your mixes: give yourself room to work!

[@Venitius]

Thanks for the content! I'd like to see good tips on editing (specially vocals). There isn't enough talk about engineering basics

[@WeissAdvice]

I agree! When the WeissAdvice.net goes live one of the webinars I plan on doing will be on vocal comping and editing. It's a leeeeeeettle hard to teach in a KZbin video because it's not the most superficially exciting topic and it requires some keen listening that doesn't necessarily translate in a shorter video.

[@Venitius]

@@WeissAdvice greaaat! Can’t wait! Session prep, editing aren’t sexy topics for KZbin indeed. Nobody gonna talk on how to debreath with taste on here ;) that would be very valuable if you can talk about these kind of stuff because most learning platforms go straight to the mixing part

[@WIIMTheMusician]

Super clutch info! Question: how do u record your tutorial audio while showing a session in your DAW? Do you have 2 sessions running simultaneously?

[@WeissAdvice]

I use Screenflow and link my converter inputs directly to that.

[@colewade8767]

I need a one on one convo wit you I’m at a level where I’m taking this leap could you show me an FL studio equivalent to this technique?

[@JohnMarshall-NI]

Do you ever sidechain Trackspacer2 or even Soothe2 to dynamically create space for a vocal on the mixbus? Trackspacer does the job very well. I have yet to try Soothe2 for the task though.

[@WeissAdvice]

Typically I avoid this, because I personally find the way I'm using it detracts too much from the beat itself. That could just be my technique for setting it up though.

[@kwekuem3485]

Hi superman, this is really a great stuff for me. One quick question, can you recommend another multiband transient enhancer for me? Example in waves or any other aside izotope. Thanks alot

[@WeissAdvice]

Audio Assault. Fantastic and inexpensive.

[@nepbeats91]

Bruh I had to keep pausing cuz of the gospel!!! You doing the mix lord's work

[@WeissAdvice]

Thanks Cizzle!

[@AutoclaveBeats]

Greetings to you Weiss, how are you doing....how do you go about panning or getting a wide mix in modern music like dancehall , trap etc where there aren't many elements in it sometimes (one snare, one hi hat, one keyboard part in the verse, a different one in the chorus etc) thanks

[@WeissAdvice]

That's not always easy! Typically I'm looking to use delays and reverbs, and if I can, finding ways to spread out the non-rhythmic elements (like using chorusing or free-splitting). Every mix is different though! There isn't one single answer to that.

[@ItzMixxedAfro]

Could you essentially achieve the same end goal using Ozone 9’s Master Rebalance before M/S processing? The only difference that I can think of is with the transient shaper you’re changing the initial articulation of the drums where as with Master Rebalance you’re changing the volume of the drums.

[@WeissAdvice]

Probably. I've been using this technique before that particular plugin existed, so new tech may offer better solutions. One thing to consider: the limiting/clipping on an overly loud print also changes the shape of the drums - a transient designer will (somewhat) change that shape back.

[@ItzMixxedAfro]

@@WeissAdvice thanks for the Advice Mr.Weiss! I’m gonna play back and forth with both and come back with my hot take and maybe we could get your insight on a video with the “new tech” in comparison?!

[@ItsSyer]

Great videos my guy but can u do a video on how to process vocals to a 2-track beat like eq compress effects ect..?

[@WeissAdvice]

That sounds like a good idea! It's not *much different than processing vocals regularly, but with one hitch. I typically compress my vocals a little heavier to match the compression happening on the 2 track. This allows the vocals to keep up with the density. This might end up being my next video.

[@ItsSyer]

@@WeissAdvice thanks big dawg! I'm sure we all would appreciate it! I'm trying my best to learn how to mix my rap vocals to a 2 track beat but haven't found a video yet to give me any clear advise so thank you and hope u do put a video of that nature on your video series!

[@adi_gee]

will waves vitamin make a simmilar job? i mean it saturates "putting back to life" certain bands but will it actually enchance transient aswell or it has to be certainly multiband transient sheper? will typical envelope shaper make a job done aswell?

[@WeissAdvice]

I've never tried it with Vitamin. Give it a go, report back! I think an envelope shaper might be a little tricky unless it's dynamically triggered.

[@Luan_araujo91]

Would u Do a refresh of this video, with some more tips on depht Plisssssssss!

[@WeissAdvice]

It's in the plans to do a complete video detailing different types of issues with 2 tracks and the different solutions required. Got a few things to get through though...

[@phuongdang8348]

hi weiss great video! im just wondering: how much louder should the vocal be compared to the mp3 beat?

[@WeissAdvice]

there's no real right or wrong answer to this. Loud enough where you can hear it clearly, but not so loud that it feels disconnected from the record.

[@MikeCakaKaliYoungTv]

wow. never thought of that, might just retire my trackspacer now lol.

[@WeissAdvice]

I love Trackspacer, just not for mixing vocals to a 2track.

[@Modezart]

great adv bro

[@WeissAdvice]

Thanks Modezart... also.. great name!

[@Modezart]

@@WeissAdvice Aye no problem bro. I appreciate you for the compliment

[@crizfms]

Hi I bought the membership of your course for the rest of this tutorial but I can’t find it.. can you help me? Awesome advice

[@WeissAdvice]

Unfortunately, this video is over 2.5 years old, I've since taken that particular video down. Join the Discord, I'd be happy to give you some feedback on your mixes if you're struggling with 2tracks. We also do weekly webinars and I can do a live presentation on 2 track mixing - one of the perks of being a member, you can not only attend webinars but also request webinar topics.

[@algreen8499]

🔥

[@formerlyknownrecords]

most instrumentals found online now have an overpowering low end, How could I take care of that without pulling out an eq instinctively?

[@claudiacomas1333]

so do u just use a limiter on vocals to get it out there commercial wise, cause if the instrumental is alr limited how do i send it out to platforms

[@1verzhn]

Can you do this if you have a rock hiphop hybrid 2 track? Like a full mix bounce?

[@WeissAdvice]

I don't see any specific reason why not, except the sustaining elements like bass and guitars might make the transients a little harder to grab if the record is already heavily compressed/limited.

[@mixbygygyondbeat1295]

Great video. I mix with a 2 track everytime. But I don't have a transit sharper like in your video what do I do?

[@WeissAdvice]

Hi Gy - it's a little tricky but you can use an expander very subtly, or you can duplicate your track and use crossovers (hi pass and lo pass filters) to separate your highs, mids, and lows and use and expander if you need to really target things.

[@Luan_araujo91]

Please do a full lenght video about this, your video is a night and day difference talking about mixing with 2track.

[@WeissAdvice]

I'll do a more in depth one. *Probably* gonna end up on the subscription page once the website is launched though.

[@icxndzn]

how do you gain stage the vocal and the 2trk beat? do you just adjust the levels by ear?

[@WeissAdvice]

I just make sure I give myself enough room to work with.

[@ReeseWitherknife]

Gold

[@WeissAdvice]

Thanks Peter!

[@zayschosen]

Could I use an SSL E-channel strip to achieve this effect?

[@WeissAdvice]

not as easily, but if you hacked away at it, you could get something that works.

[@royallmuzikproductionzuk7912]

Hi weiss do you gain stage the 2 track before starting your process ?

[@WeissAdvice]

I typically lower the 2 track to give myself room to work, yes.

[@cdauterive1]

Can I used a waves transient to accomplish the same results?

[@WeissAdvice]

Yes. I personally prefer Audio Assault MB Transient these days in terms of how effective it is, but the Waves one will still do the job.

[@fullViewJay]

I wish i could use this plugin but it, like a most of my izotope plugins, keep crashing in PT

[@WeissAdvice]

oi... frustrating

[@fullViewJay]

@@WeissAdvice yeah I’ll reach out to izotope but have to get over it for now lol. Do you think Waves Smack Attack is a good alternative for it?

[@lamarasamuel]

Another Tip. This works waay better in m/s

[@PompeyProductions]

Great tip!! Thanks #yepyep

[@WeissAdvice]

Thanks Aubrey!

[@adi_gee]

Would expanding in pro q 3 dynamicly work too?

[@WeissAdvice]

I haven't specifically tried it, but it certain could - very similar concept.

[@adi_gee]

@@WeissAdvice thanks for an answer 🥰

[@knowledge8276]

Will you mix my vocal on mastered beat I will send you flstudio file

[@davelordy]

@0:26 . . . the word is "overarching" (over-arch-ing) rather than "overarcing" (over-arc-ing).

[@WeissAdvice]

Oh Lordy! LOL. Thank goodness I'm teaching music and not English cause otherwise my channel would be a mess.

[@davelordy]

@@WeissAdvice I'll let this one go as they are cognates, that is to say they share a common etymological ancestor, both 'arc' and 'arch' derive from the Latin word 'arcus' (meaning 'bow') . . . but never let this happen again otherwise the UK language police will be knocking on your door.

[@DFJ-qq3uf]

Nice! Can i do this with fab filter in logic?

[@DFJ-qq3uf]

I have waves transx’s and metafilter can that replace lfo?

[@WeissAdvice]

You may want to use Fabfilter Pro-MB in expansion mode.

[@DFJ-qq3uf]

Its like taking a group photo. An having the tall people in the back. And the shorter ppl in front and middle. Still get a pic with everyone in it 😉

[@DFJ-qq3uf]

@@WeissAdvicecan I use smack attack as an alternative for transient shaper. Thnx wise Weiss

[@user-jw8zm1fg7m]

I don't understand how to use the lfo tool on fl studio..

[@WeissAdvice]

Hmmmm. I would think it would work the same way. You set your BPM, set your window size (1 bar, 1/2 bar, 1/4 note, etc), and then draw the curve. It's fairly straightforward but I've never used it in FL.

[@user-jw8zm1fg7m]

@@WeissAdvice I mean, do you sidechain the vocal to the plugin or is it basically picking a working rhythm?

[@user-jw8zm1fg7m]

@@WeissAdvice FL's sidechain system is annoying sometimes. I

[@MrRaphaelRobinson]

Hey new channel I'm subbing good stuff as always

[@WeissAdvice]

Thanks Raphael!

[@MAATHOTEP]

HIGH 5 BRUH.

[@WeissAdvice]

Thanks Maat!

[@samdeezi5187]

Why do you make the instrumentals 2 tracks ?

[@WeissAdvice]

Personally, I don't. However, some producers do either because they want to lock in "their sound" or simply because they don't know how to export trackouts.

[@learnforfree9755]

you will never be on my level

[@WeissAdvice]

Maybe one day, if I keep at it!

[@BrickHouseRecords]

dawg you look just like berner lmao

[@WeissAdvice]

LOL... I have a picture with B Dolan that's really funny