How to Produce a Massive Vocal Wall of Sound | Devin Townsend

Find out how musician/producer Devin Townsend turns his own vocal performance into a massive wall of sound. If your music needs a huge vocal choir but you only have your own voice to work with, check this out. Watch more from Devin: www.waves.com/devin
Watch more tips on mixing vocals: www.waves.com/learn-vocals
Check out more plugins for processing vocals: www.waves.com/vocals
Plugins used in this video:
Renaissance DeEsser: www.waves.com/rendesser
Renaissance Equalizer: www.waves.com/reneq
V-Comp Vintage Compressor: www.waves.com/vcomp
Renaissance Reverb: www.waves.com/renreverb
H-Delay: www.waves.com/hdelay
"Truth" composed by Devin Townsend, from the album Transcendence by the Devin Townsend Project. Live performance from the DVD Ocean Machine - Live at the Ancient Roman Theatre Plovdiv courtesy of Devin Townsend.

[@drrodopszin]

Give this poor man his damn 200 voice choir!

[@stanleysdad]

Well he’s got it now on Empath!

[@monkeyrobotsinc.9875]

he doesnt need it

[@lalakuma9]

Please Devin, let me join your space choir.

[@rickyrampage3732]

there would be 3 parts.... im good.

[@heinrichsmit2]

Give this man a bells

[@AlRomo19]

"Just pick the default options" you just gave me the solution to my life.

[@redel37]

Best comment!

[@cccc4life]

Not gonna work bro

[@danymalsound]

@@SteveStockmalMusic "Don't be afraid to use presets" - Kane Churko (In This Moment, Papa Roach, Five Finger Death Punch, etc) \m/

[@janneboman8573]

Also, experiment with extremes. If you have a guitar/bass pedal, see what the knobs do at min/max, halfway, etc. That way you get an idea of the characteristics.

[@arthurperez4884]

Exactly couldn't have said it better

[@psychicandice]

More please. I wish this video was seven hours long. Something tells me Waves Audio edited out thirty minutes of classic Devin quips and dad jokes lol

[@andreassmidelov]

If you're looking for more, I'd recommend checking out his session with Toontrack, where he basically creates and produces the song "Stars" in a 2 hour livestream :)

[@_patrikjay_]

Me too watching artists mix their stuff...is so needed...I'd watch ten hours..while playing guitar of course....

[@erra1645]

Possibly - but he explains it clearly enough to get the idea of what he's doing. It's just one audio sample copied and mixed with the original audio sample but on a short delay, or a future copy, spliced with the same audio sample on fade-in, fade-out effects and mono vs. stereo mix-and-match. The technique itself is actually very simple, but it is time consuming and the final product is a complex, multi-layered piece of music. The "money-money-money-money-money" echo also requires proper timing - too short or too long both kill what you're going for. Have to get it right in that sweet spot. I was doing something similiar to this back in high school when I was using Audacity and tried to create a spliced together version of all the different bands that had made a cover for "Enjoy The Silence" but it was obviously more simplistic and with nowhere near the same level of time dedication to it as I suspect Devin does.

[@kfitzi]

I love his approach. The sub-mixing allows him to stop wasting time on rethinking every decision. You commit early to the first sound that sounded good and you focus on the big picture all the time. Brilliant way to keep your eyes (and ears) on the prize. Fast decision making is a major key to success in any field, and here too.

[@rix0r222]

thanks for making this clear. I couldn't quite understand the benefits of the sub-mixes, but now it's obvious.

[@sirriffsalot4158]

Yeah, except for.. well.. anything to do with safety, say like a construction site, lol! :)

[@AstraVex]

SO... * Soften The Transients * 300ms to 500ms - ping pong delay * Hall Reverb to soften the delay transients * Compress with Fast Attack & Release, crush it at 4:1 Ratio * Be devoted enough to make 30+ vocal harmony tracks of yourself. * ??????? * -Profit- Coffee

[@CaptainBenetration]

Lmao. I've never agreed with anything so much as this. 😅

[@alex9ten884]

thanks

[@thygod]

"Devoted enough" You say that like it isn't fun as fuck layering those things.

[@Jolontokhalilswork]

yes thats the fact

[@rockbandftmfw9]

@@thygod Its work Ill tell ya, shit isnt easy

[@lanelauhoff]

6:37 New notification tone.

[@Knifymoloko]

lmao

[@Useful-_-Idiot]

Damn it I really want that now. No clue how to do so.

[@yebele2913]

"I'm not a fan of options" - Devin Townsend

[@Patrick-857]

No proper artist is. Limitations breed creativity.

[@slimkickens]

@MorbidManMusic then he'd just use hardware.

[@slimkickens]

@@Patrick-857 yup. I own a few decent mid size tube amps, a couple good mics, and the waves CLA bundle. 90% of everything I do gets pushed through a CLA-2A

[@FellishBeast]

I think he's my spirit animal.

[@Zero-oq1jk]

@@FellishBeast You witch

[@RyanStrainMusic]

"I take the low end, and I back that up" I bet you do BOIIIII

[@Ravver]

lmfao

[@Oshidorinohina]

im glad i wasnt the only one who thought that

[@Mtaalas]

It's wonderful that REAPER allows you to do these submixes as "sub projects" you don't have to render and render again, you just make a project within a project and it renders the output for you and insterts it into a track :D

[@plummetplum]

Some one tell Devin that, I can really see the value of sub projects for this application, the beauty of it is you can go back and change it awesome.

[@chickencatapult]

This is Bob Ross level relaxing to watch.

[@PositiveSoundServices]

LMAO!!! Facts

[@ixehuayo]

Jajajaja, a huevo!

[@valik-stu]

Absolutely not for me 🤔

[@d3laiah]

I'm completely shocked to see how much work and genius goes into these recordings and mixes. Devin is like 5 geniuses coming together and collaborating, only it's all inside this one persons magnificent brain and body. what an artist, what a human being... just unreal.

[@sharpen-up]

Makes me want to try harder in my productions!... That's both a good and a bad thing...

[@IrateWizrd]

And he's released multiple albums in the same year many times. God damned incredible

[@SteveStockmalMusic]

Craaaaaazy good

[@michaelandreyev5029]

Funny you say that cause his mixes aren't particularly genius. I for one love his talent but find his songs technically pretty mediocre - bland and unfocused, too much space and air. Never liked that in a mix and I don't know who would.

[@twolvy9023]

@@michaelandreyev5029 You should probably listen to Alien or Deconstruction

[@SiGhast]

The subtitles have impeccable comedic timing at 10:47.

[@diegooliveirabenjamin]

This dude is too good! I'm not even a fan, but this is beautiful to see, and I will listen to his music from now on for sure!

[@rlbradish]

Diego Oliveira was great

[@diegooliveirabenjamin]

@@rlbradish was? He's still alive! Am I right?

[@sharpen-up]

I just went back to a 1996 album of his. City. Sculpted my youth!

[@diegooliveirabenjamin]

@@sharpen-up gonna check it for sure Bro

[@IrateWizrd]

@@rlbradish he's still good now, what're you talking about?

[@brianaverett7251]

I have no idea what you're talking about but, I'm entranced

[@Kyp031]

Devin is a freaking master.

[@donmurphy7666]

One of the first things I mentioned to the guy who got me into Devin is that all of his songs sound like he has 1000 people/instruments playing at once and it sounds amazing. Now I know how that happens.

[@Byhythloh]

I literally know nothing about producing music or any of that tech stuff...but watching Devy work is always so fascinating .

[@mincentprice1041]

I was a touring musician for 26 years & have used several software based studio recording. I'm going to try some of Devin's methods, and I hope I get a fraction of results. I absolutely love how he has matured into my favorite prog metal artist with that wall of sound. He is the modern day Phil Specter producer That voice and guitar prowess are 2nd to none!

[@HeadbangersKitchen]

I love Devin :)

[@nnnneeeeuuuu]

Headbanger's Kitchen your recipes are great, nice to see you’re a devin fan too

[@MegaStevie1990]

One of the most talented people I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to, and seeing live!

[@smashrhythm]

He is the Zappa of our time. He’s visions are so clearly executed and masterfully crafted. It goes to show you if you give the right man the right tools, you have a masterpiece. Devon will always have incredibly brilliant material. Even if you’re not a metalhead there will be something in there you will like. I’m positive of that.

[@punchmehard]

smashrhythm And has a direct line to Zappa! When he was young he got his start with Steve Vai. When Vai was young he got his start with Zappa :-)

[@smashrhythm]

Mark Bradford yeah true. it’s a shame Vai and Townsend had a falling out.

[@ianmendham6671]

Hummer’s a banging album

[@azal191]

@@smashrhythm they didn't. Steve played on Synchestra, they are on friendly terms.

[@ladariusjohnson709]

Sorry He's no where near the level of Frank Zappa.

[@A_Final_Hit]

With the exception of SYL, I've never been a big fan of his music. However, I'm a big fan of Devin because of his creativity and vision. I'd love to see more videos like this with him.

[@leeupton6015]

Loved Devin for many years now. Was supposed to see him in Manchester a few days ago but got stuck in a 3 hour traffic jam instead which was WAAAAY more fun.

[@synaestatic]

I love his brain.

[@kingfckingwizard1623]

From 10:08 onward,.. Mixing on another level,.. The way the echos just dissolved into the mix,.. Incredible

[@kingfckingwizard1623]

@MorbidManMusic The walls of sound,.. 4 homogeneous vocals with different panning & reverb settings,.. I can't say that is normal,.. I usually do 2. & that wasn't the lead vox

[@monkeyrobotsinc.9875]

So basically, verb the hell outta hella delayed vocals. In that order. Brilliant.

[@ace88bf]

@@monkeyrobotsinc.9875 Works amazingly well on instruments, too. With the same method you can get an awesome lead tone for big epic notes

[@tompparmp9928]

Many musicians have a symphony playing in their heads just before they fall asleep. Dev is the one who puts them on tape. It takes some dedication kids! :)

[@Kurt1969]

One of the most honest, humble, brilliant and talented musicians out there right now. I remember watching Devin live on the Sex and Religion tour with Vai, and was absolutely mesmerized with his vocal and guitar talent. Had no he was going to take it to the moon and beyond, and then some. Great video! Too bad it's not a few hours longer ;)

[@npinjest7779]

What's most impressive is his ability to clearly explain what and why he is doing, and not just play-by-play for a sequence of steps... the required mastery of the subject matter to accomplish that is awe-inspiring.

[@matthewleger5605]

Man, I'm not a fan of prog rock or anything like that at all anymore but this was a wonderful video. Devin is very articulate; this video helped solidify my understanding of some basic terms I was pretty sure I understood. I'll be trying this trick on a song of mine tonight. Thanks, Waves and Devin!

[@CLIFFLIX]

My God, this man is a genius! He has an amazing ear for music. Devin is a truly unique muscian.

[@pinkjedi6664]

Damn I could listen to him talk about this stuff all day, he is truly a master of his craft!

[@sisaktamas]

It’s just like using photoshop really, layers and filters, transparencies etc. Painting with sound. You gotta love it.

[@SecondaryHomunculus]

Devy is one of rhe greatest artists of the past 200 years. He transcends music and philosophy; he becomes art in every form.

[@billyhughes9776]

Devin is awesome on so many levels. I'm not even familiar with a lot of his music but anytime I find something like this with him I watch.

[@jefffarver4695]

Had the amazing chance to sit and interview him years ago. To say hes talented, and has an unreal feel of music, is an understatement. I wish I still worked for the magazine because I'd kill to spend another hour with Devin

[@bluecollarstudio8513]

Never heard of this guy but I'm definitely going to check out his tunes. Really beautiful stuff there.

[@Monkeyneeds]

Blue Collar Studio You won’t be disappointed! He’s a master!! Enjoy your ride!

[@chrisvickroy6170]

Did you ever become a fan?

[@aldoblar]

Check out his singing on Vais sex and religion album

[@drakenn342]

Devy's specialties seem to be making beautiful walls of sound and creating melody out of anything.

[@flapflapflap88]

Only just starting to get into Devin, but, he is already easily my favourite person ever.

[@mopembopem]

Devin, thank you so much. Love your music, can't get enough. Please do more videos like this!

[@tgletgle9980]

This might be one of the best tuts i've seen! And for what its worth Waves, this earned you a subscription.

[@tamdam]

Same here

[@pizzadough686]

This video flew by, needs to be longer. Super informative from a super talented Devy

[@jeremythornton433]

That is an amazing insight into the mind of a mad scientist! Great stuff! I hope there are a lot more of these videos and I hope the world gets to enjoy them!

[@mminjarez]

Hands down BEST MUSIC IN A PLUG IN PROMO VID EVER. Amazing.

[@cameronroot]

Always love getting tips and insight into Devin's methods!

[@quentinnussbaumer8922]

I feel home with this dude explaining awesome things about his awesome music

[@howdesign]

And I thought I was the only fan who called his technique a 'wall of sound'! Amazing insight Dev!

[@JuanPiVlok]

Devin is simply a true genius, more videos like this please

[@HENRIAALTO]

Thank you Devin for all the info and for showing insight to your production process!

[@sunsetpoet-songwriter8323]

Thanks for giving a look at your process.

[@davelocke]

How can anybody dislike this? Great insight into his brilliant mind!

[@ClipofTheDayy]

This man is insanely good, knows what he is doing, wish I was this good.

[@skunkmaster34]

Mr. Townsend..... You are so FVCKING based. Everyone shows the end result.....the perfection....but you Sir... show the process.... AMAZIN

[@Atem_S.]

Sounds epic!! Wall of sounds indeed!!

[@JQLLC]

Hevy Devy is a metal Brian Wilson. Just massively impressive. I hope this video shows that he's putting out a new album.

[@sapiensesciencecerveau2523]

Dev's sound is my stress test for any sound system or headset. This insight of Truth gives basically the blueprints of the vocal wall of sound down to the furthest background "hee" echoes I've never caught in the final mix.

[@TheMalikTwins]

You have no idea how excited this makes me!!!

[@Spudcore]

Really useful demo, thank you ever so much Mr Townsend! I'm a big SYL fan, and it always blew my mind how huge and dense and noisy the mix was, but how you could still pick out the individual elements. It's great to get a little bit of insight into how you achieved that. Cheers Devin!

[@marc-antoinemetivier2854]

Devin is so articulate. The guitars are cruching in that mix!

[@paulpouwelsmcmillan]

Well, that was excellent. Devin would be an amazing music lecturer! Such great tips and so well explained.

[@earworm]

Delay into reverb and submixes. I will have to try that way more. Thanks Devin!

[@keithb2055]

right what I got was .... vocal 1,2,3 and 4..... the rest went over my head! .... still.... never mind still love Dev's music.... that mad, cheeky, brilliant, music wizard! Devin's music is not just for Christmas, its for life!

[@Galacticat_]

Love watching the genius at work!

[@Dyldozer666]

Brilliant producer he is. And a musician as well.

[@wouterdesmedt1736]

Extremely inspiring. Also, epic air quotes.

[@pimpfasho11]

Man, this is so dope! Thanks for sharing!

[@1n35pbso]

he does almost the same with the guitars I'm pretty sure, so there's a couple more walls of sound than just one. And that's a huge work. Devin is great as always!

[@HermanvanGelder]

very inspiring! Breaking things down into multiple submixes. It makes a lot o' sense.

[@nigelstewart7920]

Hi Devin, I've never heard your music before, but I'm going to thoroughly investigate your back catalogue. I really enjoyed your sound.

[@nicholasparis5281]

Very cool demonstration, VOX layering and effects! THANK YOU for showing us the audio routing.. Idk how many effects tutorials I've seen where they simply do not show HOW the tracks are routed through their submixes and why!

[@kriskenard]

We love you, Devin

[@HeavyDude3000]

You got to love this guy 😊

[@Jamusictv]

Simply brilliant! Mind blown 🤯

Amazing complexity!

[@sergioprasca8850]

He make it see so easy but yet again that's what years and years of being a master does.

[@MACTRUQUE]

Incredibly helpful.

[@realraven2000]

A fun variant of the 2 pairs of pans is to record the snippets by standing in different places of the room (especially great if you have an open plan staircase in the studio) with a pair of stereo mics. You get a real sense of "having a choir" with that. Just keep sending your singer around and let him sing the same notes over and over. (don't try this on your own, unless you have a slick remote control on your daw)

[@robinjames29]

what a beautiful person and so good at articulating this

[@Robert_11911]

Sounds great Devin.

[@ghonair]

Now this was a really great video, great own stile, like it very much. Congratulations.

[@ivanandreev9289]

Love you Devin!

[@joeymusic]

Very helpful!

[@mickeymiguel2726]

Devin great explanation

[@Quant-Beat]

Thanks a lot Devin! We need pro knowledge from people like you.

[@britfoxstudios]

genius! nice job and thanks for sharing this brilliant tip!!

[@chaosoul-seanleeriggs369]

So awesome watching an influence of mine honing their craft

[@Vor_Tex_Sun]

this is pure gold

[@hunterrogersmusic]

I love this man!

[@Demanufactur3r]

Great, I never heard the HEEE vocals previously, now its the first thing that stands out. Will never unhear.

[@raymondmeadows5363]

Master of his craft. How much I'd give to be a fly on the wall in his mixing/post-production process.

[@paulbooker95]

Watching the Wizard at work. Devin is a true genius. 🤘🏻😎🤘🏻

[@matthewacosta9767]

Genius at work...and he started on a banjo!

[@logothescanandeffectmaker2122]

Incredible stuff!

[@Dyrtbag68]

He's just on that next level.

[@seanmcgowan4423]

Amazing!

[@bm625]

My brain can't handle this level of genius.

[@NessunDorma732]

Amazing video thank you guys so much !

[@jod_hates_it_here6895]

devin is incredible

[@sski]

Ah, so I've been doing it right all along. Thanks for the conformation.

[@iamjoehill]

I've been doing this since 2012! Tight!

[@timhoadacoustic]

Incomprehensible. My respect for this man have quadrupled.