How to Mix Rap Vocals | Leslie Brathwaite (Pharrell Williams)

[@camo7173]

7:15 keep in mind that professional studios often have expensive hardware compressors on their microphone chains already, meaning the raw vocal has had its dynamics tamed a bit to begin with. Thats why he doesnt need to compress too much in the mixing phase. If you dont have that set up you may need to compress more than he does to get consistent dynamics.

[@unlawfulmuzik]

Dustin Cross fact!!!

[@dsahin11]

@@unlawfulmuzik yeah is that Rcompressor on the aux even working lmao?

[@captainvoluntaryistthestat3207]

how much ratio and attack?

[@automotiveperformancemobil4030]

@@captainvoluntaryistthestat3207 There's no one way easy breezy answer for that. It depends on the voice who's behind the mic

[@djproducerccm]

100% true

[@MixedByS]

Waves is amazing for giving out pro tips

[@sinbrando3234]

these arnt pro tips.

[@theR0ck3tsumm3r]

Bro that cut around 200hz on the SSL changed EVERYTHING for me

[@melohypewill777]

@@theR0ck3tsumm3r lmaoo i felt that !

[@stuff4826]

waves is amazing for making basic bitches feel special

[@Kathayne636]

@@sinbrando3234 These are tips from a professional. Protips.

[@AquaticAudio]

I love how he emphasizes that he uses his ears (6:27) instead of focusing on doing what's "technically correct". I feel like that's a massively underrated way to mix. At the end of the day, if it sounds good, that's all that matters!

[@theRealManDawg]

This is my method only because I don’t know what anything means lol

[@grrrruh]

@@theRealManDawg Absolutely BASED

[@kingfreshbeatz5622]

This cool methode

[@formi_innit]

🎯

[@gbrcas2661]

Finally, somebody that actually knows what he’s doing when it comes to rap vocals (1000 likes tho😂)

[@lilrariwmb3656]

OFFICIAL CASPA same thing I said

[@kcityy]

For real!

[@zafmo9829]

he didnt let off any secrets. if you think thats all he does to get a professional sound your insane.

[@gbrcas2661]

Zaf Mo okay mate😂😂😂😂

[@steeziak]

exactly. whats the master bus looking like is the real game

[@animaltronix-world]

Dude. Love this guy. Everything he's saying too is making me feel better about sometimes mixing more by instinct and not always getting too caught up into theory and freq. numbers. Also his respect for the tracking engineer's/artist sound when he gets the session is great. I just love this guy's whole vibe. No wonder he's so successful.

[@DidierBampiliMusicProduction]

I have good music contents check me out

[@jeremyfox7599]

This is easily one of the absolute greatest professional top-level industry-standard educational breakdowns of the mixing process that I have ever seen and I have seen them all. Thank you, Mr Brathwaite, the time you gave us was hugely appreciated - I have bookmarked this video so that I can watch it again to take notes. Truly brilliant work!

[@thebookwaswaybetter2827]

I think the beauty in this mix really lies in the beat. The engineer is able to keep things really clean and simple on the vocal because the beat has so much space cut out for it. Each instrument and drum sample has a space carved out for it so nothing is clashing. I’d really like to see how the beat was mixed more than anything

[@jessedutton2474]

the book was way better the beat is all low end and high end and the vocals sit in the middle perfectly

[@Vidorraofficial]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJXaaGpno7hoj6M here's the video on the beat being mixed!

[@ashaolujimi3751]

All Drums should be eq'd with any 1073 you have at your disposal,I find that a switching eq is the holy grail when it comes to eq'ing drums so that they have the punch and weight that's desired.

[@facksvillain2296]

@@ashaolujimi3751 would you put it on a drum bus or the mix bus?

[@ashaolujimi3751]

@@facksvillain2296 i eq on the insert with a 1073 channel strip and the drum bus and proper gain staging will keep your volume in the sweet spot so no worries when it comes to clipping...

[@crimewavbeats5532]

So happy for G from Fresh Prince, crazy how he went from acting to mixing....

[@Top10soon]

lol

[@kariokegathering9782]

bad boys 3 out yet

[@Kathayne636]

Yeah, good for him! Days of waiting hand and foot on those rich folk is over!

[@Prod5300]

Wait you fr?

[@crimewavbeats5532]

@@Kathayne636 😂😂😂

[@LUSCIOUSDUNCAN]

brother that whole concept of acting like a "reductive" producer by starting with getting rid of what you DON'T want in the mix and THEN boosting the stuff you DO want, that's beautiful, i love it man. very clever philosophy. hope to see more from you!

[@mrdilonemusic]

0:51 I love how he's got a keyboard on a keyboard

[@bigprevo]

It took me years of trial and error to learn what you just dropped in a 24 min video...DOPE!

[@GuyFerzOfficial]

I like how he thinks with the "sound" in mind and not the "stats"... that's what music's all about

[@kamtheproducer]

Me & Leslie are both graduates from Full Sail University Recording Arts program. I met him a few times while at Full Sail. Amazing dude here!🔥

[@RealLiveEnt321]

What year?

[@theuniversalmindsetpodcast6253]

everytime i tried to enroll there they played me

[@Zopo214]

I graduate in june

[@lesterbud]

Thanks Bro

[@alecoftheyouth454]

i start there in august! i saw him when i went on the BTS tour

[@chrissonix5092]

That analogy he gave about cleaning a room is a perfect mindset when thinking about the art of mixing. Alot of principles elaborated on in this video. Well-put together!

[@JEANJKKT]

you don't need college when you got gems like this lurking on the internet.

[@ceesarort3ga940]

BAESIKLI and how you gonna learn this skills?

[@MrCman987]

BAESIKLI he went to full sail tho 🥴

[@Waynyce]

Watch the videos. Read the manuals!

[@Dbwj-so6mu]

Yah but having a degree means you went through 100s of hours of Indepth education in a certain field, and will make you more qualified forma job then someone who is educated through KZbin

[@daamaad]

@@Dbwj-so6mu don't hate.

[@justicebaker407]

I like how he said this is not me being lazy but this is me wanting them to sound like there in the same space participating on the same energy. Good point

[@SouhailEntertainment]

Introduction and Experience - 00:00:00 Neon Guts Project Overview - 00:00:35 Using Waves Tune on Vocals - 00:01:24 Setting Vocal Key and Parameters - 00:03:08 Subtractive Approach and De-essing - 00:04:12 EQ and Compression Techniques - 00:05:32 Using SSL and Other Plugins - 00:08:01 Blending Vocals of Different Artists - 00:09:16 Using CLA Plugin for Cohesion - 00:10:22 Detailed Plugin Adjustments - 00:12:00 Effect of Compression and De-essing - 00:13:44 Final Vocal Chain and Compression - 00:16:02 Handling Overdubs and Ad-libs - 00:17:08 Automation and Special Effects - 00:20:33 Minimalistic Approach to Mixing - 00:22:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts - 00:23:02

[@ELBRAIGO]

Leslie Brathwaite is my favorite engineer, feels like he actually likes sharing what he's done with us and does it well.

[@CantonMasterDrummer]

I been learning a lot about the industry from Leslie in my recent classes at Full Sail. Dude has so much amazing advice for young producers and engineers.

[@NVtheEngineer]

this is everything I do and a lot of the same plugins. This spoke to my soul. Love your work. Jack Harlow - Confetti is $$

[@theR0ck3tsumm3r]

Shea McDonald he mixed jacks new project?! Yo that’s crazy! Been listening since gazebo

[@andrewjacoblayton]

Shea McDonald Jack is fire

[@KO-iq2kv]

@@theR0ck3tsumm3r I did not know that either! No wonder it sounds so fire

[@lesterbud]

Thanks

[@bchopdidit.13]

Bro can you please help mix my work?

[@amirperrymusic]

This video is so helpful. Leslie has actually mixed some records for me and its dope to see his process. I've watched this video like 20 times.

[@DeethaDon]

How much does he charge for a track

[@johnjohnjohnh]

It is so nice to see a professional 6:27 not talking about frequency ranges.. I get so overwhelmed watching tutorials and how everyone talks about frequency ranges for XYZ. It makes the learning curve from a technical standpoint look insane.

[@DLithic]

i dont find that, hmm. what do you mean exactly, as in, what about frequency ranges is 'out of range' ?

[@ahmetcobanc4003]

CLA VOCALLLSS

[@Vessoul]

This was one of the most informational mixing videos I’ve ever watched. The subtle changes he makes and the way he explains sounds. Great video.

[@ATCBeats]

His voice sounds like he has Wavestuner engaged lol, good tips and overall great video 👌🏽

[@debidi1461]

it is on EVERY vocal

[@KO-iq2kv]

Shiiiiet that's that Island Dialect lol, Leslie is a legend

[@guzzo5819]

Man i smoked a joint started this video, when it kicked i started hearing, Waves tune with the CLA delay...

[@joesphclifton9730]

Lmfao

[@PathPMusic]

6:48.... I felt that. That's how I've been comfortable with mixing as I'm learning. I just go with what feels right.

[@Masteracci]

When using H-Delay make sure to set "Analog" to 0. It adds alot of noise. Good Vid LB! Thx Bro!

[@newnula2444]

Masteracci he ended up using 0 at 22:30 I seen that too at first😂🌊

[@thegenrelifethegenrelife1118]

Masteracci yesss analog noise

[@mitchellsloanmusic9658]

Masteracci TRUTH! Learnt that the hard way haha

[@justinberisha6498]

realtalk bro

[@TEXANSon3]

Trill

[@herscheldaniels3005]

Leslie is so good at what he does. He came and spoke to my class at Full Sail and it was so interesting to hear his take on how feeling effects his process.

[@SYVERIA]

This is porn to us aspiring audio engineers and lil Uzi fans

[@zepp.5784]

Exactly

[@TheFTWairsoft]

100%

[@eloyramirez7063]

Literally

[@agent_sickx3593]

Aye fr ! 😂😂😂

[@jaycesaerius]

EXACTLY

[@warnutztheloser]

He's the genius behind the Diamond HIT "HAPPY"

[@cjeoleo6994]

warnutztheloser wow that’s litty

[@warnutztheloser]

@Gerhard Schöner Dont matter

[@CamJames]

@Gerhard Schöner Considering the layering on Pharrell's sung vocals, you'd be incorrect. Mixing always matters.

[@blackfen1x]

Nobody: YT auto subtitles: Little woozy bird

[@IndeXSR]

blackfen1x He was called susie at some point aswell lmao

[@idan226]

Or ossie

[@neconbeat]

Lewbert

[@LuisCasstle]

🤣🤣 I would use that if I was a rapper, just to mess with people. People in conversations would be like: "wait, did you say uzi vert or woozy bird?". 🤣🤣🤣

[@BobbyBriscoeBeats]

Little Woozy Brid represent

[@Marvncity]

That’s the tutorials I was looking for I remember about a year ago when I was just watching tutorials without even knowing I was goin to get into this crazy journey now I own my home studio and learning actually how to work on vocals and mixing I remember I watched this and totally lost this huge help treasure thanks again this is amazing

[@ActuallyEvilIRL]

Ya know I give no fault to the smaller producers that give knowledge and sauce about stuff but it's nice to see someone with a highly recognizable and well known track record giving sauce, Doesn't happen everyday

[@TheZAPcon]

Yooo happened to see this in my recommended the day after doing the first pass on mixing a song for a client. That De-essing tip for "dirtying" up the vocal was more useful than I thought it would be. Wasn't even reaching for it because I wasn't having any sibilance issues, but kept thinking "damn this vocal is too clean!" Great tip! Here's a tip from me; if you feel like a vocal is lacking punchiness, try adding a transient designer to the chain. This especially works great on fast flows in my experience. Thanks for the knowledge!

[@LilChino8]

I can actually relate to this guy so much when he talks bout EQ. I need more tutorials from him

[@tipfertilizer4595]

You have a good metaphor explanation.

[@RonCecchetti]

he does

[@realkabecio]

I really love his good energy and clear way of describing things, imparting his knowledge & creativity.

[@TeezoTarantino]

Watching the mix of a song makes me enjoy it more I Love Waves plugins they're very versatile

[@Young_Zealous]

This is the best guy ever to explain this stuff.

[@IdrisTowervideos]

Leslie the goat had this song sounding big and clear

[@rontti8646]

best hiphop vocal mixing tutorial i've ever seen!

[@AlecWyld]

I wish I could work under this man. So knowledgeable in this field.

[@milan.comedy]

I'm so glad they've timestamped the use of the plugins

[@tranquil5891]

Yohh. Im hella grateful. Mastering & mixing is the hardest. Thing to do. No question. 😂

[@realarkeli]

This is crazy 🤣 I literally came here because I thought I sucked as a engineer comparing my sound to other artists! I even heard using CLA Vocals makes me a bad engineer but look at this! Someone who is PROFESSIONAL is using it! That’s crazy!

[@twodirections7205]

I thought the same but art is art,doesn't matter how it's done,if it sounds good there is no good or bad

[@realarkeli]

@@twodirections7205 you right about it fam.. sometimes as a creator you can be so hard on yourself you know? But this right here proves we all use the same tools in different ways to express ourselves the way we like and THAT is the beauty of it all.

[@K3zz21]

The way he words things and his voice and everything is just so perfect.

[@TimeWatch5]

litteral rocket science

[@PathPMusic]

Damn these vocals sound beautiful. Though I;m not always the biggest fan of the kind of Hip Hop Uzi and the like does, this album is actually what made me dig Uzi more, the actual sound quality of his production and mixing. He's working with some great engineers and producers like, as I can see, Leslie Brathwaite. Great Stuff.

[@poorhouz5051]

Exactlyyyyy. I must say I am not a fan of Lil UZi but his mixes be TIGHT. This guy is very professional. From Your Boy Poorhouzzzzzzzz

[@leerlj97]

Love Leslie. He came to our school all the time to talk to us❤️

[@mazenhamdon9649]

This video was amazing. Really made a difference in my vocal mixing.

[@TheBoiSos]

thought I was dun mixing my tape til I ran into this vid. Now its SPARKLING... blessings bro bro!!

[@gcgb2186]

Big legend right here guys, thanks for the vid !!!!!!

[@evaneaston2239]

One of the best mixing videos on KZbin

[@999GNG]

which other video you think it's at the same level?

[@Hxpxutblixkin762]

@@999GNGlmk if u find it n tell me title n KZbinr

[@genolexismusic983]

Great video. So many great lessons on KZbin but it's hard to find tutorials from Caribbean based mentors that I can relate to. Thank you for offering your perspective on mixing rap vocals with Waves. Truly appreciate the information and tips.

[@NelsenGChess]

i love leslie's approach, doing what feels and sounds right is always better than trying to be too objective with these things which is how a lot of people see engineering.

[@BrainztormProductions]

He did it so well, its sounds like theres only 1 rapper on the entire song, I swear its hard to tell when they take turns

[@ghfjfghjasdfasdf]

That’s because all these auto tuned vocals sound the same. 😆

[@soba_fm]

This guy is such a beast omg huge respect to him

[@Gates216]

I just learned so much! This brother is a naturally great teacher 💯🙏🏾

[@davidseay8097]

One of the greatest in the world! Full Sail Grad also! He knows his stuff and a great teacher.

[@gordonzrs]

I feels like im taking almost overall recording class in one day which cost a Dollars for a year or month. Seems like some other engineer's disliking it for revealing their secret in just a minute... finally i want a million thank for this golden tutorial to the Wave n the Engineer..

[@superslattyy]

Trill Villain need the waves plugins hit me on insta @ Cozarrt

[@BingBongRockety]

@Trill Villain do you have that video of jaycen on mix with the masters

[@gordonzrs]

Nope

[@musicwaala]

great tip on the Deesser!

[@Obedear]

this mans mixed one two step!!! fire

[@Yogibaby93]

Ciara?

[@timepaintertunebird8160]

this guy is an incredible teacher as well as engineer

[@reconfigurine]

This guy has got mixers on top of mixers, monitors on top of monitors, and keyboards on top of keyboards.

[@MrFree-vj8qj]

Id like to see some pro working humbly for once

[@DebasishBanik-xu7kc]

Really striking approach. The most notable is that all the ten inserts are not exhausted completely. Minimalistic approach truely.

[@syn8394]

This is reason why im buying your plugins! Thats tips are so helpfull for us

[@youngbossoxygenated5689]

How do I order for the plugins I'm in Nigeria

[@syn8394]

@@youngbossoxygenated5689 on the official site you can buy In few different currency so if you see price in $, don't worry on the next steps you can change currency

[@youngbossoxygenated5689]

Thanks bro

[@keithwhitfield361]

Didnt expect to hear my alarm clock when I clicked this video 😂 I been waking up to Neon Guts for the last 2 years

[@LexOfNP]

This is a great post. Wasn’t planning on sitting on youtube this long but here I am lol

[@thierry-aliphilogene5103]

20:23 the “dark” is my fav thing about the whole song i transcended when he soloed it

[@Towoawawabo8]

I tell people that, once you understand how to mix something, it'll end up being on what you like and what you want to achieved. Everyone mixed different because we hear things differently.

[@swissbakeryrapnews6089]

One of the best rap tutorials so far

[@Braillionaire]

Thoroughly enjoying this series and especially this brother's approach

[@mexflairzondmix2598]

Lotta respect for Mr Leslie. Huge impact from his uniqueness. Works for me. The greats....

[@sinewavemusic]

God bless you Leslie .... You did it smartly. Thanks to waves also

[@88Doug]

MARKO BEATO This is great!

[@marc942]

Was just explaining this to a singer who was dead set on dry vocals. I proved my point by bouncing the vocals and setting up the track as if it were dry.

[@jjdagreat187]

Dope video!, not sure why 7 people disliked it smh. Probably some fckn know it all's. Great Job Waves

[@URMUSICCONCEPTz]

Thank you Lesley

[@PlayRouletteProductions]

Waves tune is soooo helpful... It's not cheating it's not musical adultery

[@trippingjune]

I watched it all. Very insightful.

[@BONUSLANDER]

The pre mix is better than most people final product lol prob recorded that on a lit set up

[@jim7609]

Probably just engineered properly in a well acoustically treated space (which can be done with some foam and blankets) on a quality mic which can be 200 bucks. The actual performer makes the most difference

[@ilikelines7271]

@@jim7609 exactly. you can't pay for a good product; you need talent.

[@rage_fusion]

They use proper anolog pre Amps and compressors. Digital can never compare to anolog but a lot won’t tell you that it’s like becoming a secret these days lol

[@ilikelines7271]

@@rage_fusion cause in reality digital has come so close to the real thing. sooner or later the only reason to go back will be nostalgia.

[@VareaIII]

Bruh when he played thr before I could barely tell the difference. Those vocals are crisp 🤣🤣

[@ITSCSABA]

Tip to anyone using the H-Delay, make sure the "analog" button is at 0, it adds unnecessary white noise that gets louder and louder as you compress & get to mastering hahah

[@epicterry6706]

Weve all had that moment where ur tryna find where the noise is coming from, and always set on 0 after

[@TimsGuitarWorldwithTimFeskorn]

Great.... Vocal tutorial .... Even Old blues guy's can learn a lot from this video. Waves offer some great in the box mix tools. Thanks.

[@JoeBlueJoeBlue]

There is so much great information here!!!!!!!!

[@parismilanproductions3061]

who watched in 2020 this is beyond great information and tips !!!

[@user-jm7ou9kk7n]

Aside from his mixing skills Leslie's production on the SP1200 is second to none. True boss.

[@MarquesoDaGoat]

CLAAAA WOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@Saintxeri]

CLA VOCAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLSSSSSS

[@Unveil2024]

lol !!! I was looking for this comment

[@boweshow]

Thank you so much for sharing this! A lot can be learned from videos like this!

[@YOUNGFEAST91]

Bro you are a 🐐🐐🐐💯 inspired to be great like you one day

[@DidierBampiliMusicProduction]

I have best music contents check me out

[@TheDJGuVna]

This is the reason this man is my favourite Mix Engineer...His tips have really helped me grow as a producer/engineer. Thanks to Waves as well for getting him in the studio. Now to find $200 to get Waves tune real-time cos I've really been avoiding it but seems like its vital!

[@MatAnd7]

anatares is better, its waves vid so they gonna advertise waves lol

[@TheDJGuVna]

@@MatAnd7 Been using Antares since T-Pain...it's good, but since I got the original Waves Tune I've been using that instead (with Antares sometimes as well cos they give two different sounds really, so depends on what I want to achieve)...time to check out what else is on the market, n I've been Ignoring Tune Real-Time for a while now

[@MatAnd7]

@@TheDJGuVna yeah, i guess youre right. its like saying that compressor is the same because its a compressor. never really thought of it that way ahhah!

[@nothinbutakoudat5392]

Waves has sales all the time, wait for it to show up for $29/39

[@88Doug]

This guy is good! Cool calm and collective, and mixing!

[@aer5208]

I met him he went to the same school I’m going to @FullSail, very humble guy has accomplished so much and has even more to gain.

[@nicholasmarch3286]

Would also love to see how he mixed the beat!

[@nicholasmarch3286]

KWT yep I actually found the beat mixing part of it on their website after I commented this!

[@slinnybeats3188]

i just got a ton of waves plugins first time in my life this video helped me bring my mixing game from shit to honestly not even bad thank you

[@Socialmediachat]

I been askin for this thankz guys to show us

[@cjeoleo6994]

Honest Bread me too

[@SakuraRyoko]

This is crazy knowing that I've used a bunch of the exact same tools on vocals! Word!

[@DJ_Todd]

0:50 This man engineered a stacked keyboard 😤

[@InesNezzy]

Neon Guts, one of my favorite songs 😭

[@Turquoise_Yachting_Club]

I'm trying to mix my rap vocals right now. And the quality of his vocals just blow my mind. Everytime I get back to the video after working a little bit more on my vocals, I just feel like shit. It's so clear and feels good in your hears.

[@JJofCascadia]

good mics/good mic pre will get you there brotha

[@nicholasriley4729]

Listen, save up for a great tube mic like Advanced Audio’s CM800T and a great interface like an Audient iD22, record in a dead/treated space and you will be AMAZED. It’s literally 90% of what makes a vocal sound great - good gear.

[@JJofCascadia]

^^this guy gets it

[@JJofCascadia]

that interface is badass, def a good idea to get an interface at that level of quality

[@Urinalwallpoet]

Apogee makes an amazing mic pre called the one. It’s in line . And there are many mics around the 3-500 range that will be more than enough for any task. There are million dollar records recorded with vocals on a Shure sm58 it’s a $100 mic. Do some research and you’ll find something no matter your price range. Just make sure they work together before purchase. Or search what mic pre will go best with your mic

[@Btvstudio]

Leslie is the man

[@KyoSkyz]

Damn fam the information in this video is priceless ❤️