|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987 |
In response to Floyd and HearToLearn about how I record and mix my vocals. First of all, I am by no means an expert. I'm a learner, like all of us here. If anything I share is helpful, use it. If not, ignore it. So here goes... Nothing fancy to it. That "tutorial" Floyd mentioned and shared a portion of was written several years ago. Like most of you, I have changed some of my ways of doing things over the years, but the most important thing I have tried to hold onto is this: Use your ears. My Saffire 6 bit the dust a couple of years ago, so now I use a Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 that I picked up in a pawn shop for $150. I recently stumbled across a Shure SM27 at the same pawn shop, that I picked up for about $180. I don't have any expensive equipment. The mic is run straight into the 6i6, and from there, straight into the computer. I bounce back and forth from Logic Pro, Studio One, and occasionally Reaper (mostly just to keep it interesting, and it helps me to keep learning different ways to do things). Everyone's voice has its own characteristics, so there are no hard and fast rules. I've found for my voice, I cut the low ends (usually below around 150-200hz - really depends on the song), and slightly boost the upper mids, around 1.5-2k. I usually will stack 2-3 compressors to level everything out, and bring out different characteristics that the compressors have to offer. I try to be careful not to over-compress, and by using multiple compressors lightly, that makes it easier. I also will use multiple reverbs at times (sometimes in bus, and sometimes in the vocal channel, itself) - sparingly, unless the song calls for more. And also the same with delays. The foundation of the voice is in the eq and compression. Reverb and delays are for enhancement, not foundation (unless the song really calls for it). Another thing that is easy to overlook is the arrangement. I try to arrange the instrumentation so that is doesn't compete with the lead vocals. The song is usually about the vocals, not the instruments. When the arrangement is not competing with the vocals, people actually notice the arrangement more (positively). If everything is competing, people usually don't notice anything at all.  Also I try to arrange/mix so that frequencies don't compete too strongly with the lead vocals. All of this takes practice and thinking. But it's really pretty simple... Record your voice in a quiet environment, at a good (not too hot) level. Eq your voice to suit your "sound" - flatter your voice with the eq. This will take practice to get it to sound natural (not too harsh, not too muddy). Compress (lightly) your voice to level it out, and bring out its character - even its flaws can be positive if done right. Enhance the voice with a touch of reverb/delay to bring it to life. Arrange the backing around the voice. Most importantly - use your ears. Mix at a lower volume. Don't wear your ears out with only one listen! AFTER you are happy with the mix, turn it up and check it out. Obviously, there is more to this to make a good vocal mix, but this is the foundation, at least for me. Again, if any of this is helpful to you, good. If not, no worries. The main thing is to keep on writing and playing your music - for your own enjoyment primarily. And if others enjoy it as well, there's nothing wrong with that! Thanks for putting up with me! Steve
Steve Young Music"In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of." - Robert Schumann
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,132
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,132 |
Thanks for posting that Steve. Your vocals and entire productions have always been high bar setting for us. The more we read, listen and experiment hopefully the more skilled we become. "Use your ears" is so important. There's not a lot left to mine but I try to approach each tune as unique and listen to Janice's vocal in the context of it and go from there. I think your above post is more than worthy of a re-post in the production forum. Bud
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,596
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,596 |
Everything is top quality here: touching lyrics, clear vocals, melody, arrangement, especially the orchestration is amazing, it works very well even without the vocals.
Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 160
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 160 |
Excellent song. Write, performance and recording hit on all cylinders. very pro. Thanks you for sharing. It was a pleasure listening to this.
Dave
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 7,258
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 7,258 |
Steve, this is REALLY REALLY lovely. Do you mind if I play it on my hospital radio show ?
Wonderful lyrics and superb melody
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,685
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,685 |
WOW Outstanding the lyrics !! I am speechless.
This song should be a hit, If there is any justice in the music world.
Well done beautiful song, singing, and instruments awesome.
win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 . https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,213
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,213 |
Hello, Steve
Wonderful orchestration!
The charm of the EastWest orchestra is fully demonstrated.
The way to use each instrument is exquisite.
And strings, woodwinds, horns know each other without excess or deficiency.
Tubular Bells and Cymbal rolls around the ending are also very effective.
The piano is played very beautifully, your vocal is really comfortable and the melody is also excellent.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.
Best regards.
Shigeki Adachi
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987 |
Steve,
How do you do it with every song you write/sing??
3.33 the crash cymbal was perfect, absolutely perfect.
Yes there are some great songs on the forum these days and this is at the top
good to hear you again
Alyn Alyn, you are too kind! Thanks so much for the nice words. Much appreciated. What a beautiful song You really did an amazing job with this. It sounds sincere and lush. The kind of tune you can close your eyes and get completely lost in. The lyrics too - oh boy, I can imagine this being played live and there not being a dry eye in the house. You should be really proud of this one - thanks for sharing! Thanks so much, Deryk! I really appreciate you taking the time to listen and comment. It's always encouraging to have PG staff supporting us. A beautiful piece Steve in all respects, oozing sincerity and meaning. A perfect vocal. And impeccably arranged and engineered as usual. Above first class.
I'm glad you're on the mend Steve.
John
Hey, John! Always good to hear from you. I am a big fan of your music and productions. Thanks so much for the kind words and well wishes! === Steve
Steve Young Music"In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of." - Robert Schumann
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987 |
Here is a link to the song on Soundcloud for those who would prefer to listen to it there... The Lessons We've Learned Thanks! Steve
Steve Young Music"In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of." - Robert Schumann
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381 |
Beautiful. It's nice to "meet" you this way.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647 |
Hi Steve,
I think you have no idea what a special song you have created and shared with us. To fully describe this would bankrupt the English language of all it's best superlatives. I'll admit to wiping a tear from my eye about 2 minutes in - and one a few seconds ago.
My father died in 1969, 2 years after I returned from Vietnam. We didn't have a very good relationship. Your song puts that into a comfortable perspective for me - a way to make peace with it. Thank you.
Alan
BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,035
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,035 |
Steve,
Glad you're feeling better, your presence in the forum has been missed.
It is difficult to add anything to what has already been written. This song is an instant classic that should be added to every playlist. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Wow, what a song!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086 |
Steve in all the years I've been around here, this is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. Awesome brother - straight to the heart.
Glad you are feeling better.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987 |
Lush and lovely.
It's a wonderful write and it would be hard to imagine anybody singing this other than you. Each listen takes one on a remarkable four minute journey.
The theme of the lyric, your vocals and the crystal clear production are ear candy of the highest order.
Congrats on a stunning production. Wow!
J&B
PS It's great to see you back here and we hope the sinus issue doesn't linger (Bud has experienced a similar issue). J&B, it is always so good to hear from you. I'm sure you know, I am a big fan of your work. Your generous comments on this song are very appreciated! You really should warn a guy. You made my driving a bit difficult.  What an amazing song. The chimes, strings, cymbal swells were all perfection. The lyric and vocal go without saying. ...and mixed SO well. Don't make me pick a favorite part. I would rather pick a favorite Grandma kind of thing. This song truly moved me. Thanks you for such a wonderful perspective. HearToLearn, thanks so much for taking the time to listen and to comment! I'm so glad you like this on. Be careful with your driving! What a beautiful song. The vocals were especially brilliant. Thanks for taking the time to share! Thank you very much, Ember! Really appreciate your comments. Beautiful, Steve.
A thoughtful, touching write. Extraordinary arrangement and mix (as always!)
You always "make it look easy". Everything in the perfect place...
Your vocals are SO well recorded. I would love to hear what your equipment is AND how you process them. I'm sure everyone else would, too. I recall you wrote up a Mixing Tutorial years ago - if it is in there, perhaps you could just point to that here again?
fj
Floyd, I always appreciate hearing from you. You are a real standard bearer for the forum here. You consistently raise the bar for all of us here. Really appreciate your generous words! === Steve
Steve Young Music"In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of." - Robert Schumann
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987 |
Steve
Beautiful work - a truly lovely composition. Superb arrangement and an excellent vocal.
Deserves all the accolades from others.
Peter Thanks a bunch, Peter! Appreciate your nice words! Beautiful song, a super write
and your vocals and mix are so good!
enjoyed the listen very much
Kenny Kenny, I really appreciate you taking the time to listen and comment, and appreciate your kind words. Glad you enjoyed this one.
Steve this is simply beautiful. Gorgeous arrangement, and great lyrics and vocals. Extremely poignant.
I am sorry to hear you weren't feeling good but it's great to see you back in the game!
It's always good to hear from you, David! I really enjoy your creativity. I'm a fan of your work. Appreciate your comments on this one! === Steve
Steve Young Music"In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of." - Robert Schumann
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 7,258
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 7,258 |
Played this on hospital radio last night Steve
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 413
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 413 |
Hi Steve, thanks for your great song, fine arrangements and beautiful vocal.
Rob de Klerk, Dutch singer-songwriter https://www.robdeklerk.nlBiab 2023, Cakewalk, N.I. Komplete 14, Win 10,64, Ozone 9 elements suite, Presonus studio 24c
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,330
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,330 |
Steve this one slipped by me. What a lovely song. As with all your songs your vocal is superb. Loved the story in this lyric. Very heartfelt. Loved the production on this song. Sounds very cool on the headphones. Well done
Last edited by Scott C; 09/01/18 07:36 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067 |
Everything about this is PROFESSIONAL and simply couldn't have been done better!
The piano and orchestration are exceptional, so are your vocals!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052 |
Beautiful Steve!!! What an incredible combo of music, lyrics, and production. A very moving song done just the right way. Congrats!! Take care. Greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,191
Posts801,769
Members40,063
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean