|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 120
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 120 |
I have been experimenting with doubling my vocals. Does anyone have any input as to which method is better? So far I've tried:
Copy one mono track to another mono track and pan each to opposite side
Duplicating one track to another mono track and pan each to opposite side
Recording one track in Stereo and pan down the middle
Adding a uni track with the harmonizer and pan each to opposite side
I've found that there is very little difference except when I add the uni track with the harmonizer. I realize your answers may be simply a matter of your own preference but I would like to know. Input please?
Music is what feelings sound like.
Windows 11, Behringer UMC204HD Audio Interface, BIAB/RB 2022 Ultra Pak Plus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,632
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,632 |
My suggestion; actually double them. Record them twice.
And only then experiment with panning/FX
Rinse/repeat if needed
Maybe tune one and not the other
just tossing ideas out
Without hearing it, it's hard to suggest a route to improving them
What benefit/effect are you expecting?
I know, that's hard to answer, maybe an example of the desired result(?)
Last edited by rharv; 09/04/20 02:22 PM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 270
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 270 |
If using the duplicate or copy method, try offsetting one by a small amount, 5-10 ticks depending on tempo.
Vintage
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,060
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,060 |
JohnF,
VintageGibson's suggestion to change the timing of one track works. Rharv's suggestion to record twice works.
Another suggestion is to alter the pitch of one of the tracks by a few cents.
May I ask a question concerning your first post? What difference do you mean when you said copy a track in one statement and duplicate a track in another statement?
One concern I have is the panning. When you pan one track far left and another track far right neither track occupies the middle. Not having a vocal in the middle may work fine for a backup vocal but will sound strange for a lead vocal.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,786
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,786 |
I use the Waves Doubler:
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Waves/Doubler-Native-TDM-SG-Software-Download-1317253371509.gc?cntry=us&source=4WWRWXMP&msclkid=4f0381150fdf1644dd99de47e7176d7c&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%5BADL%5D%20%5BGC%5D%20%5BPLA%5D%20%5BShopping%5D%20-%20(Pro%20Audio%20-%20Music%20Software)%20-%20%7BMQ%7D%20-%20%5BHV%5D&utm_term=4578984922302321&utm_content=%7BMQ%7D%20Pro%20Audio%20-%20Music%20Software%20(GC)%20(Bing)&adlclid=ADL-202934ca-0ad4-4a82-8843-9ed421981512
Waitress "How did you find your steak sir"?
Me "I just looked next to the potatoes and there it was"!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 120
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 120 |
Thanks to all for the input. Jim, to answer your question, I was talking about copy and pasting the whole track to a different track. Seems I could achieve a slight offset to give the pasted track a slight delay or even a humanizing effect. I'll take your advice on the panning.
Music is what feelings sound like.
Windows 11, Behringer UMC204HD Audio Interface, BIAB/RB 2022 Ultra Pak Plus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,507
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,507 |
Mario, this is interesting. Can this be used live and not on a recorded track...similar to the TC Helicon units?
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,786
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,786 |
I only use it in my DAW and I don't play live so I really don't know. I do know it is a plug-in so if you run your mic into a computer the out to a PA then it might be able to be used live, but again I don't know.
Waitress "How did you find your steak sir"?
Me "I just looked next to the potatoes and there it was"!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,808
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,808 |
I have had success with a TC helicon voice live box. Use doubling or thickening.
Have also duplicated a track and panned the +5 and -5 the compress one and EQ or reverb the other to give a different dynamic.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381 |
It may be worth looking into the presets of any reverb or delay FX plugins you have to see if there is a "doubling" preset. Fiddle from there, if there is, and see what about that effect is effective.  Doubling and hard-panning the tracks WITH the slight judicious offset mentioned will make it sound like there is a track center even if there isn't. I'm not sure treating them differently with other effects eliminates or accentuates that mirage. If it does, maybe three virtual tracks is an answer? If you sing it again for a doubling effect, remember that you don't have to use it end-to-end. Doubling important words, phrases, or sections may be enough to get the desired results. Same is true for any other method, I reckon.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 310
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 310 |
I use Antares Vocal Doubler plugin in my Sonar. Singing the same track twice is sometimes very hard to do. It's hard to repeat the nuances. I suppose you could copy the lead vocal over to another track and EQ differently to get a doubling effect. Seems like a lot of work. In my case I rarely sing a song the same way twice. Especially if it's on a different day and I may feel different. Plus why sing out of tune twice LOL
Just kidding so please don't take offense. But in all honesty I found that the Antares or any doubler plugin (someone mentioned WAVES) will fill the bill and they are pretty inexpensive.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,632
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,632 |
Copy/nudge timing is one way.
Copy it and tune one is another.
Barry is a good enough vocalist that we can usually have him sing a second track fairly accurately, but for more effect we often tune one, which gives it just a little bit more variance.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 102
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 102 |
Hi All,
I tried copying vocal tracks then time shifting them etc.
Singing along with your vocal track but can be tedious. John Lennon didn't like doing it so EMI created a technique called ADT (Artificial Double Tracking))
"John particularly hated to manually double-track his voice, but did so because the end result made the record sound better. At his urging, EMI techie Ken Townsend invented a device that double-tracked a vocal by a delay method.... ADT (Artifical double tracking). John and EMI staff used this on most of his vocals during 1966-1968 era."
I use Abbey Road Reel ADT plugin on vocals and it sounds fantastic:)Using the effect a little goes a long way. Don't over do it.
Waves/Abbey Road Reel ADT is the first plugin to successfully emulate Abbey Road Studios’ pioneering process of Artificial Double Tracking. The effect that would become an integral part of Abbey Road’s signature sound was initially created at the famed studios in the 1960s to meet the needs of some very special clients: The Beatles.
Reel ADT puts the magic of that era in your hands within seconds. Using its intuitive controls, you can advance or delay the doubled signal to achieve genuine, lush-sounding delay and pitch variations. You can also drive each of the signals separately to add beautiful tape saturations.
With its authentic modeled valve tape machine sound and faithful emulation of wow and flutter, this extraordinary plugin can enhance any track with the impression of two separate takes, giving you results as close as possible to real double tracking. Other classic Abbey Road tape effects such as flanging and phasing can also be achieved with ease.
All the character, depth and panoramic sound of this inimitable classic effect can now be created digitally, simply and for real: Reel ADT.
Cheers and have fun experimenting!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
|
eddie1261
Unregistered
|
|
eddie1261
Unregistered
|
My suggestion; actually double them. Record them twice. Plus 100 to that answer. The idea of double tracking is to thicken and "fill" holes n the first take. Simply cloning the original will have the same holes in it. You can pan and add effects all you want but it won't putty those holes up. A second take will "humanize" them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 102
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 102 |
Hi All, Yes doubling your voice via singing along with the first vocal track is incredibly effective. Copying and pasting an identical region to play during the same section? All we’re doing is making that same exact vocal louder.
The problem is, the 2 vocal regions are identical. Which means there’s nothing to differentiate these 2 takes.
When you record 2 vocal takes for the same section, they may very well be almost identical. But there are all sorts of things that make them slightly different:
Minor timing differences
Minor pitch differences
The way the performer moves in front of the mic
The push and pull of guitar or bass strings
These tiny details cause different performances to sound distinct from one another. Which helps separate the different takes.
Hope this helps and as always happy recording 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766 |
Duplicating and time-shifting a track slightly does work to some degree, but more often than not it adds phase issues.
Duplicating, time shifting, and hard panning typically ends up making the earlier side sound a little louder than the later side, as your brain perceives the time and pan shift to be the sound source moving to the side, so you may have slightly better results by duplicating, time shifting, hard panning, and reducing volume of the earlier side slightly.
For best results though, as others mentioned before me, record it twice. Nothing, absolutely nothing, works better than that.
I work here
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,884
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,884 |
My suggestion; actually double them. Record them twice. Plus 100 to that answer. The idea of double tracking is to thicken and "fill" holes n the first take. Simply cloning the original will have the same holes in it. You can pan and add effects all you want but it won't putty those holes up. A second take will "humanize" them. Rharv's suggestion to record twice works best.
BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,316
Posts803,264
Members40,094
| |
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