The Telephone Effect:
Here’s a simple classic – take an EQ and shelve off at +/- 250 Hz and 2 kHz. Then apply a little bit of distortion. Tweak to taste and put in for effect on the vocals at poignant parts. The image alongside is an example of the EQ filter for it.
Vocal stutters (a.k.a. the Nicki Minaj vocal effect):
This is actually pretty simple and just requires you to cut out a syllable of vocal on the grid (a 1/16, 1/8 or ¼ note) and copy the sample a few beats back in time. You can use your imagination and style the timing to whatever suits you. It sometimes helps if the vocalist records the stutter, and its then chopped up and put in time precisely. Alongside is an illustration and the highlighted bit is the syllable I copied.
Vocal doubler:
Waves makes this gizmo that has been used countless times on vocals for hit records. You know that shimmer effect vocals sometimes have, but it’s not really a second voice doing a double take? Then it’s a doubler. If you want the vocal to sound bigger but not overly effected, this is the one to use. Below right is a pic of its interface.
I usually adjust the time of the doubles (you could have between 1 and 4 takes, here I have 2) and then adjust the delay proportionately and the depth between 1 and 20 to get a nice shimmer on the voc. I buss the vocal to an auxiliary and then mix in the effect while playing back the track until I have a nice balance.
If you have any tricks you think would be good to share with the BPM crowd for next time, holla at me or post them on the BPM Facebook wall.
Play long and prosper!
Resistance to better sound is futile!
Words: Jonathan Shaw
Jonathan Shaw is a professional record producer who has worked with a multitude of artists and record labels in a freelance capacity. Outside this, he lectures music business at the University of the Witwatersrand and provides business consultation to the music industry. jshaw@smstudios.co.za
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