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How to Separate Voices on a Mono Track

Most sound engineers record voices on separate tracks so they can treat things like volume and equalization differently for each singer. Equalization means emphasizing the high, middle and low tones of a sound. On occasion, however, singers like to sing together into a single microphone and thus on a single mono track where the voices cannot be treated entirely separately. That doesn't mean the voices can't separate within the track. Some tricks of the recording trade make this possible.

Instructions

    • 1
      The red buttons shown adjust frequencies the equalizer will emphasize.

      Identify the highest voice. Whether female or a male tenor, this voice has characteristics that make it different from the other singer. Focus on this voice as you listen to the track through your equalizer. Adjust the frequency you want the treble knob to single out. You will hear the voice "pop" out of the mix when you find the right frequency.

    • 2
      This illustration from an amplifier can simplify your thinking: You see treble, mid and bass tones to adjust

      Focus on the lower voice. Play with the frequency knobs until this voice pops. You will notice that adjusting the lower voice frequencies affects the higher voice as well. You can't help this. You can, however, choose a good compromise, where the lower voice stands out and you don't harm the sound of the upper voice too much.

    • 3
      High and low voices tend to blend in the middle.

      Adjust the mid range. This is probably the place where the voices blend as they share this frequency. You will find a tone as you turn the mid range knob through the frequencies that emphasizes the blend of the voices.

    • 4
      The sound engineer's mix can make or break a song.

      Raise and lower the volume for each of the three frequencies you chose. Each of the frequencies you choose has a volume knob associated with it. This takes more art than science. You may find places in the song where you want the high voice emphasized, while other places feature the low voice. Still other places, especially the chorus, may call for more volume on the blended tones you found in the mid range.

Recording Music

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