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How to Remix Vocals

Remixing vocals within a song is a specialized process performed in a recording or mixing studio. This process is used to change how the vocals are mixed together between the speakers in relation to the other recorded tracks in a song. Remixing vocals is usually necessary when the artist discovers a problem with the original final mix. This is remedied by isolating the vocals, adding or taking away audio effects and then placing the vocals back into the main mix. Remixing vocals often increases the song's emotional and artistic impact.

Things You'll Need

  • Original recorded tracks
  • Mixing software
  • Audio effects
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Instructions

    • 1

      Identify which vocal problems exist within the context of the original final mix. Consider the following questions: Are the vocals too loud or too quiet? Do the vocals sound too close or too far away? Are there any distracting popping sounds or noise that will need to be removed? Why do the vocals not sound right in the mix? These types of questions will help prepare the mixing engineer for the remixing process.

    • 2

      Isolate the vocal tracks. Using the engineer's preferred software, open the saved recording session and locate the vocal tracks. Listen to each vocal track by itself using a solo button. Examine which effects have been placed on the recorded vocals. This creates an understanding of precisely how the vocals were mixed before and establishes a beginning for a new mixing session.

    • 3

      Experiment with different ideas to begin solving the problems with how the vocals were originally mixed. Adjust the volume. Higher and lower volumes make the vocals sound bigger and closer or smaller and farther away. Try equalizing the vocals. Boosting or reducing certain frequencies is a powerful tool in the mixing process. Panning is a tool that places the vocals at a specific spot between the speakers. Compression effects are also very powerful. Less common effects include echo, flange, chorus, distortion and harmonizers.

    • 4

      Place the vocal tracks back into the main mix. Listen carefully and identify if the problems have been fixed. Repeat the remixing process until the desired mix is achieved. Bounce or export the final mix for mastering.

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