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How to Make Vocals Sound Saturated

In the recording studio, and on stage, vocals are put through a variety of filters and effects. They include saturation, compression, reverberation, chorus and equalization. Saturation overloads the electronic signal originating at the microphone, usually through an effects box. Mixing recorded vocals through specialized software is another way to saturate vocals. If you want to beef up your vocal presence through saturation, an effects box, like the ones used to distort electric guitars, can make a huge difference to your overall sound.

Things You'll Need

  • Microphone
  • PA system
  • Extra musical instrument cord
  • Mixing software (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Run the microphone into a saturation device. Remove the microphone plug from the PA system. Plug it into the "In" connector on the effects box. Plug the extra connecting cord into the PA system. Turn on the PA and microphone.

    • 2

      Adjust the volume on the PA. Turn on the saturation effect. Electric guitar-type effects boxes are often called "stomp boxes," because they are turned on by pressing down on the pedal with your foot. If the saturation effect is on a rack-type system, turn on the rack system's power button.

    • 3

      Mix the saturation level. On most effects "stomp boxes," such as those from Boss and Ibanez, there are three control knobs: tone, level and drive. Tone knobs adjust the treble, while the level knob adjusts volume. The drive knob controls the amount of saturation produced. Adjust these levels to your liking, the amount of saturation ranges from mild to an old transistor radio cranked all the way.

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