Today's pop vocals are larger than life. From parallel compression to creative vocal chopping, discover the secrets behind the polished, upfront vocal sound of modern hits.
The Foundation: Tuning and Timing
Before you add any effects, the vocal needs to be perfectly in tune and in time. Tools like Auto-Tune and Melodyne are industry standards for pitch correction. Even subtle tuning can make a massive difference in the professional sheen of a vocal.
Compression is Key
Pop vocals need to sit right at the front of the mix. This requires heavy compression to even out the dynamics. Often, engineers use serial compression: using two or three compressors in a row, each doing a little bit of work, rather than one compressor working too hard.
Space and Effects
Reverb and delay add space and dimension to the vocal. In modern pop, the trend is towards shorter, tighter reverbs and more prominent delays. Vocal chops and synthesized vocal effects are also common, treating the voice as an instrument in its own right.