I generally prefer 1176 into LA2A. 1176 for the peaks. Fast compression envelope levels the transient spikes, into lLA2A for overall leveling. A sharp transient peak into an LA2A is not desirable generally speaking as the release is so incredibly slow, we can easily overcompress, meaning the next vocal line has been pushed out of the pocket. Every source is different but I generally get a smoother, denser result by using this sequence.
I do CL1B into 1176. I tried the other way around and whichever processor comes first tends to color the sound the hardest (pretty similar to Opto > FET). Many of the biggest songs in the world were tracked through a CL1B and then processed with an 1176-style later... so this is not far off from that concept. You make a great point though - if you're hitting the LA2A with more than 2-3db of GR in that first pass, you are putting yourself in a compromising position. Better to just add another one after the 1176 if you need more compression and want to stick with the OPTO>FET signal path.
Vocal sounds great! Like others have mentioned on this thread, I tend to prefer the 1176 into the LA-2A, but this sounds amazing too. I recently picked up the Avalon from a UAD sale and it really is magical. Won't be doing the StudioRack thing though because I left Waves years ago when they switched to a subscription only model.
Hi Matty, I’m new to mixing vocals and I noticed you didn’t use delay on your parallel sends. Can you explain how you incorporate delay in your mixes? Thanks!
Very helpful tutorial and it's a great sounding chain. The two reverbs have a similar decay time - do you have them at the same levels in the returns? Also, I have to set the Studio D to be quite loud in order to hear the chorusing effect. I have each of the four effects on individual returns.
The chorus effect is (typically) set very subtly - almost invisible to the ear - for some almost subconscious widening and thickening. You can run into some issues with your vocal in mono if hit that chorus too hard.
if you use Ableton, just use their included parametric EQ8 - it's incredible for this. Otherwise pick up fabfilter pro-q 3 and call it a day. I use it on every mix all over the place. Plus if you're cutting out resonances that only happen when you hit certain notes, Pro-Q3 offers dynamic EQ - essentially only cutting the frequency when you hit that specific note. This can also be achieved with automation if you're just using your stock EQ.
I bought Avalon 737 because of your vocal example.Its just great!❤
I generally prefer 1176 into LA2A. 1176 for the peaks. Fast compression envelope levels the transient spikes, into lLA2A for overall leveling. A sharp transient peak into an LA2A is not desirable generally speaking as the release is so incredibly slow, we can easily overcompress, meaning the next vocal line has been pushed out of the pocket. Every source is different but I generally get a smoother, denser result by using this sequence.
For sure. You can go either way. I like the LA-2a to smooth things out than the 1176 to handle the rest. But vice versa works great too.
I do CL1B into 1176. I tried the other way around and whichever processor comes first tends to color the sound the hardest (pretty similar to Opto > FET). Many of the biggest songs in the world were tracked through a CL1B and then processed with an 1176-style later... so this is not far off from that concept.
You make a great point though - if you're hitting the LA2A with more than 2-3db of GR in that first pass, you are putting yourself in a compromising position. Better to just add another one after the 1176 if you need more compression and want to stick with the OPTO>FET signal path.
Stellar video and advice. Helped me get that last 10% tastyness I was lacking on my vocal.
Vocal sounds great! Like others have mentioned on this thread, I tend to prefer the 1176 into the LA-2A, but this sounds amazing too. I recently picked up the Avalon from a UAD sale and it really is magical. Won't be doing the StudioRack thing though because I left Waves years ago when they switched to a subscription only model.
Great advice here! Do you ever use the Pultec EQP-1A on vocals? If so, what kind of settings have you found to be useful? Thanks!
For sure. 10 to 16k for air. If you need some thickness in the vocal the 100hz can help
Thank you Matty. I truly appreciate your tutorials. You're the best.
Where can I hear this song? Sounds really nice
Awesome.
Hi Matty, I’m new to mixing vocals and I noticed you didn’t use delay on your parallel sends. Can you explain how you incorporate delay in your mixes? Thanks!
Is UAD better than McDsp!?
Wats the name of the song it sounds amazing
Very helpful tutorial and it's a great sounding chain. The two reverbs have a similar decay time - do you have them at the same levels in the returns? Also, I have to set the Studio D to be quite loud in order to hear the chorusing effect. I have each of the four effects on individual returns.
The chorus effect is (typically) set very subtly - almost invisible to the ear - for some almost subconscious widening and thickening. You can run into some issues with your vocal in mono if hit that chorus too hard.
This is good for a great vocalist. How about for vocals that needs surgical eqs?
That’s the one thing I don’t feel uad offers is a good surgical EQ. Except the Massenburg one. But they don’t include that in spark.
if you use Ableton, just use their included parametric EQ8 - it's incredible for this. Otherwise pick up fabfilter pro-q 3 and call it a day. I use it on every mix all over the place. Plus if you're cutting out resonances that only happen when you hit certain notes, Pro-Q3 offers dynamic EQ - essentially only cutting the frequency when you hit that specific note. This can also be achieved with automation if you're just using your stock EQ.
Can you do one for softube?
Song Venom - Rhea Raj Just shazamed it lol
Is there any decent alternative to the 1073 preamp?
You can download the one by analog obsessions, really good alternative close sounding to the original
Had to subscribe. Very well done
GOLD!
Thanks so much!
Do an arturia plugins only please
Nice great video
On your plate, are you purposely lowering your mix knob?
Wet Solo is on so the mix knob is not active
Great!
funny... I also use two compressors but I go from 1176 into a Teletronix
That's how I've done it too, but I prefer Matty's ordering after trying it. He's the man!
You should put spark in the title
🔥🔥🔥
No holding back on auto tune
What is your mic chain?
Bro do you offer vocal mixing classes
I don't. But I do have a course on my website.
Can't get license for Studiorack free download?
YEs
Genuinely confused on how you were able to use uad plug ins inside studiorack... ive been trying everything and nothing has worked thus far
You need to make sure you have the VST3 versions installed. and then make sure to scan the plugins in studio rack
ONLY UAD plugins....right out The gate you use waves studio rack and then waves meter..... wtf???!!!!