Hi, everyone.
I'm looking for a technique to replicate double-tracking ITB.
I have virtual synths such as Serum, Diva, and Spire.
I have employed various techniques to enhance the stereo width. Among these, the mid/side Haas effect most closely resembles double tracking.
However, it is not entirely mono-compatible.
Can you recommend an alternative that would provide a similar sound effect without necessitating the re-recording of audio takes or the use of analog synthesizers? I primarily focus on the production of progressive melodic techno.
Best regards,

 

The Audio Toolbox – Part 2 “Automatic Double Tracking (ADT)” by Florian Rosnau

ADT made by yourself

To do this, first duplicate the desired track. The included delay is inserted into this copy and set to repitch mode so that the delay works as a tape echo. If you want to use a different delay plugin, it should be a tape delay that creates pitch changes when the delay time changes.
The effect level is set to 100% to process the entire signal. To avoid echo repetitions, set the feedback parameter to 0%. The filter is not needed and can be switched off. In addition, the delay is switched to time-based mode, so the delay can be controlled in milliseconds. The link mode should be activated.

The delay time sets the maximum time delay to the original track. In this example, we use 5ms, which is a good value to try out first, but you are welcome to experiment.

To create authentic ADT, the duplicated track should be brought forward by the same amount of time so that the doubling can be heard before the original. In our example, this is also 5ms. In Ableton Live, the most elegant way to do this is to use the track delay parameter.

To bring movement into play, the delay's modulation option is used. For the rate, you choose slow values of up to 1Hz so that the effect doesn't sound too artificial.

The time parameter determines how much the set delay time is changed. It is set to 100%, which results in a modulated delay of 5ms +/- 100% = 0-10ms. The track delay of -5ms means that our duplicated track is delayed by -5ms to +5ms compared to the original track.

For further sound research, you can add the filter and/or change the delay parameters.
ADT is not only interesting for vocal tracks, other signals can also be enhanced with this technology.
The sound spectrum ranges from subtle chorus effects to wobble sounds and artificial distortions.

 

Actually double track it. If you have the midi, activate the humanise function on a copy of it, use a similar but different patch or even different synth, and pan the two options left and right. Consider putting the tracks on a stereo bus and use some kind of mono making function for the low end of the bus.

You'll have to be careful with reverb and delay type effects, you might consider turning them off on the synths and using your own instead to have more control of build up.

 

If recording again is not an option, I'd go with doubling the MIDI track and varying at least four parameters, which might make it sound even more alive than if you merely re-recorded it, but also be way more time-consuming. Also try Saturn 2 with different settings on each track (actually, for any effect you add, make the parameters slightly different on each track). For a bonus, automate fx parameters for subtle changes, again, differently on each track. It adds up, and in the end your mix will feel way more alive and 3D.

 

Last edited: Jan 20, 2025 at 10:34 PM

Hi can you provide more details? Should the parameter changes be static or dynamic? I'd appreciate it. Thank you

 

Hi, in my case. I'm trying to keep the synth sound as tight as possible. I don't necessarily want to make two distinguishable patches play together. Can you provide more details? Should the parameter changes be static or dynamic? Thank you

 

Waves Abbey Road ADT works quite well. Not as well as actual double tracking, but it was the process developed at Abbey Road for the Beatles, it's been used quite effectively down through the years. Really, for a synth, SoundToys Microshift would do it.

 

Hey, thanks for your input.
However, ADT doesn't seem mono-compatible. Thank you

 

Yeah, it seems effective at first, but it still has an unnatural character.
I'm trying to make things wide but mono-compatible.
Thanks

 

Oh it's up to you! It's a matter of artistic choice. For instance, if you want an echo effect on said synth, instead of sending both tracks to a delay bus, insert the same delay for both and then vary parameters like modulation rate and intensity. I tend to automate fx parameters a lot, for instance increasing/decreasing feedback on the chorus, that kind of macro automation... But in this case, it would be more micro, like an LFO thing, to make minute changes in each track and make them more different, without losing the idea that it's the same synth. Oh, here's one thing I did recently: split a hexachord progression in triad pairs progressions and had two synths (same patch) play them on each track, oppositely panned. The voicings weren't too open, so it worked great!

 

Last edited: Jan 20, 2025 at 10:57 PM

A simple micro pitch shift on one mono track will work nicely.
Eventide MicroPitch Delay, PitchFactor's MicroPitch ...
Search for "micro pitch plugin".

There is "Double Take" effect into Helix native, used for guitars pan left right.
Should work on synths too.

 

I would say dynamic, varying the speed of phasing, flanging, filter sweeps etc. The patches don't have to be "distinguishable", they can be very similar, but still different, and when it comes to tightness, you don't have to vary the midi by much. It can be subtle but still have a nice effect.

 

Have you tried using Serum FX Allpasses method?