Hi everyone! I'm starting to mix a project for an artist now, there are 10 tracks that are all different from each other (in genre and rhythm). I would like the vocals to remain consistent across the tracks. Should I always use the same chain of plugins? Or is there another way to match the songs together?

An additional question: Do big artists always use the same vocal chain for different projects, or is it up to the mixers' discretion?

Thanks guys for your help!

 

The advice I got was to find a reference track that you and the client agree to. Mix and master to get each song close to that reference.

You won't be able to use the exact same chain or settings since each song will present a different set of challenges. But, you can use a template to start with. Just know you will need to tweak your setup per song/instrument/voice.



For your other question - I've never worked with a singer/artist who could tell a preamp from a compressor so the studio "engineer"(me) always had final say on signal chain. But, then i read stories like this:

"Future(records) with a Neumann U87 Ai, going into a Neve 1073 mic pre and a Tube-Tech CL1B compressor. “We request that in every studio, and if they don’t have that, we go somewhere else.”" - Sound on Sound

 

Last edited: Jun 8, 2023

I am actually liking the advice you are getting here. It makes sense. One other thing I can offer to you is a system to put them in players on one page for immdiate comparisons. It really helps you make decisions when you can stop one mix and start another and IMMEDIATELY hear the differences, and you apply your criteria. You can also let others listen at will and get feedback. Could be your clients.

You listen a little bit go and tweak the console(s), and sculpt your playlist. You have your goals already spoken here, and a plan with the reference track. You can make it private and be solely for your own use, but the comparison players is great for zeroing in on what you are after, and seeing it come to life in a playlist. An extremely editable playlist.

When you have a playlist setup and you can stop and jump to other tracks immediately, you can compare parts of an entire playlist (also called an album), and helps you zero in on inconsistencies, or whatever your target is. You seem to know what you are after. This comparison page helps you know exactly how it is translating. You can check it realtime.

As you listen you make notes (and adjustements) and you tweak the console, and or mastering process, so you are sculpting by ear, which is connected to your target. It's cool to have so much control. Sculpting.

 

Last edited by a moderator: Jun 8, 2023