Craig Anderton
Well-known member
The premise of this book is that if I can make my voice sound good, then I can make anybody's voice sound good
But seriously, The Ultimate Guide to Vocal Production distills everything I know about recording vocals - from being produced by world-class engineers back in the 60s, to using the latest cutting-edge vocal processing tools. Yes, I'm super-proud of it. It's not Studio One-specific, but covers 3rd-party plug-ins and other DAWs. However, as you might expect, Studio One is well represented (and you might recognize some of the tips 
). It has 269 pages, costs $19.95, and is part of Sweetwater Publishing's free updates program.
Here's what's in it:
Chapter 01 | The Mic Is Your Instrument
Microphone Types and Technologies
Microphone Polar Patterns
Rejection—It’s All in the Angles
Proximity Effect
Microphone Modeling
The Importance of Room Acoustics
Connecting Mics
Preamps and Setting Levels
Remote Control
Accessories
Chapter 02 | Recording Techniques
Be Prepared Physically
Mic Technique
Create a Personalized Singing Environment
Monitoring Your Tracks While You Sing
Singing Through Processed Vocals
Recording and Overdubbing Vocals
Punching and Auto-Punching Vocals
Comping
Looping Options
Judging the Comps
Advanced Technique: Superspeed Comping
Chapter 03 | Vocal Cleanup
iZotope RX Suite
Waves Clarity VX Suite
Waves Debreath
Zynaptiq Unveil
Advanced Manual Control Techniques
Step-by-Step Workflow for General Cleanup
Chapter 04 | Prep for the Mix with DSP
About Event Envelopes
Typical Event Envelope Implementations
Event Envelope Applications
Manual Low-Level Noise Removal
Reduce Inhales and Phonetic Problems
Altering Dynamics Processor Characteristics
Event Gain Envelopes
Track Automation Envelopes
Using Multiple Envelopes
Chapter 05 | Pitch Correction
What You Need to Know About Pitch Correction
How Pitch Correction Really Works
Automatic Pitch Correction Parameters
Manual Correction
Editing Vibrato and Event Pitches
Manual Pitch Editing with Pencil Tools
Multitrack Editing
Manual Pitch-Processing Strategies
How to Use Pitch Correction—Without People Knowing You Are
How to Choose Pitch Correction Software
The Collateral Benefit: More Feel
Chapter 06 | Generate Harmonies and Vibrato
Manual Harmony Generation
Automatic Harmony Generation
But First: Do They Sound Any Good?
Antares Harmony Engine
Antares Harmony Player Module in Auto-Tune Pro
Waves Harmony
Eventide Quadravox and Octavox
Synthesizing Vibrato
Harmony Generator Synthesized Vibrato
A “Believe It or Not” Automatic Vibrato Application
Chapter 07 | Align Vocal Timing
Manual Alignment
Fixing Notes that Don’t End at the Same Time
Automatic Alignment
How Track Alignment Tools Work
Do Pitch Correction Before or After Alignment?
Final Thoughts About Alignment
Chapter 08 | Channel Strips and Effects Chains
Single Plug-In Channel Strips vs. Custom Channel Strips
Basic Vocal Channel Strip Functionality
Optimized Strips for Vocals
Non-Emulation-Based Channel Strip Designs
Artist-Based Vocal Multi-Effects
Chapter 09 | Gain Staging
Why Being Careful About Levels Matters
VU Meter Calibration
Gain Staging Through Inserted Plug-ins
Chapter 10 | Preamps
Hardware Preamps: Physical Tone Shapers
Preamp Circuit Types
Plug-in Preamps: Emulations and Creative Control
Universal Audio’s “Unison” Input Feature
Plug-in vs. Hardware
Preamp Saturation
Real-World Preamp Plug-ins
Chapter 11 | Equalization
Common Equalizer Responses and How to Use Them
Equalization Sweet Spots for Voice
General EQ Editing Tips
Typical EQ Curves for Vocals
Airy, Choir-Type Vocals
Male Vocal EQ
Silky Female Vocal
Male Ballad Vocal
Female Pop Lead
Dynamic Mic Enhancer
Distant Filtered
Background Vocals
Crooner
Podcasting, Voiceovers, and Audio Books
Exciters
Chapter 12 | Dynamics Processing
How Dynamics Processors Work
But First, a Word of Warning...
How to Adjust a Limiter’s Parameters
Compressor Parameters
Types of Compressors
Genre-Specific Settings
How to Adjust the Compressor’s Parameters
Should Compression Insert Before or After EQ?
Expander Parameters and Controls
How to Adjust an Expander’s Parameters
Gate Parameters and Controls
How to Adjust a Gate’s Parameters
Dynamic Equalization
Dynamic EQ Setup
Best Practices for Editing Dynamic EQ Parameters
Dynamic EQ Applications
How to Adjust a De-Esser’s Parameters
De-Esser vs. Dynamic EQ vs. Automation
Chapter 13 | Reverb and Imaging
Reverb Components
Pre-Delay
Reverb Technologies
Reverb Characters
Natural Space Emulations
Mechanical and Electronic Devices
Creative / Effect Reverbs
One Reverb vs. Many
How Do I Know Which One to Choose?!?
How to Adjust Electronic Reverb Parameters
Best Practices
Supplementing Reverb with a Physical Acoustic Space
How to Obtain “Pure” Reverb
The Preverb Effect
Stereo Imaging
What Stereo Imaging Does
Chapter 14 | Delay
Types of Delay
Main Parameters
How to Set Up Delay
Delay Applications
Chapter 15 | Custom Vocal Effects Chains
The Three Main Vocal Chain Functions
The Order of Chained Effects
Mono vs. Stereo Effects
DAW-Specific Notes for Using Stereo Effects with a Mono Track
Series Effect Routing
Parallel Effect Routing
Bus-Based Parallel Effects
Single-Channel Parallel Track Architectures
Representative Vocal Chains for Specific Genres
Saving and Recalling Presets
Anatomy of a Custom Preset
Chapter 16 | Sidechain Applications
Sidechain Applications for Vocals
Duck Reverb and Delay for Clarity
Highlight the Vocal in a Dense Mix
Maintain the Best Proportion of Background and Lead Vocals
Avoid Over-Processing Sibilants
Create Rhythmic Effects
Chapter 17 | Parameter Automation
Automation Basics and Methods
Method 1: Record On-Screen Control Motion
Method 2: Edit or Draw Envelopes
Method 3: Automate the Automation
Method 4: Record Automation Moves from a Control Surface
Automating Effects Parameters
Automation Applications for Vocals
Channel Send Automation to Delay
Channel Sends and Echo/Reverb Splashes
Panning Automation
Plug-in Effects Automation Applications
Chapter 18 | Doubling, ADT, and Layering
Doubling with Chorus Plug-ins
Chorus Parameters and Controls
ADT (Automatic Double Tracking)
Authentic ADT with Standard Plug-Ins
Pseudo-Double Tracking with Time- and Pitch-Shifting
The Doubled Vocal Fix
Tips for Mixing Double-Tracked Vocals
Techniques for Layered Vocals
Dealing with Inhales
Busing for Simpler Mixing
Fuller, Bigger Solo Vocals
Chapter 19 | Vocal Performance Tips
Emotional Dynamic Range
The Lyric Sheet
Ways to Add Emphasis Other Than Level
“Bigger” Is Not Always Better
Avoid the Vocal Disconnect
The Music/Lyric Fusion
Learn about Connection from the Theater
Surprise—You’re a Salesperson!
Intimacy
Wait Until Playback Before You Judge Yourself
Performance Curves
). It has 269 pages, costs $19.95, and is part of Sweetwater Publishing's free updates program.Here's what's in it:
Chapter 01 | The Mic Is Your Instrument
Microphone Types and Technologies
Microphone Polar Patterns
Rejection—It’s All in the Angles
Proximity Effect
Microphone Modeling
The Importance of Room Acoustics
Connecting Mics
Preamps and Setting Levels
Remote Control
Accessories
Chapter 02 | Recording Techniques
Be Prepared Physically
Mic Technique
Create a Personalized Singing Environment
Monitoring Your Tracks While You Sing
Singing Through Processed Vocals
Recording and Overdubbing Vocals
Punching and Auto-Punching Vocals
Comping
Looping Options
Judging the Comps
Advanced Technique: Superspeed Comping
Chapter 03 | Vocal Cleanup
iZotope RX Suite
Waves Clarity VX Suite
Waves Debreath
Zynaptiq Unveil
Advanced Manual Control Techniques
Step-by-Step Workflow for General Cleanup
Chapter 04 | Prep for the Mix with DSP
About Event Envelopes
Typical Event Envelope Implementations
Event Envelope Applications
Manual Low-Level Noise Removal
Reduce Inhales and Phonetic Problems
Altering Dynamics Processor Characteristics
Event Gain Envelopes
Track Automation Envelopes
Using Multiple Envelopes
Chapter 05 | Pitch Correction
What You Need to Know About Pitch Correction
How Pitch Correction Really Works
Automatic Pitch Correction Parameters
Manual Correction
Editing Vibrato and Event Pitches
Manual Pitch Editing with Pencil Tools
Multitrack Editing
Manual Pitch-Processing Strategies
How to Use Pitch Correction—Without People Knowing You Are
How to Choose Pitch Correction Software
The Collateral Benefit: More Feel
Chapter 06 | Generate Harmonies and Vibrato
Manual Harmony Generation
Automatic Harmony Generation
But First: Do They Sound Any Good?
Antares Harmony Engine
Antares Harmony Player Module in Auto-Tune Pro
Waves Harmony
Eventide Quadravox and Octavox
Synthesizing Vibrato
Harmony Generator Synthesized Vibrato
A “Believe It or Not” Automatic Vibrato Application
Chapter 07 | Align Vocal Timing
Manual Alignment
Fixing Notes that Don’t End at the Same Time
Automatic Alignment
How Track Alignment Tools Work
Do Pitch Correction Before or After Alignment?
Final Thoughts About Alignment
Chapter 08 | Channel Strips and Effects Chains
Single Plug-In Channel Strips vs. Custom Channel Strips
Basic Vocal Channel Strip Functionality
Optimized Strips for Vocals
Non-Emulation-Based Channel Strip Designs
Artist-Based Vocal Multi-Effects
Chapter 09 | Gain Staging
Why Being Careful About Levels Matters
VU Meter Calibration
Gain Staging Through Inserted Plug-ins
Chapter 10 | Preamps
Hardware Preamps: Physical Tone Shapers
Preamp Circuit Types
Plug-in Preamps: Emulations and Creative Control
Universal Audio’s “Unison” Input Feature
Plug-in vs. Hardware
Preamp Saturation
Real-World Preamp Plug-ins
Chapter 11 | Equalization
Common Equalizer Responses and How to Use Them
Equalization Sweet Spots for Voice
General EQ Editing Tips
Typical EQ Curves for Vocals
Airy, Choir-Type Vocals
Male Vocal EQ
Silky Female Vocal
Male Ballad Vocal
Female Pop Lead
Dynamic Mic Enhancer
Distant Filtered
Background Vocals
Crooner
Podcasting, Voiceovers, and Audio Books
Exciters
Chapter 12 | Dynamics Processing
How Dynamics Processors Work
But First, a Word of Warning...
How to Adjust a Limiter’s Parameters
Compressor Parameters
Types of Compressors
Genre-Specific Settings
How to Adjust the Compressor’s Parameters
Should Compression Insert Before or After EQ?
Expander Parameters and Controls
How to Adjust an Expander’s Parameters
Gate Parameters and Controls
How to Adjust a Gate’s Parameters
Dynamic Equalization
Dynamic EQ Setup
Best Practices for Editing Dynamic EQ Parameters
Dynamic EQ Applications
How to Adjust a De-Esser’s Parameters
De-Esser vs. Dynamic EQ vs. Automation
Chapter 13 | Reverb and Imaging
Reverb Components
Pre-Delay
Reverb Technologies
Reverb Characters
Natural Space Emulations
Mechanical and Electronic Devices
Creative / Effect Reverbs
One Reverb vs. Many
How Do I Know Which One to Choose?!?
How to Adjust Electronic Reverb Parameters
Best Practices
Supplementing Reverb with a Physical Acoustic Space
How to Obtain “Pure” Reverb
The Preverb Effect
Stereo Imaging
What Stereo Imaging Does
Chapter 14 | Delay
Types of Delay
Main Parameters
How to Set Up Delay
Delay Applications
Chapter 15 | Custom Vocal Effects Chains
The Three Main Vocal Chain Functions
The Order of Chained Effects
Mono vs. Stereo Effects
DAW-Specific Notes for Using Stereo Effects with a Mono Track
Series Effect Routing
Parallel Effect Routing
Bus-Based Parallel Effects
Single-Channel Parallel Track Architectures
Representative Vocal Chains for Specific Genres
Saving and Recalling Presets
Anatomy of a Custom Preset
Chapter 16 | Sidechain Applications
Sidechain Applications for Vocals
Duck Reverb and Delay for Clarity
Highlight the Vocal in a Dense Mix
Maintain the Best Proportion of Background and Lead Vocals
Avoid Over-Processing Sibilants
Create Rhythmic Effects
Chapter 17 | Parameter Automation
Automation Basics and Methods
Method 1: Record On-Screen Control Motion
Method 2: Edit or Draw Envelopes
Method 3: Automate the Automation
Method 4: Record Automation Moves from a Control Surface
Automating Effects Parameters
Automation Applications for Vocals
Channel Send Automation to Delay
Channel Sends and Echo/Reverb Splashes
Panning Automation
Plug-in Effects Automation Applications
Chapter 18 | Doubling, ADT, and Layering
Doubling with Chorus Plug-ins
Chorus Parameters and Controls
ADT (Automatic Double Tracking)
Authentic ADT with Standard Plug-Ins
Pseudo-Double Tracking with Time- and Pitch-Shifting
The Doubled Vocal Fix
Tips for Mixing Double-Tracked Vocals
Techniques for Layered Vocals
Dealing with Inhales
Busing for Simpler Mixing
Fuller, Bigger Solo Vocals
Chapter 19 | Vocal Performance Tips
Emotional Dynamic Range
The Lyric Sheet
Ways to Add Emphasis Other Than Level
“Bigger” Is Not Always Better
Avoid the Vocal Disconnect
The Music/Lyric Fusion
Learn about Connection from the Theater
Surprise—You’re a Salesperson!
Intimacy
Wait Until Playback Before You Judge Yourself
Performance Curves
