Using Formant Reverb In A Mix
Using Formant Reverb In A Mix – Hey there, music makers! Today, we’re diving into the world of vocal mixing with a technique used by the legendary audio engineer Dave Pensado.
RECORD, MIX AND MASTER – A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO AUDIO PRODUCTION
Have you ever wanted a vocal to truly shine in your mix? To take center stage and captivate your listeners? Well, Pensado has a secret weapon up his sleeve: formant reverb.
In this blog post, we’ll break down Pensado’s approach to enhancing vocals using formant reverb, inspired by his video Using Formant Reverb In A Mix: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZgrUISiMMg.
Pensado’s Process: Putting the Vocal in the Spotlight
Imagine your artist bathed in a bright spotlight, belting out their heart and soul. That’s the kind of vibe Pensado aims for when mixing vocals. Here’s how he achieves it:
- Step 1: A Touch of Magic with Plugins
Pensado starts by sending the vocal signal through the EC 300, a delay plugin from McDSP. This injects a bit of warmth and saturation, setting the stage for the vocal to bloom. Next, he throws another plugin into the mix: Little Altar Boy by Soundtoys. This one helps to gently tuck the vocal back within the mix, preventing it from overpowering everything else.
- Step 2: Carving Out Space with Plate Reverb
Pensado is a big fan of using plate reverb for vocals. In the video, he uses the Gold Plate by Push Audio. This particular plate reverb has a unique character that leaves a sweet spot for the vocal to sit in, without any unwanted muddiness.
- Step 3: Abbey Road’s Rolling Technique
Pensado adds another layer of magic by incorporating a touch of the Abbey Road Studios’ signature technique: rolling highs and lows. This approach involves subtly automating the EQ to gently emphasize certain frequencies at specific points in the vocal performance.
Taking it Further: Experimentation is Key
Throughout the video, Pensado uses a song by Mac Miller called “Party Life” as a canvas to demonstrate his formant reverb technique. He plays around with the amount of reverb applied, showcasing how it impacts the overall feel of the vocal. He even encourages viewers to experiment by pushing the boundaries and seeing what unique sounds they can create.
Formant Reverb: Not Just for Vocals
The beauty of Pensado’s approach is its versatility. While he uses it on vocals in the video, this technique can be applied to other instruments as well. Guitars, keyboards, and even drums can benefit from the added depth and dimension that formant reverb provides.
So, the next time you’re mixing and want an instrument to truly stand out, give Pensado’s formant reverb technique a try. With a little experimentation, you might just discover your own signature sound!
