Double Tracking Vocals

Special Interest Groups Audio Processing
1

Hi There,

I’ve just upgraded to Audacity 2 (Windows XP). All seems to be running OK so far and I’ve imported tracks recorded on my Zoom R16.

I’m looking for a “double track” effect to thicken up the lead vocals. It’s probably in the very long effects menu.
Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks

Mike

2

You can try double tracking.

Duplicate the tracks(s)…

Edit > Duplicate and use the Time Shift Tool (sideways black arrows) to shift one slightly later than the other. Listen as you go. There’s another tool to do that and it was mentioned recently… Looking.

Koz

3

Here’s the thread.
https://forum.audacityteam.org/t/can-someone-plaase-help-me-with-fake-stereo-and-remastering/23610/2
Koz

4

Simply time-shifting the track then mixing with the original will cause comb-filtering unless you time-shift far enough, then you risk an audible delay effect.

Vocal chorus effects generally work by first slightly de-tuning the track, then adding a fixed or variable time shift.

So I’d try:
Duplicate vocal track
De-tune slightly using Effect > Change Pitch: try 0.1 semitone up or down
Listen to result of two vocal tracks mixed together, Undo and try different values until you get something useful.
Very slight time-shifting of the de-tuned track may help.

– Bill

5

You can get a free stereo chorus effect for Audacity here … http://downloads.cnet.co.uk/view/mp3-and-audio-software/blue-cats-stereo-chorus-vst-39168831/ [windows only]

6

Thanks for your suggestions.
It will probably be Tuesday before I have the chance to try anything out.

I’ll let you know how things work out.

Mike

7

I’ve had chance to try the duplicate the vocal track route.
For my ears detuning by .05 semi tone works and I trying to find a good setting for the time shift.

Mixed well back this goes some way towards the effect I was looking for.