How to Recreate Iconic Vocal Chains

Your guide to getting album-ready vocals in any genre.

Finding the perfect vocal sound is a daunting task. Beyond getting a great performance, you need to have the right equipment. But with a quality microphone, recording interface, and plug-ins you can easily take your recordings from the bright chart-topping sounds heard on modern pop recordings, to warm vintage tones of early rock, motown, and R&B.

In this video we’ll show you how to capture album ready vocals in any genre, all with a single Sphere DLX modeling microphone and selection of UAD plug-ins.

Modern Pop

For this setup we’re recreating the ethereal breathy sound of dominating radio pop, inspired by artists like Billie Eilish.

In this session we're reaching for the LD103 model in the Sphere Mic Collection UAD plug-in. Based on a Neumann TLM 103, this model adds its signature airy top end while maintaining a full rich tone that gets us close to the sound we’re after, even before applying any of the additional processing.

We’ll follow that up with a Neve 1073 going into a UA 1176 limiter, and finish it off with a Manley VOXBOX compressor for added tube punch. This is a classic vocal chain that’s used all over pop music to produce clear, articulate vocals

Check out the airy, light character the microphone imparts on Eilish’s performance.

If you’re after a slightly darker tone for your pop track, you can try a dynamic mic model such as the DN7. But ultimately, the LD103 in conjunction with a quality preamp plug-in and compressor will supply the breathy pop sound that has become ubiquitous in modern pop recordings.

“Using the LD103 mic model in the Sphere Mic Collection gives you that clear, haunting pop sound.”

— Geoff Manchester
Sr. Product Marketing Manager, UA

Classic Soul

Next, we’ll show you how to get that classic warm vocal tone used by classic soul and R&B icons like Stevie Wonder to modern vocalists like Leon Bridges.

This chain will start with the DN20, a model of the electro-voice RE20 broadcast mic. Versus condenser mic models like the LD103, the DN20 is perfect for adding a bit of grit to your vocals, perfect for that classic ’70s-inspired sound.

With this setup, your signal chain is arguably just as important as your mic choice to achieve that vintage feel. We’ll begin with the API Vision Channel Strip going into a Pultec EQ. Then we go into a Studer A800 tape machine, LA-2A tube compressor, and finally the Hitsville Mastering EQ. Filled with authentic emulations of classic hardware, this chain is perfect for classic soul and Motown vibe.

If you want to try something vintage-sounding, but a little brighter, try switching out the DN20 model for a condenser mic like the LD67. This should give you more presence, without changing the vibe and vintage character of your vocal chain.

Listen to the warm vibe of the vocal on this iconic Stevie Wonder track.

Rap

If you’re a hip hop fan, you’re probably already familiar with the Sony C800G. It’s the go-to mic for vocalists of all kinds in the genre due to its pristine sound, whether you’re recording a rapper or singer. Just ask Dr Dre, Eminiem, Rianna, Travis Scott or any other number of artists in the genre, the Sony is the right tool for the job.

For our example we’ll be using the Sphere model of the same mic, the LD800, in conjunction with a Neve 1073 going into a Tube-Tech Compressor and then finally an LA-2A. This combination, similar to our pop chain, will perfectly recreate the presence and in-your-face character needed for modern hip hop productions.

If you want to see how wildly different this setup sounds to a vintage tone, try A/B’ing the LD800 with something like the RB-77DX ribbon microphone model. While the ribbon mic has warmth and character in spades, you’ll find it may lack in clarity and top end. For a genre where lyricism is of utmost importance, it’s easy to see how the flattering nature of the LD800 is a tried-and-true option.

Hear the way the C800G microphone maintains clarity and cuts through the mix on this track by Travis Scott and Playboy Carti.

From vintage warmth to modern shine, now you have a few complete vocal chains to help you bring the character you need for your next session. Don’t be afraid to experiment as well, mixing and matching different microphones using the Sphere DLX or Sphere LX system with your favorite plug-ins to create your own signature vocal sounds.

Read More
How to Use the LA-2A Compressor
The Difference Between Dynamic and Condenser Mics
Are Modeling Mics Good?
Best Vocal Mics
How to Build a Vocal Chain

— UA Staff