How to Create Easy Vocal Harmonies in Cubase

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of creating vocal harmonies in Cubase using the Chord Track feature. Vocal harmonies can enhance your music, but they can be challenging to master. This method is a quick and effective way to generate harmonies that complement your lead vocals, perfect for both beginners and experienced users.

Step 1: Set Up Your Project

• Open Cubase and create a new project.
• Import your lead vocal track into the project.
• Ensure that the track is properly aligned and edited for clarity.

Step 2: Enable the Chord Track

• Go to the menu and select Project > Add Track > Chord Track.
• This will create a new Chord Track in your project, which allows you to define the chords of your song.

Step 3: Define the Chords

• Click on the Chord Track to select it.
• Use the pencil tool to draw in the chords that correspond to your lead vocal melody.
  • Ensure that the chords are in sync with the lead vocal.
  • You can listen to the lead vocal while placing chords to ensure they fit well.

Step 4: Create Harmonies

• Select the vocal track and go to the MIDI Effects section.
• Add a Chord Assistant or Harmony effect to the track.
• This will generate harmonies based on the chords you defined in the Chord Track.

Step 5: Adjust Harmony Settings

• Tweak the settings of the harmony effect to customize the sound.
  • Experiment with different intervals (e.g., thirds, fifths) to see which harmonies sound best with your lead vocal.
  • Adjust volume and pan settings for each harmony to create a balanced mix.

Step 6: Edit Harmonies

• If necessary, edit the harmonies generated:
  • Use the MIDI editor to modify notes and timings.
  • Fine-tune each harmony to better match the emotional tone of the lead vocal.

Step 7: Record and Mix

• Once satisfied with your harmonies, you can record them into their own tracks.
• Mix the vocal and harmony tracks together for a polished sound.
  • Pay attention to EQ and reverb settings to enhance the overall blend.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can quickly create effective vocal harmonies in Cubase. This method utilizes the Chord Track to streamline the process, allowing you to focus on creativity rather than technicalities. For best results, continue to experiment with different chord progressions and harmony settings to develop your unique sound. Happy producing!