How To Create Ducked Delays In Cubase | Cubase Secrets with Dom

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to create ducked delays in Cubase for vocals, enhancing your music production with professional-sounding effects. We will explore two different methods: using the traditional ping pong delay with sidechain compression and utilizing the multi-tap delay for a cleaner sound. This process will help maintain vocal clarity while adding depth to your tracks.

Step 1: Set Up the Ping Pong Delay

1. Create a Delay Track

   • Open your Cubase project and create a new audio track for the delay effect.

2. Insert the Ping Pong Delay

   • Go to the audio effects section and select the ping pong delay. Set it to 100% wet to ensure that only the delayed sound is heard.

3. Adjust Delay Settings

   • Set the delay time to your desired value, depending on the tempo of your track.
   • Experiment with feedback settings to control the number of repeats.

4. Enable Sidechain Compression

   • Add a compressor to the delay track. This compressor will be triggered by the main vocal track.
   • In the compressor settings, enable the sidechain input. Select your vocal track as the input source.

5. Configure the Compressor

   • Adjust the threshold, ratio, and attack/release settings to taste. A faster attack can help the delay duck under the vocal when it’s present, while allowing the delay to come up when the vocal stops.

Step 2: Create Clean Ducked Delays with Multi-Tap Delay

1. Create a Multi-Tap Delay Track

   • Similar to the previous step, create a new audio track for the multi-tap delay.

2. Insert the Multi-Tap Delay Effect

   • Choose the multi-tap delay from the audio effects menu.

3. Set Delay Taps

   • Configure multiple taps to create a complex delay pattern. Adjust the timing and level of each tap to craft the desired sound.

4. Use Sidechain Compression

   • Just like with the ping pong delay, add a compressor to this track and set it to sidechain with your vocal track.
   • Tweak the compressor settings to achieve a smooth ducking effect.

5. Fine-Tune for Clarity

   • Adjust the levels of the delay taps to ensure they complement the vocals without overpowering them. This will help maintain clarity in the mix.

Step 3: Final Adjustments

1. Mixing Levels

   • Balance the levels of your vocal and delay tracks to ensure they sit well together in the mix.

2. Apply Additional Effects

   • Consider adding EQ or reverb to the delay tracks for a more polished sound.

3. Test and Iterate

   • Play through your track several times, adjusting the settings as needed to achieve the perfect ducked delay effect.

Conclusion

Creating ducked delays in Cubase is an effective way to enhance the vocal presence in your music. By using both the ping pong delay and the multi-tap delay methods, you can achieve a professional sound that adds depth without blurring your vocals. Experiment with the settings and effects to find what works best for your mix. Happy producing!