Create Vocal Harmonies That Are Always In Key | Cubase Secrets with Dom

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through creating vocal harmonies from recorded lead vocals using Cubase. Adding harmonies can elevate your music production, making it sound more professional and engaging. We will break down the process into clear steps to help you achieve great results quickly and easily.

Step 1: Prepare Your Lead Vocal Track

• Import the Lead Vocal: Start by opening your Cubase project and importing the lead vocal track.
• Clean Up the Track: Remove any unwanted noise or artifacts to ensure a clear sound. You can use Cubase's built-in audio editing tools for this.
• Set Levels: Make sure the lead vocal is at an appropriate level in the mix. Adjust the gain if necessary.

Step 2: Create Duplicate Tracks for Harmonies

• Duplicate the Vocal Track: Right-click on your lead vocal track and select the option to duplicate. This will create a new track to work on for your harmonies.
• Label Your Tracks: It’s helpful to label your tracks (e.g., "Lead Vocal," "Harmony 1," "Harmony 2") for easy navigation.

Step 3: Add Harmony Notes

• Select the Harmony Track: Choose one of the duplicated tracks to start creating harmonies.
• Use MIDI or Audio: You can either record new harmony parts using a MIDI controller or manually input notes using the piano roll.
• Choose Harmony Intervals: Common intervals for harmonies include:
  • Thirds
  • Fifths
  • Octaves
• Experiment with Different Harmonies: Don’t hesitate to try various intervals to find what works best with your lead vocal.

Step 4: Adjust Pitch and Timing

• Use VariAudio: If you’re working with audio, select the harmony track and open VariAudio to adjust pitch.
• Quantize the Notes: Ensure the timing of your harmonies aligns with the lead vocal. You can use the quantize function in Cubase for this.

Step 5: Add Effects and Processing

• Apply Reverb: Adding reverb can help blend the harmonies with the lead vocal, creating a cohesive sound.
• Use EQ: Equalization can enhance the clarity of the harmonies and help them sit well in the mix.
• Adjust Levels: Make sure the harmonies are balanced with the lead vocal. Use volume faders to fine-tune the levels.

Step 6: Finalize Your Mix

• Listen and Adjust: Play back your mix and make any necessary adjustments to the harmonies, effects, and overall levels.
• Automation: Consider automating volume levels or effects to create dynamic changes throughout the song.

Conclusion

Creating vocal harmonies in Cubase is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your music production. By following these steps, you’ll be able to add rich harmonies that complement your lead vocals beautifully. Experiment with different intervals and effects to develop your unique sound. Happy producing!