Delays

Using delays on vocals is very important to create the best possible pop sound.  Not only is delay a cool effect, but delay will also help thicken up your vocal, and create the feeling of having more space behind it.  We do all of our post production in Pro Tools.  So, in the session template, I have 3-4 different delay sends that I can send my vocals to.  Each one is synced to a different note value (quarter note, eight note, etc).  Typically in a song I will have one fast delay running the entire time behind the vocal.  Then I will go through the song and make “delay throws.”  Delay throws are automated delays that come in on the last word in a phrase before the next line.  So, if the vocal says, “breaking down this wall,” I would automate the delay to only turn on for “wall.”  Throws help fill up empty space before the next line of the song. Adding these two different delays makes a huge difference in the song.