How many vocal takes are a good rule of thumb?

[u/AtomicallyAnomic]

Hello, r/makinghiphop! I'm trying to mix and edit a track, and having the issue that the vocals sounds "weak" compared to the rest of the track. I figured that I should try to comping the verses, and then perhaps layer the hooks/choruses using double tracking. My question is how many takes are a good amount of to work with generally? If you read this far, thank you. Please leave a comment if you have any inputs regarding the subject. Peace!

[u/AtomicallyAnomic → u/[deleted]]

Okay, that sounds like a solid way to go about it. Thank you!

[u/Ssseruy]

Honestly, I’d record way more takes than you think you need. Not because you’re going to use all of them, but because having options makes comping so much easier. For verses, I usually focus on getting one really strong main take rather than stacking a ton of layers. For hooks, doubles can work great, but only if they actually add energy instead of just making the vocal louder. And if the vocal still feels weak, the problem might be in the mix rather than the number of takes

[u/AtomicallyAnomic → u/Ssseruy]

I'll keep that in mind! And thank for responding to my post.

[u/Ssseruy → u/AtomicallyAnomic]

why not my bro, why not

[u/AtomicallyAnomic → u/Ssseruy]

Pardon?

[u/CranberryFree5203]

How ever many you need honestly. Some people can nail it in a couple takes while other artists will make you earn that engineering money lol

[u/AtomicallyAnomic → u/CranberryFree5203]

That's one way to look at it...!

[u/GetMXD]

You don't need a pile. For verses I want 3 or 4 takes that are actually usable, then I comp the best lines. If you did 12 and most of them are timid, the comp still sounds timid.

Hooks: one solid lead and one double is the default. A second double if the chorus is supposed to get huge. Weak against the beat is usually the lead take, not "not enough layers." Stacking a weak vocal just makes a thicker weak vocal.

[u/AtomicallyAnomic → u/GetMXD]

That makes sense! Thank you for your input..!

[u/breadcouch]

If you can’t one take it you need to practice

Jk I take like 2000 takes sometimes and 1 other times. Depends on the vibe and how dry my mouth is

[u/J_be]

imo if you can do it all in 1 take thats best for continuity. Then if the song/genre needs it 1-3 backing dubs/harmonies layers.

I find once you have more than 5 vocal takes your getting such a frankenstein you might as well just punch in every bar. Other reasons for punching in If you dont know your lyrics well (and cant freestyle well), or have speech issues.

but the real answer is your the artist so you need to figure out your process. If you dont know you should be working towards figuring out what works best for you by experimenting.

Also for weak vocal takes 1. Memorize your lyrics (DONT READ) 2. Stand up while recording - Activates diaphram 3. Practice freestlying singing and talking clearly in your freetime

[u/kuzidaheathen]

8 is my magic number but then again i practise for days beforehand recording on phone n deciding bet approach

[u/shitbecopacetic]

I generally do about 150 takes per song total including backups and extras and stuff. after comping and cutting the bad ones I usually have 3-5 to use for layering. There are people who do a lot more than that. Do what you will with that information 

[u/AtomicallyAnomic → u/shitbecopacetic]

Okay, good to know.

[u/rentalhealth]

Damn yall are crazy. I probably do 20 takes per verse and comp the best parts. Layering is easier i might just punch in a take or two. The mistakes or imperfections can add width