Editing and processing vocals in Ableton Live

Natural’s vocals were performed and recorded by Shyam P. Here’s how Rich puts them into the track

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“I made up the initial loops and then sent them over to Shyam, and he sent me back a nice bunch of ideas, vocal melodies, lyrics, everything,” begins Rich. Live’s clip volume automation is used to duck out parts of the audio to create a stuttered vocal effect for the intro.

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Rich uses Live’s EQ Eight to take out some of the vocal’s low-end. “This is so it’s not woolly, and sounds a little more mysterious,” he explains. The vocal is then compressed with Live’s Compressor effect to bring up its average level.

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When the vocal drops proper, Soundtoys FilterFreak and EchoBoy Jr. are used to give it a polished sheen. FilterFreak takes out some of the vocal’s brightness and breathiness, and EchoBoy Jr. adds a subtle 16th note slap delay.

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Next Live’s Delay effect is employed with automation on its power switch to create a ‘spot delay’ effect that causes certain parts of the vocal to ring out. “On some of the vocal sections I don’t use it though, to keep the listener on their toes!” Rich reveals.

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When the vocal hook plays for a second time backing vocals are added. “I bring it in on key works, and FilterFreak is used again just to add that sheen,” notes Rich. Another acid bassline and extra hi-hat are added at this point to boost the track’s energy levels.

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Rich highlights the vocal during the track’s breakdown. “I really just wanted to let the vocal sing out, and drop the track back to just the vocal for a nice little solo,” he enthuses. A filtered patch from Native Instruments Massive is used to add a noise-like effect during the breakdown to segue back into the next drop.