vocal and backing track phase problem?

[dglad]

Can anyone please explain why vocals seem to change their sound when added to a backing track through the same system. I find that when the mic is set up and the vocals sound just right, the sound changes drastically when a backing track is intriduced. The vocals seem to lose depth and sound much to toppy and if I try to alter the channel EQ to add more bass or take off some of the top it becomes a complete mess. It seems that the backing tracks take over the way the speakers perform and the vocal content sounds out of phase.

I am using 2 x Mckie TH15A powered speakers and a Tapco 260FX mixer but I have also tried a Soundcraft efx8 and a Carlsbro Megamix and the result is still the same.

Could it be that I need to run the backing tracks through a separate system so that the vocals are separated from the backing tracks?

I would appreciate any advice about this.

 

Thanks

 

dglad

[Stan Hope-Streeter]

The vocal on its own will always sound different from how it sounds when combined with the backing.

 

Instead of setting the vocal sound first, then adding the track, try EQ'ing the vocal with the track running. Do this first with the track at a low low level to get some idea of what's required, then adjust again with the track balanced as for the show.

 

Also note that you need to EQ the track to fit around the vocal, it's no good running the track flat and just trying to tweak the vocal to make it fit. Both sounds need to be adjusted until they complement each other. When you have got this right, either will probably sound "wrong" when listened to solo.

 

Start by working out which frequency ranges in the track are overpowering the vocal, and cut them a bit.

 

HTH

[TimmyP1955]

The track is likely highly compressed. With this under a live vocal, said vocal will often change from buried to blasting, often within a single phrase. Try some compression on the vocal. (And don't forget to EQ the vocal to compensate for the highly-inaccurate response of the mic.)