How to Produce a Massive Vocal Wall of Sound | Devin Townsend

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  • Опубликовано: 22 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 633

  • @kfitzi
    @kfitzi 6 лет назад +181

    I love his approach. The sub-mixing allows him to stop wasting time on rethinking every decision. You commit early to the first sound that sounded good and you focus on the big picture all the time.
    Brilliant way to keep your eyes (and ears) on the prize. Fast decision making is a major key to success in any field, and here too.

    • @rix0r222
      @rix0r222 5 лет назад +9

      thanks for making this clear. I couldn't quite understand the benefits of the sub-mixes, but now it's obvious.

    • @sirriffsalot4158
      @sirriffsalot4158 2 года назад

      Yeah, except for.. well.. anything to do with safety, say like a construction site, lol! :)

  • @drrodopszin
    @drrodopszin 6 лет назад +1335

    Give this poor man his damn 200 voice choir!

  • @AstraVex
    @AstraVex 5 лет назад +516

    SO...
    * Soften The Transients
    * 300ms to 500ms - ping pong delay
    * Hall Reverb to soften the delay transients
    * Compress with Fast Attack & Release, crush it at 4:1 Ratio
    * Be devoted enough to make 30+ vocal harmony tracks of yourself.
    * ???????
    * -Profit- Coffee

    • @CaptainBenetration
      @CaptainBenetration 5 лет назад +8

      Lmao. I've never agreed with anything so much as this. 😅

    • @alex9ten884
      @alex9ten884 5 лет назад +3

      thanks

    • @thygod
      @thygod 5 лет назад +15

      "Devoted enough"
      You say that like it isn't fun as fuck layering those things.

    • @Jolontokhalilswork
      @Jolontokhalilswork 4 года назад +1

      yes thats the fact

    • @rockbandftmfw9
      @rockbandftmfw9 4 года назад +1

      @@thygod Its work Ill tell ya, shit isnt easy

  • @AlRomo19
    @AlRomo19 5 лет назад +354

    "Just pick the default options" you just gave me the solution to my life.

    • @redel37
      @redel37 5 лет назад +1

      Best comment!

    • @cccc4life
      @cccc4life 4 года назад +1

      Not gonna work bro

    • @danymalsound
      @danymalsound 4 года назад +9

      @@SteveStockmalMusic "Don't be afraid to use presets" - Kane Churko (In This Moment, Papa Roach, Five Finger Death Punch, etc) \m/

    • @janneboman8573
      @janneboman8573 4 года назад +8

      Also, experiment with extremes. If you have a guitar/bass pedal, see what the knobs do at min/max, halfway, etc. That way you get an idea of the characteristics.

    • @PerezBroz-p5o
      @PerezBroz-p5o 4 года назад

      Exactly couldn't have said it better

  • @Mtaalas
    @Mtaalas 5 лет назад +38

    It's wonderful that REAPER allows you to do these submixes as "sub projects" you don't have to render and render again, you just make a project within a project and it renders the output for you and insterts it into a track :D

    • @plummetplum
      @plummetplum 4 года назад +1

      Some one tell Devin that, I can really see the value of sub projects for this application, the beauty of it is you can go back and change it awesome.

  • @psychicandice
    @psychicandice 6 лет назад +768

    More please. I wish this video was seven hours long. Something tells me Waves Audio edited out thirty minutes of classic Devin quips and dad jokes lol

    • @andreassmidelov
      @andreassmidelov 6 лет назад +52

      If you're looking for more, I'd recommend checking out his session with Toontrack, where he basically creates and produces the song "Stars" in a 2 hour livestream :)

    • @_patrikjay_
      @_patrikjay_ 5 лет назад +5

      Me too watching artists mix their stuff...is so needed...I'd watch ten hours..while playing guitar of course....

    • @erra1645
      @erra1645 Год назад

      Possibly - but he explains it clearly enough to get the idea of what he's doing. It's just one audio sample copied and mixed with the original audio sample but on a short delay, or a future copy, spliced with the same audio sample on fade-in, fade-out effects and mono vs. stereo mix-and-match. The technique itself is actually very simple, but it is time consuming and the final product is a complex, multi-layered piece of music. The "money-money-money-money-money" echo also requires proper timing - too short or too long both kill what you're going for. Have to get it right in that sweet spot. I was doing something similiar to this back in high school when I was using Audacity and tried to create a spliced together version of all the different bands that had made a cover for "Enjoy The Silence" but it was obviously more simplistic and with nowhere near the same level of time dedication to it as I suspect Devin does.

  • @d3laiah
    @d3laiah 6 лет назад +248

    I'm completely shocked to see how much work and genius goes into these recordings and mixes. Devin is like 5 geniuses coming together and collaborating, only it's all inside this one persons magnificent brain and body. what an artist, what a human being... just unreal.

    • @sharpen-up
      @sharpen-up 6 лет назад +7

      Makes me want to try harder in my productions!... That's both a good and a bad thing...

    • @IrateWizrd
      @IrateWizrd 6 лет назад +10

      And he's released multiple albums in the same year many times. God damned incredible

    • @SteveStockmalMusic
      @SteveStockmalMusic 5 лет назад

      Craaaaaazy good

    • @michaelandreyev5029
      @michaelandreyev5029 5 лет назад +3

      Funny you say that cause his mixes aren't particularly genius. I for one love his talent but find his songs technically pretty mediocre - bland and unfocused, too much space and air. Never liked that in a mix and I don't know who would.

    • @twolvy9023
      @twolvy9023 4 года назад

      @@michaelandreyev5029 You should probably listen to Alien or Deconstruction

  • @lanelauhoff
    @lanelauhoff 6 лет назад +70

    6:37 New notification tone.

  • @SiGhast
    @SiGhast 6 лет назад +20

    The subtitles have impeccable comedic timing at 10:47.

  • @diegooliveirabenjamin
    @diegooliveirabenjamin 6 лет назад +306

    This dude is too good! I'm not even a fan, but this is beautiful to see, and I will listen to his music from now on for sure!

    • @rlbradish
      @rlbradish 6 лет назад

      Diego Oliveira was great

    • @diegooliveirabenjamin
      @diegooliveirabenjamin 6 лет назад

      @@rlbradish was? He's still alive! Am I right?

    • @sharpen-up
      @sharpen-up 6 лет назад +8

      I just went back to a 1996 album of his. City. Sculpted my youth!

    • @diegooliveirabenjamin
      @diegooliveirabenjamin 6 лет назад

      @@sharpen-up gonna check it for sure Bro

    • @IrateWizrd
      @IrateWizrd 6 лет назад +6

      @@rlbradish he's still good now, what're you talking about?

  • @npinjest7779
    @npinjest7779 3 года назад +2

    What's most impressive is his ability to clearly explain what and why he is doing, and not just play-by-play for a sequence of steps... the required mastery of the subject matter to accomplish that is awe-inspiring.

  • @RyanStrainMusic
    @RyanStrainMusic 5 лет назад +178

    "I take the low end, and I back that up"
    I bet you do BOIIIII

    • @Ravver
      @Ravver 5 лет назад +12

      lmfao

    • @Oshidorinohina
      @Oshidorinohina 3 года назад

      im glad i wasnt the only one who thought that

  • @MegaStevie1990
    @MegaStevie1990 6 лет назад +6

    One of the most talented people I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to, and seeing live!

  • @Byhythloh
    @Byhythloh 6 лет назад +24

    I literally know nothing about producing music or any of that tech stuff...but watching Devy work is always so fascinating .

  • @donmurphy7666
    @donmurphy7666 6 лет назад +5

    One of the first things I mentioned to the guy who got me into Devin is that all of his songs sound like he has 1000 people/instruments playing at once and it sounds amazing. Now I know how that happens.

  • @mincentprice1041
    @mincentprice1041 6 лет назад +46

    I was a touring musician for 26 years & have used several software based studio recording. I'm going to try some of Devin's methods, and I hope I get a fraction of results. I absolutely love how he has matured into my favorite prog metal artist with that wall of sound. He is the modern day Phil Specter producer That voice and guitar prowess are 2nd to none!

  • @A_Final_Hit
    @A_Final_Hit 4 года назад +7

    With the exception of SYL, I've never been a big fan of his music. However, I'm a big fan of Devin because of his creativity and vision. I'd love to see more videos like this with him.

  • @yebele2913
    @yebele2913 6 лет назад +517

    "I'm not a fan of options" - Devin Townsend

    • @Patrick-857
      @Patrick-857 6 лет назад +87

      No proper artist is. Limitations breed creativity.

    • @slimkickens
      @slimkickens 6 лет назад +5

      @MorbidManMusic then he'd just use hardware.

    • @slimkickens
      @slimkickens 6 лет назад +5

      @@Patrick-857 yup. I own a few decent mid size tube amps, a couple good mics, and the waves CLA bundle. 90% of everything I do gets pushed through a CLA-2A

    • @FellishBeast
      @FellishBeast 6 лет назад +3

      I think he's my spirit animal.

    • @Zero-oq1jk
      @Zero-oq1jk 6 лет назад

      @@FellishBeast You witch

  • @jefffarver4695
    @jefffarver4695 6 лет назад +2

    Had the amazing chance to sit and interview him years ago. To say hes talented, and has an unreal feel of music, is an understatement. I wish I still worked for the magazine because I'd kill to spend another hour with Devin

  • @leeupton6015
    @leeupton6015 5 лет назад +2

    Loved Devin for many years now. Was supposed to see him in Manchester a few days ago but got stuck in a 3 hour traffic jam instead which was WAAAAY more fun.

  • @Kyp031
    @Kyp031 6 лет назад +54

    Devin is a freaking master.

  • @tompparmp9928
    @tompparmp9928 6 лет назад +2

    Many musicians have a symphony playing in their heads just before they fall asleep. Dev is the one who puts them on tape. It takes some dedication kids! :)

  • @flapflapflap88
    @flapflapflap88 5 лет назад +3

    Only just starting to get into Devin, but, he is already easily my favourite person ever.

  • @Kurt1969
    @Kurt1969 6 лет назад +65

    One of the most honest, humble, brilliant and talented musicians out there right now. I remember watching Devin live on the Sex and Religion tour with Vai, and was absolutely mesmerized with his vocal and guitar talent. Had no he was going to take it to the moon and beyond, and then some. Great video! Too bad it's not a few hours longer ;)

  • @pinkjedi6664
    @pinkjedi6664 3 года назад +1

    Damn I could listen to him talk about this stuff all day, he is truly a master of his craft!

  • @brianaverett7251
    @brianaverett7251 6 лет назад +53

    I have no idea what you're talking about but, I'm entranced

  • @SecondaryHomunculus
    @SecondaryHomunculus 6 лет назад +2

    Devy is one of rhe greatest artists of the past 200 years. He transcends music and philosophy; he becomes art in every form.

  • @smashrhythm
    @smashrhythm 6 лет назад +59

    He is the Zappa of our time. He’s visions are so clearly executed and masterfully crafted. It goes to show you if you give the right man the right tools, you have a masterpiece.
    Devon will always have incredibly brilliant material. Even if you’re not a metalhead there will be something in there you will like. I’m positive of that.

    • @punchmehard
      @punchmehard 6 лет назад +5

      smashrhythm And has a direct line to Zappa! When he was young he got his start with Steve Vai. When Vai was young he got his start with Zappa :-)

    • @smashrhythm
      @smashrhythm 6 лет назад +1

      Mark Bradford yeah true. it’s a shame Vai and Townsend had a falling out.

    • @ianmendham6671
      @ianmendham6671 6 лет назад

      Hummer’s a banging album

    • @azal191
      @azal191 6 лет назад +2

      @@smashrhythm they didn't. Steve played on Synchestra, they are on friendly terms.

    • @ladariusjohnson709
      @ladariusjohnson709 6 лет назад +3

      Sorry
      He's no where near the level of Frank Zappa.

  • @matthewleger5605
    @matthewleger5605 3 года назад +6

    Man, I'm not a fan of prog rock or anything like that at all anymore but this was a wonderful video. Devin is very articulate; this video helped solidify my understanding of some basic terms I was pretty sure I understood. I'll be trying this trick on a song of mine tonight. Thanks, Waves and Devin!

  • @drakenn342
    @drakenn342 6 лет назад +2

    Devy's specialties seem to be making beautiful walls of sound and creating melody out of anything.

  • @CLIFFLIX
    @CLIFFLIX 5 лет назад +6

    My God, this man is a genius! He has an amazing ear for music. Devin is a truly unique muscian.

  • @sapiense-science-cerveau
    @sapiense-science-cerveau Год назад

    Dev's sound is my stress test for any sound system or headset. This insight of Truth gives basically the blueprints of the vocal wall of sound down to the furthest background "hee" echoes I've never caught in the final mix.

  • @chickencatapult
    @chickencatapult 6 лет назад +363

    This is Bob Ross level relaxing to watch.

  • @billyhughes9776
    @billyhughes9776 6 лет назад +3

    Devin is awesome on so many levels. I'm not even familiar with a lot of his music but anytime I find something like this with him I watch.

  • @sisaktamas
    @sisaktamas 6 лет назад +1

    It’s just like using photoshop really, layers and filters, transparencies etc. Painting with sound. You gotta love it.

  • @keithb2055
    @keithb2055 6 лет назад

    right what I got was .... vocal 1,2,3 and 4..... the rest went over my head! .... still.... never mind still love Dev's music.... that mad, cheeky, brilliant, music wizard! Devin's music is not just for Christmas, its for life!

  • @skunkmaster34
    @skunkmaster34 2 года назад

    Mr. Townsend..... You are so FVCKING based. Everyone shows the end result.....the perfection....but you Sir... show the process.... AMAZIN

  • @ClipofTheDayy
    @ClipofTheDayy 5 лет назад +3

    This man is insanely good, knows what he is doing, wish I was this good.

  • @1n35pbso
    @1n35pbso 4 года назад +2

    he does almost the same with the guitars I'm pretty sure, so there's a couple more walls of sound than just one. And that's a huge work. Devin is great as always!

  • @synaestatic
    @synaestatic 6 лет назад +11

    I love his brain.

  • @MW-hm9ub
    @MW-hm9ub 4 года назад +1

    God bless ProTools and all music software. It’s hard enough becoming a really good musician. But to also learn all the software on top of that is amazing talent. LOVE THIS GUY

  • @bluecollarstudio8513
    @bluecollarstudio8513 5 лет назад +16

    Never heard of this guy but I'm definitely going to check out his tunes. Really beautiful stuff there.

    • @Monkeyneeds
      @Monkeyneeds 5 лет назад +3

      Blue Collar Studio You won’t be disappointed! He’s a master!! Enjoy your ride!

    • @chrisvickroy6170
      @chrisvickroy6170 4 года назад

      Did you ever become a fan?

    • @aldoblar
      @aldoblar 2 года назад

      Check out his singing on Vais sex and religion album

  • @sergioprasca8850
    @sergioprasca8850 6 лет назад

    He make it see so easy but yet again that's what years and years of being a master does.

  • @JuanPiVlok
    @JuanPiVlok 6 лет назад

    Devin is simply a true genius, more videos like this please

  • @earworm
    @earworm 6 лет назад +1

    Delay into reverb and submixes. I will have to try that way more. Thanks Devin!

  • @Mam_2854
    @Mam_2854 6 лет назад

    Devin is so articulate. The guitars are cruching in that mix!

  • @raymondmeadows5363
    @raymondmeadows5363 6 лет назад

    Master of his craft. How much I'd give to be a fly on the wall in his mixing/post-production process.

  • @HKKetoRecipes
    @HKKetoRecipes 6 лет назад +38

    I love Devin :)

    • @nnnneeeeuuuu
      @nnnneeeeuuuu 4 года назад

      Headbanger's Kitchen your recipes are great, nice to see you’re a devin fan too

  • @davelocke
    @davelocke 6 лет назад +6

    How can anybody dislike this? Great insight into his brilliant mind!

  • @tgletgle9980
    @tgletgle9980 6 лет назад +7

    This might be one of the best tuts i've seen! And for what its worth Waves, this earned you a subscription.

    • @tamdam
      @tamdam 6 лет назад

      Same here

  • @pizzadough686
    @pizzadough686 6 лет назад +3

    This video flew by, needs to be longer. Super informative from a super talented Devy

  • @jeremythornton433
    @jeremythornton433 6 лет назад +4

    That is an amazing insight into the mind of a mad scientist! Great stuff! I hope there are a lot more of these videos and I hope the world gets to enjoy them!

  • @howdesign
    @howdesign 6 лет назад +5

    And I thought I was the only fan who called his technique a 'wall of sound'! Amazing insight Dev!

  • @mminjarez
    @mminjarez 5 лет назад

    Hands down BEST MUSIC IN A PLUG IN PROMO VID EVER. Amazing.

  • @quentinnussbaumer8922
    @quentinnussbaumer8922 6 лет назад

    I feel home with this dude explaining awesome things about his awesome music

  • @lalakuma9
    @lalakuma9 5 лет назад

    I would like to thank Devin tonight. His wall of sound is the only music that has can completely (and very pleasantly) block out the stupid car horn sounds from the extremely obnoxious DJ at my inconsiderate neighbor's noisy backyard party tonight. Not even 4 noise complaints in one night managed to work this well. And I'm not even playing Devin's music that loud on my headphones.

  • @nigelstewart7920
    @nigelstewart7920 4 года назад

    Hi Devin, I've never heard your music before, but I'm going to thoroughly investigate your back catalogue. I really enjoyed your sound.

  • @Dyldozer666
    @Dyldozer666 4 года назад

    Brilliant producer he is. And a musician as well.

  • @XwO-mk
    @XwO-mk 6 лет назад

    Devin, thank you so much. Love your music, can't get enough. Please do more videos like this!

  • @SpartanLaserCanon
    @SpartanLaserCanon 4 года назад +1

    Oh hell yeah. His vocal mixes are always so sick, and he has such a wide vocal range. Guess he... was riding the waves.

  • @sunsetpoet-songwriter8323
    @sunsetpoet-songwriter8323 4 года назад

    Thanks for giving a look at your process.

  • @JQLLC
    @JQLLC 6 лет назад +3

    Hevy Devy is a metal Brian Wilson. Just massively impressive. I hope this video shows that he's putting out a new album.

  • @paulpouwelsmcmillan
    @paulpouwelsmcmillan 3 года назад

    Well, that was excellent. Devin would be an amazing music lecturer! Such great tips and so well explained.

  • @Spudcore
    @Spudcore 4 года назад

    Really useful demo, thank you ever so much Mr Townsend! I'm a big SYL fan, and it always blew my mind how huge and dense and noisy the mix was, but how you could still pick out the individual elements. It's great to get a little bit of insight into how you achieved that. Cheers Devin!

  • @Demanufactur3r
    @Demanufactur3r 5 лет назад

    Great, I never heard the HEEE vocals previously, now its the first thing that stands out. Will never unhear.

  • @realraven2000
    @realraven2000 6 лет назад +4

    A fun variant of the 2 pairs of pans is to record the snippets by standing in different places of the room (especially great if you have an open plan staircase in the studio) with a pair of stereo mics. You get a real sense of "having a choir" with that. Just keep sending your singer around and let him sing the same notes over and over. (don't try this on your own, unless you have a slick remote control on your daw)

  • @cameronroot
    @cameronroot 6 лет назад

    Always love getting tips and insight into Devin's methods!

  • @antonlaptev3807
    @antonlaptev3807 6 лет назад +1

    So he mixed Transcendendence himself? It is one of the best sounding albums I've heard! Incredible!

  • @HENRIAALTO
    @HENRIAALTO 4 года назад

    Thank you Devin for all the info and for showing insight to your production process!

  • @insignificantaftermathPROJECTS
    @insignificantaftermathPROJECTS 5 лет назад +1

    83% of the technical stuff goes over my head but I still feel like I can open up this software and give it a go thanks to his soothing explanations lol

  • @HermanvanGelder
    @HermanvanGelder 6 лет назад

    very inspiring! Breaking things down into multiple submixes. It makes a lot o' sense.

  • @PickettMusic
    @PickettMusic 5 лет назад +1

    It is so cool to see that this kind of submixing routine is something someone as cool as DT uses (and uses well). I am a laptop guy too, and rely a lot on submixing just to keep things manageable. At the end, if something isn't quite right...I go back to one of about 18 sessions and create a better submix. In a cafe. On my laptop. :)

  • @Quant-Beat
    @Quant-Beat 3 года назад +1

    Thanks a lot Devin! We need pro knowledge from people like you.

  • @Locrian1
    @Locrian1 6 лет назад +1

    Nice work. I generally end up with about 6 main submixes... More recently I've started submixing those 6 to 3 tracks. It's an excellent way to commit to an idea as well as simplifying the complex.

  • @geddyleesowlnose
    @geddyleesowlnose 2 года назад

    he revealed his signature sound for FREE. Respect!

  • @mickeymiguel2726
    @mickeymiguel2726 2 года назад +1

    Devin great explanation

  • @matthewacosta9767
    @matthewacosta9767 5 лет назад

    Genius at work...and he started on a banjo!

  • @peterpicone966
    @peterpicone966 3 года назад

    This dude is literally a musical genius. He has forgotten more than I will ever know.

  • @Patrick96322
    @Patrick96322 6 лет назад

    Devin Townsend is the Tesla of music !!!

  • @Atem_S.
    @Atem_S. 6 лет назад +2

    Sounds epic!! Wall of sounds indeed!!

  • @timhoadacoustic
    @timhoadacoustic 4 года назад

    Incomprehensible. My respect for this man have quadrupled.

  • @robinjames29
    @robinjames29 6 лет назад

    what a beautiful person and so good at articulating this

  • @HeavyDude3000
    @HeavyDude3000 3 года назад

    You got to love this guy 😊

  • @chaosoul-seanleeriggs369
    @chaosoul-seanleeriggs369 5 лет назад

    So awesome watching an influence of mine honing their craft

  • @TheMalikTwins
    @TheMalikTwins 6 лет назад

    You have no idea how excited this makes me!!!

  • @emmanuelwolf6568
    @emmanuelwolf6568 3 года назад

    Absolutely genius of our modern age.

  • @JesseJayAllen
    @JesseJayAllen 6 лет назад

    Devin Townsend is awesome

  • @Jamusictv
    @Jamusictv 3 года назад

    Simply brilliant! Mind blown 🤯

  • @paulbooker95
    @paulbooker95 6 лет назад

    Watching the Wizard at work. Devin is a true genius. 🤘🏻😎🤘🏻

  • @nicholasparis5281
    @nicholasparis5281 6 лет назад +1

    Very cool demonstration, VOX layering and effects! THANK YOU for showing us the audio routing.. Idk how many effects tutorials I've seen where they simply do not show HOW the tracks are routed through their submixes and why!

  • @Galacticat_
    @Galacticat_ 6 лет назад

    Love watching the genius at work!

  • @マシュードーラン
    @マシュードーラン Год назад +1

    Amazing vocals, amazing guitar skills and amazing mixing skills! Devin is a true mastermind!

  • @iamjoehill
    @iamjoehill 4 года назад

    I've been doing this since 2012! Tight!

  • @jod_hates_it_here6895
    @jod_hates_it_here6895 Год назад

    devin is incredible

  • @kriskenard
    @kriskenard 6 лет назад

    We love you, Devin

  • @jarrettpelzel9912
    @jarrettpelzel9912 5 лет назад +1

    This is awesome. Also I have never seen him so serious

  • @realraven2000
    @realraven2000 6 лет назад +8

    7:35 f..ing hell that sounds great. It's so in its own place it just has to work in the mix :)

  • @manikraina2154
    @manikraina2154 6 лет назад +18

    Loved the idea.I like the idea of using reverb to soften the transients.

    • @meters_and_madness
      @meters_and_madness 6 лет назад +13

      Me too.. whenever they ask me if I can spare some change I verbally assault them with a megaphone.

    • @monkeyrobotsinc.9875
      @monkeyrobotsinc.9875 6 лет назад

      I admit, haven't even thought of it myself.

    • @davidwells7509
      @davidwells7509 6 лет назад +2

      @@meters_and_madness Your comment deserves more attention than it's getting.

    • @scroez
      @scroez 5 лет назад

      Use reverb to lower sounds in your mix, Never heard of him till today I wonder how much specs his Mac has?

  • @jimmythebold589
    @jimmythebold589 5 лет назад +1

    sheez, as much time as devin puts in to just the MUSIC alone, ya think he could have someone else produce it!~

  • @BluesLicks101
    @BluesLicks101 6 лет назад

    Devin, thanks for not sounding like everyone else!