When stacking vocals, it is important to have a game plan in the beginning, at least so far as what style you are looking for. Here are a couple vocal stacking techniques I use
First things first, once the lead vocal is complete, decide what you are aiming for in the backups. By adding a bit more compression on the way in – no more than 6db, imo – you can keep the backups tight and consistent behind the lead so that they do not “jump out” at unwanted moments. Yet, perhaps you want a nice dynamic range in the backups, so don’t compress and instead try to meld the sounds with a bit of positive or negative EQing. I generally cut sibilance in the backups and sometimes roll-off 70-100hz as well. As a rule of thumb, the more vocals you stack, the muddier the mix will become – in general. As you stack, try progressively rolling off low end and cutting frequencies around 200-300hz, as well as 480-550hz, roughly estimating. Remember that you will need to use your ears and best judgment based on the singer, mic choice, preamp, etc., but these are some simplified methods that have proven successful for myself. If you want airy vocals, add a little top shelf EQ but be sure that the vocals don’t get sharp or too “ssssy” – perhaps you will need some deessing following the EQ.
After the backups are sitting pretty closely with the lead, maybe try pulling the lead out a bit more with a little positive EQing in the 3.2Khz range and the 6.5Khz range to add more presence, maybe a slight shelf as well. This should leave the ledas and the backups sitting tightly, yet still leaving the leads in front of the rest. Add some panning and automation and the vocals should sound pretty darn close… Good luck!
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