20-09-2014, 05:01 AM
I gave Hollow a quick listen, and it sounds to me like they're mainly using a simple parallel pitch shifting technique, a fifth interval from the source note. It's possible and likely they're using automation to change the interval here to avoid any dodgy off-key harmonics, but a fifth interval is my overal impression
To set this up in your DAW, create a blank track and insert your choice of pitch shifting plugin. Set it to 100% wet and set the interval to a 5th interval (or +7 semitones on some pitch shifters), and turn the volume all the way down. Insert and auxiliary send to the pitch shifting channel, and fade that channel in slowly until you get the desired effect.
More commonly the interval will be set to +1 octave and faded in at a much lower level, such that it blends with the source track more-so than sounding like another distinct set of notes. Give that a try to add some sparkle/air to a dull sounding track... it's great on snare drums and vocals with a too-dark tone.
There's probably more going on with that vocal (seems to be double-tracked and spread out for one ) but they're too subtle to pin down. Parallel distortion seems likely, because it gives a vocal a hard, edgy tone that really suits rock styles, and you can EQ the aux channel to pin down where you want the extra harmonic beef. I'm pretty sure I hear a very short delay, too, and it's quite compressed.
To set this up in your DAW, create a blank track and insert your choice of pitch shifting plugin. Set it to 100% wet and set the interval to a 5th interval (or +7 semitones on some pitch shifters), and turn the volume all the way down. Insert and auxiliary send to the pitch shifting channel, and fade that channel in slowly until you get the desired effect.
More commonly the interval will be set to +1 octave and faded in at a much lower level, such that it blends with the source track more-so than sounding like another distinct set of notes. Give that a try to add some sparkle/air to a dull sounding track... it's great on snare drums and vocals with a too-dark tone.
There's probably more going on with that vocal (seems to be double-tracked and spread out for one ) but they're too subtle to pin down. Parallel distortion seems likely, because it gives a vocal a hard, edgy tone that really suits rock styles, and you can EQ the aux channel to pin down where you want the extra harmonic beef. I'm pretty sure I hear a very short delay, too, and it's quite compressed.
I'm grateful for comments and suggestions. Thank you for listening!