Strawberry Fields per sempre

[Frodo]

Hey there--

I love the sound of Lennon's voice on this tune. For you Beatle fans out there, you already know that it was recorded a whole step higher and then the tape was slowed down for the final version. I love that sound.

I've asked a few people how THEY'D do it, but I'm asking you.

Just trying to make musical "cents" here:

One octave = 1200 cents, so a whole step would be 200 cents. Correct?

As we know, doing a global convert doesn't always work any better than doing the track in bits and pieces.

How would YOU accomplish this task and what tools would you use to do it while avoiding that "Cher" effect?

For the Beatley inclined, here are a couple of links.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzOpcr2MbBI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jD2h0WuQ9kE

Anyone in "my tree"?

[MIDI Life Crisis]

I'd probably start with the vocal and after slowing it down, add the instrumentation.

[Frodo]

I'd probably start with the vocal and after slowing it down, add the instrumentation.

I knew I could count on you!

[Tritonemusic]

I think that pitching the vocals down and slowing them down is most effective (like done with analog tape). I don't think it would sound quite as relaxed if just pitch-shifting. Slowing down gives a subtle "slurred" effect which, I think, adds to the overall smooth vibe.

[Frodo]

I think that pitching the vocals down and slowing them down is most effective (like done with analog tape). I don't think it would sound quite as relaxed if just pitch-shifting. Slowing down gives a subtle "slurred" effect which, I think, adds to the overall smooth vibe.

I've been seriously considering renting (or buying) a first class tape machine for a great many reasons.

[Tritonemusic]

Pro Tools' stock Pitch Shift plug-in does a pretty good job of altering pitch and speed, simultaneously. I've tried this with DP in the past using a combination of Spectral effects and stretching the soundbite, but it always seemed to be a hit or miss type of thing...usually a miss, unfortunately.

[Frodo]

Yeah, man--- Zappa.

[davedempsey]

Way back in '95 I used a plug in 'tools to tune backing vocals that had been tracked at various sessions - it work really well but I don't think I was pulling the tracks more than 30 cents or so.

[Phil O]

I'd probably start with the vocal and after slowing it down, add the instrumentation.

Or how about tracking the instruments, speeding up the tape 200 cents, recording the vocals, then returning the tape to normal speed. I would think it would be easier to sync things up that way.

Phil

[MIDI Life Crisis]

I'd probably start with the vocal and after slowing it down, add the instrumentation.

Or how about tracking the instruments, speeding up the tape 200 cents, recording the vocals, then returning the tape to normal speed. I would think it would be easier to sync things up that way.

Phil

Much better idea!

[Phil O]

But how to implement this without a variable speed tape machine??

[Phil O]

BTW. Thanks, Mr. Frodo sir, for those links. The demos were of particular interest to me. I advise my clients to come into the studio prepared, rehearsed, arangements in place, etc. Only on a rare occasion does someone actually work on the development of an arrangement IN the studio. There is one fellow in particular who has recorded here that likes to bring in lead sheets and give them to his musicians the day of the session. They're seeing these songs for the first time and he let's them have at it. His sessions are always a joy.

So I'm always intrigued by different artists and how they go through the process of getting from original concept to finished product. To get a glimpse of what went on in the heads of Lennon/McCartney et al is indeed a treat.

Phil

[kurtl]

I remember something about trying this with an ADAT. Sync DP as a slave, then pitch up the ADAT. Record some vocals slow it back down. The manual says @ 48k the pitch range is -300 to +100, @ 44.1k it's -200 to +200. Somebody try it.

[muzishun]

I've done it this way:

1. Sample a stereo ref of the track
2. Speed it up by the appropriate amount
3. Sing the vocal to it
4. Sample the vocal
5. Slow down the vocal by the same amount

Works fine if you have no access to tape or Pro Tools.

[Shooshie]

There's a plugin amongst the Nomad Factory vintage bundle (47 plugs on sale through Sunday November 8, 2009 for $398) that simulates the Mellotron with its varying speeds, while at the same time giving it a processed effect. I'd be curious to try it on a vocal. It just might provide the right retro sound for the Lennon effect. or maybe not. But it's an interesting plugin. I thought it produced a very unusual sound, and it really did remind me of Strawberry Fields Forevah. (the song opens with mellotron flutes)

Shoosh