vocal-chain

# Vocal Chain Set up a vocal processing chain on the vocal track. Stock Ableton plugins by default; user can swap to third-party manually. ## Workflow ### 1. Identify the vocal style Ask if not given: | Style | Sonic goals | | --- | --- | | Pop lead | Bright, present, controlled, clean | | Rap (modern) | Aggressive, in-your-face, heavy compression | | Indie/lo-fi | Warm, slightly distant, character preserved | | R&B | Smooth, lush, with subtle pitch correction | | Cinematic/spoken word | Intimate, breathy, minimal processing | | Backing vocals | Sit behind the lead — duller, narrower, ducked | ### 2. Inspect the recording `get_track_info` for the vocal track. Check: - Peak level (should be -6 to -3 dB ideally) - Any existing devices (don't blow them away) - Mono or stereo (vocals are usually mono) If peaks are red or the recording is below -20 dB, flag it: "Re-record at proper gain first; processing won't fix a bad recording." ### 3. Build the chain #### Order matters. Standard order: 1. **Gate / Noise reduction** (only if needed) 2. **Subtractive EQ** (cut problems) 3. **De-esser** (tame harsh sibilance) 4. **Compressor 1** (peak control, fast) 5. **Compressor 2** (leveling, slow) 6. **Additive EQ** (boost desired frequencies) 7. **Saturation** (optional, for character) 8. **Pitch correction** (Auto-Tune / Melodyne / Vocal Pitch — if needed) 9. **Reverb send** (to a return, not in-line) 10. **Delay send** (to a return, not in-line) #### Pop lead chain (stock Able...