Gang Vocal Techniques

Gang vocals on a record can be one of the most fun things to do in the recording studio. There's laughing, crying, and it's usually done sometime after midnight, but they have to be done correctly if you want to keep it manageable and still sounding like a gang! I had the privilege of recording gang vocals on Megadeth's The System Has Failed” album, released in 2004… here are a few tips on how to track gang vocals with only a few people, like we did on that album.

First off, I recommend using a large diaphragm condenser mic set to figure 8 or omni.

Don't record more than 5 or 6 people at once or it will tend to get sloppy in a heartbeat. You can use 30 people if you have them, and really want to, but break them into groups of 5 or 6 and record each group separately. In my example, we'll just say I only have 4 guys.

Arrange the group around the microphone, equal distance from the mic, about 3 feet away from it and record a couple takes. (I typically record 2-4 takes of each position). Then, ask them to switch spots and step back a couple steps, and record a couple more takes. Switch again and step back a couple more steps. Now, I like to get creative and have a little fun.. I tell them to get anywhere they want to in the room, and face any direction… record some of that.

You can adjust preamp settings if you want, I don't. I like to keep it at one level the entire time, so when the group is further from the mic, the level is much quieter. Basically, it mimics what you would get if you had one mic in a room with a ton of people, so when the tracks are stacked and panned in the mix, it resembles a group.

EXTRAS:
-For a loose gangly gang sound, only give headphones to 1 or 2 of the people so THEY can hear playback but the others can't.
-Pay attention to the starts/stops of the phrases so everyone is starting/stopping at the same time.
-In the mix, experiment with panning. Also, try bussing the group to a compressor or an effect for some flavor. Does it need reverb or delay?
-For some genres of music, or in particular instances, you may need to record a few takes of the lead singer by himself/herself to blend in with the group, or mix out in front.