Reader's Choice - Stacking And Scrubbing

First let me say congratulations to Andrew for winning the quartet configurations poll from last week.  Consider that poll closed and voting over.  It just so happened Andrew was the individual who submitted that reader’s choice topic.

The second reader’s choice topic comes from a reader in Michigan.  They wanted to get my thoughts on one of their pet peeves, vocal stacks and re-dubbing of recorded DVD footage.  Thus the title ‘stacking and scrubbing’.

First, the issue of vocal stacking.  I know this topic has been tossed about on more than one occasion.  Personally my thoughts on the use of vocal stacking in the studio is one of, if it creates a better final product, then why not.  As a consumer of Southern Gospel music, I don’t mind a studio recording that has been produced with the best production value; the vocal quality being a huge part in the overall production value.

On the other hand, one area that I don’t want to hear vocal stacking is in the live setting.  I know this has been a common practice in Southern Gospel music since the exit of the live band and the introduction of tracks.  Adding several layers of ones vocals to add emphasis and effect and also recording several harmony layers for the same effect at times takes away from the live presentation.  Sure it adds a fuller sound to the presentation and also at times helps vocalists hide some vocal mis-steps.

And don’t think this only happens in Southern Gospel.  It is common practice in R&B (at least in the recording process) to use vocal stacking.  For me, Southern Gospel is best served live and live to me means instruments, vocals and harmony singing, no stacks.

Now to the area of re-dubbing or as the reader put it, scrubbing.  My thoughts on vocals that are re-done for a DVD recording of what was supposed to be a live concert can be summed up this way.  I can understand the artist wanting to send the best quality product to the market and with the success of Southern Gospel DVD sales, the practice of re-doing a missed vocal is fine with me.  In all likelihood I was not present when the specific DVD was recorded and therefore as a watcher of the DVD will in all likelihood miss any vocal re-dubs.

So what say ye.  Any thoughts on the matters of ‘stacking and scrubbing.’

Thanks again to the reader in Michigan who presented this week’s reader’s choice topic.  Remember if there is a topic you want me to discuss, simply email me the topic and it may be included in a future reader’s choice post.

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