Different balances during a song (voices, Dr. Dre last album)

[maxsnet]

Hi,

I was listening to the last album of Dr. Dre and in the song Medicine Man I was surprised to hear moments when Eminem's voice is up front and in your face, and short moments when it sits a little behind, like if he were away from the mic.

Then I realized that this difference of volumes happens on other voices in other songs (and even on the kick for the song Talk About It). This is the first time I hear this: I have always felt that for a voice once the automation on volume is done (to flatten it) and once the correct balance is found, it is left untouched.

I wonder if I am discovering the already known by everyone, or if that is a kinda advanced music production method, in any case it sounds very interesting as it helps to the groove of the beat and changes the attention of the listener - I am pretty sure that when the song is broadcasted on the radio and the moment when the voice goes back and forth, that this catches (back?) the listener's attention.

What literature could you provide me about it ? I am very interesting in this technique.

Cheers,

Max

[Richie Royale]

Hi Max,

I can't say I noticed any huge changes in level, but on the video I just listened to, the bass seems to duck the mix on Eminem's verse in parts, which is just bad mastering or mixing or a result of the upload compression.

Riding levels can be effective in a mix, but it is something that is individual to a track and not always necessary. You may want there to be a crescendo at the end of a verse or have the chorus sit a little louder in the mix to give impact for example.

[maxsnet]

Hi Richie yes the bass must be ducking Eminem's voice, and its clearly audible on the uncompressed version of the song so I believe this is made on purpose. I only have iPhone earphones right now so when I am back in the stud I will come back with more precise exemples.

For exemple in Talk about It in the chorus starting at 1.32, the string behind comes in front just for a 1/2 second at 1.41 but I can't tell if that's the iPhone earphones's fault or a mix decision.

Cheers