Community Forums Archive

Go Back

Subject:Removing Vocals--Finally A Product That Will??
Posted by: DJ_Don
Date:1/24/2004 9:21:43 AM

I know this is an ACID forum, but I see questions all the time about removing vocals from tracks with the usual response of "it can't be done". But Alesis has a new product called the Vocal Zapper that may be what everyone's been waiting for. I'm not sure of all the details, but if this thing works half as well as it claims to, and it's not too expensive, I know I'll get one. It's probably too early to ask, but has anyone been able to try it? Here is the link (just scroll down a little once you get there):

http://www.alesis.com/products/new_products/index.html

Peace.

Subject:RE: Removing Vocals--Finally A Product That Will??
Reply by: Iacobus
Date:1/24/2004 11:18:19 AM

It's a digital audio fact that when you remove a certain frequency from a stereo file, you also remove that very same frequency that other instruments may share. Vocal and guitar, for example, share a wide range of frequencies.

In short, you may indeed try and remove the vocal, but I guarantee it won't be perfect. The only true way is obtain the original tracks as separated before they were mixed down to a stereo mix.

HTH,
Iacobus
-------
RodelWorks - Original Music for the Unafraid
mD's ACIDplanet Page

Subject:RE: Removing Vocals--Finally A Product That Will??
Reply by: DKeenum
Date:1/24/2004 11:53:33 AM

I agree. There is a difference in removing vocals for karaokee (sp?) applications, but for audio applications... I can't see it.

Subject:RE: Removing Vocals--Finally A Product That Will??
Reply by: DJ_Don
Date:1/24/2004 4:10:50 PM

I agree that no piece of equipment can do this perfectly--the only way to have a true instumental of 99% of the songs out there is to, well, have the instrumental! But for me, I do a lot of remixes, and if this item can get things close, I can cover up the rest. I've had songs where I want to make a loop out of a certain phrase and there may be a vocal over a small piece of the loop that is ruining what I'm looking for. Again, if this thing can get me close, it'll be of some use to me. The only way I'll be able to say for sure, though, is to try it. So if anyone out there reading this does get the opportunity to put this unit to use, do me a favor and report here. If my local Guitar Center gets one and I get the chance to run some tunes through it, I'll do the same. Thanks in advance.

Peace.

P.S. If anyone finds out a price, please report here with that info. as well.

Subject:RE: Removing Vocals--Finally A Product That Will??
Reply by: Big_Faced_Boy
Date:1/24/2004 6:50:37 PM

So many people bitch about vocal removers. I never use em myself, but I don't personally feel the need. OK you're gonna have a few sound quality issues, as the removal works by using phase cancellation in common vocal frequency ranges. This will also result in a mono output. But most peoples' ears probably won't know, and if you can make a good loop or sample to drop into a track, then it's as good a tool as any.

Subject:RE: Removing Vocals--Finally A Product That Will??
Reply by: jumbuk
Date:1/27/2004 8:57:02 PM

My guess is that this is just another take on the phase cancellation method which has been around for years. It only works if the vocals are dead in the middle of the stereo field and are fairly dry - plus, it takes out anything else in the middle (usually the kick and bass). You can mess with this in SOund Forge - there is a preset somewhere. My experience is that it works on about 1 record in 5.

- jumbuk

Subject:RE: Removing Vocals--Finally A Product That Will??
Reply by: Jacose
Date:1/28/2004 5:04:29 AM

one thing i find vocal removers are great for is editing out curse words or other undesirables.. we did it on the fly for a wedding on the song "hey ya!" and for a second, it works great.

as far as using it in pro - audio, i dont think so.

Go Back