Overview
This session reviews the vocal production and effects chain used in Juice WRLD's "Condone" using a DAW session walkthrough, highlighting plugin choices, organization, and mixing insights. The focus is on practical settings, session structure, and the importance of musical feel over technical perfection.
Session Organization and Structure
- Session contains many tracks, but most active takes are at the top of the project.
- Master fader features an SSL comp (Waves), harmonics plugin, and L3 limiter.
- Unused or inactive elements are present but not essential to the main mix.
- Tracks are organized by lead vocals, ad-libs, harmonies, and effects.
Vocal Chain and Plugin Settings
- Autotune Artist applied: retune speed set to 10, key D# chromatic.
- 1176 compressor: input at 30, output at 188, attack at 3, release at 7, ratio 4:1.
- Brainworks SSL 4000 used for analog console feel and randomizing sound.
- Mag EQ provides signature top-end boost: +1 dB at 40kHz, -2 dB on sub, minor other adjustments.
- Plate and hall reverbs utilized (Little Plate, Hollow Verb, H-Verb); some inactive.
- Echo Boy as main delay with industry-standard flexibility in delay shaping.
- Other effects: Pensado Doubler, SSL Waves, expand plugin (free), H-Delay.
- Delay throws use Echo Boy Junior with various feedback and mode settings.
- Lead vocal aux: EQ → DSER → Compressor (same as vocal track) → C6 multiband for shaping dynamic frequencies → SSL 4000 (different tweaks) → Mag EQ (slight variation) → CLA 2A Limiter (limit mode), L1 Limiter inactive.
Mixing and Audio Observations
- Occasional background talking is present but becomes texture when mixed with the beat.
- Plosive 'P' and sharp 'S' sounds are audible but not problematic in the musical context.
- Clean fades are not always necessary for commercial success or listener enjoyment.
- Over-cleaning (removing all audio gaps) can make vocals sound unnatural.
- Organizational clarity and understanding track routing are key to managing complex sessions.
Creative and Technical Insights
- Effects and plugin choices create unique vocal textures, e.g., Little Alter Boy for "demon voice."
- Each delay mode in plugins like Echo Boy and Echo Boy Junior gives different musical feels.
- Analog/tape style effects are achieved using plugin-specific modes and randomization features.
- Compressor and limiter settings are adapted as needed, not strictly copied.
Artist Performance and Listener Focus
- Energy, delivery, emotion, and flow variety are crucial for emulating Juice WRLD’s style.
- Fans prioritize how the song feels over minute technical/mixing details.
- Building a fanbase depends more on musical impact than perfect engineering settings.
Recommendations / Advice
- Focus on the musical emotion and song structure rather than obsessing over perfect technical settings.
- Use plugin presets as starting points, but adjust by ear for your unique sound.
- Organization and understanding routing in sessions is vital for efficient mixing.
- Don't over-edit if it removes character; balance technical polish with natural feel.