Mixing Vocal Harmonies

[Red Toxin]

Whenever I mix vocal harmonies together, I notice a lot of "interaction" between the different takes/pitches. Like hearing the difference between two different guitar strings ringing at the same time. This makes the vocals seem to blend together almost.

When I listen to professional mixes, the different vocals sound very separate, even when panned to the same area (in that case, one vocal could sound like it's "behind" the other vocal, whereas in my mixes the vocals just sound like they are in the same space as the other). There isn't that thick interaction between the vocals.

Is this a trick with EQ'ing? I have a feeling it has to do with the lower frequencies, perhaps in the 300Hz-500Hz range? If it's something else, I'd like to know how it's done. Thanks!

[rocksure]

There are all sorts of things that affect the way BV's sit in a mix. Sometimes I deliberately go for a blend that sounds more "choir" like, and other times I go for the more separated harmonies effect. Depends on the song. Factors that influence this include
a) how many layers of vocals there are
b) If the layers are a mix of different singers, or they are the same person singing different parts
c) how close the harmonies are
d) how the parts interact with each other
e) whether the same mic or different mics were used to record all parts

It's hard to give blanket advice becaus eevery song and arrangement is different. A few tools I use depending on the desired result are:
a) different amounts of reverb on parts if I want some to sound further back than others.
b) Using delays along with reverbs
c) EQing the individual voices differently
d) panning the different voices to different areas....like voice 1 at 9 o'clock, voice 2 at 10 o'clock, voice 3 at 11 'oclock etc
e) careful choice of compression on individual tracks
f) send all the BV's to one sub-group, and add compression or reverb to the group if and when it suits the song