Hollywood Backup Singers Explained
After welcoming you to the course, Larry starts by discussing the background of the plugin and providing a brief tour of the Opus software, which is used to load the plugin. Then he begins looking at the various features, beginning with the Vowel and Consonant instruments, with which you can adjust various dynamic layers to enhance the emotional aspects of the performance. The Combo Mod instruments are covered next, which contain sounds that can be switched or cross-faded via the mod wheel or other methods.
Videos
• Introduction & Interface (07:47) - In this first video, we discuss the background of the plugin and the way it was recorded. We also outline the various areas of the Opus software from EastWest within which we load Hollywood Backup Singers.
• Vowel Instruments (06:02) - Next up, we focus our attention on the vowel instruments and the different variations that we have at our disposal. These allow us to play with different dynamic layers and varying expression to really bring out the emotional impact of the performance.
• Consonants (03:28) - We focus next on the consonant instruments, where we can play with different dynamic layers to bring out the dynamics and impact of the performance.
• Combo Mod Instruments (04:41) - These instruments contain sounds which can either be switched or cross-faded between. We cover how to achieve this using the mod wheel.
• Solo Phrases (03:54) - See how the solo phrases can be used to add individual melodic phrases organized by root key. The mod wheel in this case allows us to choose whether the phrase will be played from the start or from the end.
• Keyswitch Instruments (12:40) - This video focuses on the key switch instruments and how different articulations can be selected using the left-hand triggering notes lower down in the register while the right hand plays vowels, consonants, or single phrases.
• Wordbuilder Phrases (05:55) - In this video, we use Wordbuilder's simple sung phrases to add lyrics to our productions. We explain the way in which we can achieve this and also the different categories of vocal phrase ideas.
• Wordbuilder Controls (10:47) - Next up, we discuss ways to reset the phrase's start point and also syncing to the DAW so it remembers its position in the track. We also explain how to change the relative levels of vowels and non-pitched and pitched consonants.
• Wordbuilder Time Editor (06:07) - This video investigates the time editor, where we can fine tune the length of each syllable within a phrase. This allows you, with some trial and error, to create phrases that fit your backing track.
• Text Modes (06:36) - Next up, we cover how the text modes can be used to either write in English or by using two phonetic alphabets, one of which (Votox) was written specifically for Wordbuilder. We also demonstrate saving and loading voice files and the Tools menu.
• Player Tab (12:54) - In this video, we cover the envelope, articulation pane, stereo double, and mixes/master sections. We also stack voices and route the sounds to separate outputs.
• Performance Scripts (04:42) - Discover the performance scripts, including round robin reset, portamento, and legato. We can use these different playing modes for mono and polyphonic performance.
• Plug-in in Action (15:56) - In this video, we try out various different instruments to create a vocal bed to an old school style loop.