Remove Vocals from a Fully Mixed Song with SpectraLayers One | Cubase Q&A with Greg Ondo

Cubase
4 Apr 202305:24

TLDRIn this tutorial, Greg Ondo demonstrates how to remove vocals from a fully mixed song using SpectraLayers One, a tool available with Cubase Artist, Pro, and Nuendo licenses. He explains that SpectraLayers One allows for the unmixing of vocals by analyzing the audio and separating them into a distinct layer. The process is showcased, including muting the vocals and adjusting their levels in the mix, providing users with control over the audio elements, much like removing ingredients from a baked cake.

Takeaways

  • 🎵 **Vocal Removal Possible**: It's possible to remove vocals from a fully mixed audio file.
  • 🛠️ **Tool Required**: Use a tool called SpectraLayers to remove vocals.
  • 💿 **Available with Software**: SpectraLayers One comes free with Cubase Artist, Cubase Pro, or Nuendo licenses.
  • 🔍 **Frequency View**: SpectraLayers shows a frequency-based view of the audio waveform.
  • 🎚️ **Layers Feature**: Access the 'Layers' feature to unmix vocals.
  • 📊 **Frequency Spectrum**: View audio in terms of low, mid-range, and high frequencies.
  • 🔧 **Analysis Process**: SpectraLayers analyzes the audio and breaks down the vocals into a separate layer.
  • 🎼 **Solo or Mute Vocals**: Easily solo or mute the separated vocals in the mix.
  • 🔄 **Remix Capability**: Adjust levels of different elements after separating them.
  • 🎚️ **Level Adjustment**: Control the volume of the vocals or other elements in the mix.
  • 📈 **ARA2 Extension**: SpectraLayers works as an ARA2 extension for compatibility with various DAWs.

Q & A

  • What is the main topic of the video?

    -The main topic of the video is how to remove vocals from a fully mixed audio file using a tool called SpectraLayers One in conjunction with Cubase, Nuendo, or other DAWs via ARA2 extensions.

  • Which software versions include SpectraLayers One for free?

    -SpectraLayers One comes free with licenses of Cubase Artist, Cubase Pro, or Nuendo.

  • What is the difference between SpectraLayers One and its more advanced versions?

    -SpectraLayers One allows for the unmixing of vocals, while the more advanced versions, such as Elements or Pro, can remove additional elements like drums, bass, piano, and other instruments.

  • How does SpectraLayers One analyze the audio to remove vocals?

    -SpectraLayers One analyzes the audio recording by performing a frequency-based analysis, which breaks the vocals into a separate layer that can be manipulated.

  • What does the frequency spectrum view in SpectraLayers One represent?

    -The frequency spectrum view in SpectraLayers One represents the audio waveform in terms of frequency bands, showing low frequencies at the bottom, high frequencies at the top, and mid-range frequencies in between.

  • How does the process of removing vocals with SpectraLayers One begin?

    -The process begins by selecting the track in Cubase or Nuendo, launching SpectraLayers One through the extensions menu, and then choosing to unmix vocals.

  • Can SpectraLayers One work as a standalone program?

    -Yes, SpectraLayers One can work as a standalone program or in conjunction with Cubase, Nuendo, or other DAWs via ARA2 extensions.

  • What happens when you solo the vocals using SpectraLayers One?

    -When you solo the vocals using SpectraLayers One, only the vocal layer is played, allowing you to hear the isolated vocals without the rest of the mix.

  • How can you adjust the level of the vocals after using SpectraLayers One?

    -After isolating the vocals with SpectraLayers One, you can adjust their level in the mix by dragging the vocal layer into the project window and then adjusting the volume as desired.

  • What is the analogy used in the video to describe the capability of SpectraLayers Elements or Pro?

    -The analogy used is that of a perfectly baked cake, where with SpectraLayers Elements or Pro, you could take out the eggs, sugar, and flour after the cake has been created.

  • What should viewers do if they found the video helpful?

    -Viewers should hit the like button and subscribe to the channel if they found the video helpful.

Outlines

00:00

🎵 Isolating Vocals with Spectral Layers

The script discusses the possibility of removing vocals from a fully mixed audio file using a tool called Spectral Layers. It mentions that this tool is available for free with Cubase Artist, Cubase Pro, or Nuendo licenses. The process involves launching Spectral Layers through an ARA2 extension, which changes the audio waveform view to a frequency-based response. The tool then analyzes the audio and breaks the vocals into a separate layer. The script also mentions advanced versions of Spectral Layers that can isolate more elements. The process is likened to removing ingredients from a baked cake. The script concludes by showing how the isolated vocals can be adjusted in the mix.

05:01

📢 Encouragement to Subscribe

The second paragraph is a call to action for viewers to subscribe to the channel. It is a brief segment that encourages viewers to engage with the content by subscribing to receive updates on future videos.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Vocals

Vocals refer to the singing or spoken words in a musical composition. In the context of the video, removing vocals from a mixed song is the primary objective. The script discusses using SpectraLayers to isolate and remove the vocal track from a fully mixed audio file, allowing for remixing or other creative uses.

💡Fully Mixed

A fully mixed song is one where all the individual tracks, such as vocals, instruments, and effects, have been combined into a single audio file. The video script explains the process of using SpectraLayers to separate vocals from this complex audio structure, which is typically challenging due to the integrated nature of a fully mixed track.

💡SpectraLayers

SpectraLayers is a tool used for audio editing, particularly for isolating and manipulating different elements within a mixed audio track. In the video, SpectraLayers is highlighted as the key software for removing vocals from a fully mixed song. It operates by analyzing the frequency spectrum of the audio to identify and separate different layers, such as vocals.

💡Cubase

Cubase is a digital audio workstation (DAW) used for music production, composition, and editing. The video mentions that SpectraLayers One comes free with certain versions of Cubase, making it accessible for users of this DAW to perform advanced audio manipulations like vocal removal.

💡ARA2 Extension

ARA2 (Advanced Retrieval and Automation) is a protocol that allows for more interactive and fluid communication between audio plugins and DAWs. The script explains that to access SpectraLayers, one must do so through an ARA2 extension, which facilitates the process of launching and using the tool within Cubase or other compatible DAWs.

💡Frequency Spectrum

The frequency spectrum refers to the distribution of a signal's power or energy as a function of frequency. In the video, the script describes how SpectraLayers presents the audio waveform not as a traditional waveform but as a frequency spectrum, allowing for a more detailed analysis and manipulation of the audio's different elements.

💡Unmix

To unmix refers to the process of separating different elements within a mixed audio track. The video script uses this term to describe how SpectraLayers can break down a fully mixed song into its constituent parts, such as vocals, drums, and bass, enabling the user to isolate and manipulate these elements individually.

💡Layers

In the context of the video, layers refer to the different components of a mixed audio track that can be isolated and manipulated using SpectraLayers. The script explains how vocals can be separated into their own layer, allowing for control over their presence in the final mix.

💡Remix

A remix involves taking the original elements of a song and reassembling them in a new way. The video script discusses how, after using SpectraLayers to isolate vocals, one can remix the song by adjusting the levels of the vocals or other elements, creating a new version of the track.

💡Spectral Layers Elements and Pro

These are advanced versions of the SpectraLayers software that offer more features and capabilities. While the video focuses on the basic use of SpectraLayers One for removing vocals, it mentions that Elements and Pro versions allow for the removal of additional elements like drums, bass, and piano, providing even greater control over the audio mix.

Highlights

It's possible to remove vocals from a fully mixed audio file.

Use a tool called SpectraLayers to remove vocals.

SpectraLayers One comes free with Cubase Artist, Cubase Pro, or Nuendo licenses.

Access SpectraLayers through an ARA2 extension.

View changes to a frequency-based response in SpectraLayers.

Unmix vocals by selecting 'inspector layers 1'.

Advanced versions of SpectraLayers can remove more elements like drums and bass.

SpectraLayers One can unmix vocals from a recording.

Vocals are separated into a different layer for easy manipulation.

SpectraLayers works as a standalone or with DAWs via ARA2 extensions.

The process involves a significant amount of calculations.

Vocals and other elements are represented in different colors for clarity.

Solo or mute the vocals to test the effect.

Drag the vocal layer into the project window for remixing.

Adjust the volume of the vocals in the mix.

Isolate different elements using SpectraLayers' intelligence.

Every copy of Cubase Artist Pro or Nuendo includes SpectraLayers One.

Alter and set different levels for vocals with SpectraLayers.

The process is likened to taking ingredients out of a baked cake.

The video provides a practical demonstration of the process.

Encouragement to like and subscribe to the channel for helpful content.