What are the Best 14 Background Vocal Strategies? The Ultimate Buying Guide

Jun-25-2023 by Jolly
Are you looking to add some depth and texture to your music? Consider incorporating background vocals into your songs! These subtle harmonies and ad-libs can take your music to the next level and create a fuller, more dynamic sound. Don't be afraid to experiment with different vocal arrangements and layering techniques to find what works best for your style.

Whether you're a solo artist or part of a group, adding background vocals can also help your live performances stand out and engage your audience. with the help of technology and affordable recording equipment, you can easily record and mix your own backing vocals from the comfort of your own home.

what are you waiting for? Start experimenting with background vocals and take your music to new heights!

MusicBackgroundvocalsSongwritingHarmoniesMusicproduction

Shure SM58 Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone with 25' XLR Cable, Pneumatic Shock Mount, Spherical Mesh Grille with Built-in Pop Filter, A25D Mic Clip, Storage Bag, 3-pin XLR Connector (SM58-CN)

  • EXEPTIONAL VOCAL PERFORMANCE - The SM58-CN delivers high-quality vocal reproduction, thanks to its tailored frequency response and brightened midrange for clear and present vocals..
  • INDUSTRY STANDARD - The first choice for performers around the globe, the SM58 Dynamic Vocal Microphone is ready to bring any performance to life. From the club to the stadium, Shure has your back..
  • CLARITY & CARE - The uniform cardioid polar pattern reproduces every note as it was intended, delivering warm, crisp sound time after time..
  • LEAVE BACKGROUND NOISE BEHIND - The SM58 has a spherical mesh grille and built-in pop filter to keep any unwanted noise out of the mix..
  • DROP THE MIC - The durable construction and break-resistant stand adapter makes the SM58 the perfect companion on the road, going strong through the toughest performances..
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Martin Ranger DM11PRO Dynamic Vocal Microphone with XLR Cable Cardioid Handheld Microphone for Karaoke Performance Public Speaking Stage Recording and Free Table Stand

  • Dynamic vocal and instrument microphone with on/off switch for excellent studio and live performance.
  • Cardioid pickup pattern captures the main source and minimizes background noise and feedback. Ideal for Karaoke, presentation, wedding, conference,....
  • TS-06 is a telescopic design desktop microphone stand with a 5.5" round base and adjustable height from 11.5-16 inches with a black adjustable angle....
  • VOCAL MICROPHONE WITH XLR CABLE: Allowing the handheld microphone to be directly used for speaker and amplifier with a 1/4” mic in jack. 16ft-long....
  • HIGH MATERIAL QUALITY AND DURABLE DESIGN: Sturdy zinc alloy metal body can avoid being broken, which effectively protects the chips of the....
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Shure SM57-LC Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

  • Contoured frequency response is clean, instrumental reproduction and rich vocal pickup.
  • Professional-quality reproduction for drum, precussion, and instrument amplifier miking.
  • Uniform cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main source while reducing background noise.
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Humes & Berg 154 Stonelined Trombone Mic-A-Mute

  • This beautiful soft, big, rich cup mute sound is ideal for vocal background and subtone at the mic..
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Behringer TA 312S Dynamic Gooseneck Microphone for Vocal Applications

  • Professional dynamic microphone for transparent vocal projections.
  • Ideal as talkback microphone for studios, podiums, conferences and desktops.
  • Cardioid polar pattern minimizes background noise and feedback.
  • Flexible gooseneck shaft for ultimate user experience.
  • Convenient on/off switch to mute during breaks.
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Instrument Dynamic Mircophone, SM57-LC (SM57-LCE)

  • Contoured frequency response for clean, instrumental reproduction and rich vocal pickup.
  • Professional-quality reproduction for drum, percussion, and instrument amplifier miking.
  • Uniform cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source while reducing background noise.
  • Pneumatic shock-mount system cuts down handling noise.
  • Extremely durable under the heaviest use.
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Sony ICD-PX470 Stereo Digital Voice Recorder with Microphone Bundle (2 Items)

  • ADJUSTABLE SETTINGS: Get clearer voices thanks to adjustable mic settings and you can further optimize audio settings by choosing one of four "scene" pre-sets: music, meeting, interview and dictation.
  • REDUCE BACKGROUND NOISES: Eliminate unwanted low-frequency backgroundnoises with the low cut filter or Auto Voice Recording, which optimizes audio capture settings for vocal frequencies.
  • TRANSCRIPTION PLAYBACK MODE: You can easily fast-forward and rewind or create cue points in the track to save your place.
  • S MICROPHONE: Capture distant and quiet sounds without getting excessive background noise.
  • LONG LASTING BATTERY: Get extended recording with the built-in mic thanks to a supplied AAA battery that lasts up to 55 hours (using MP3 192/128 kbps).
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JAUTJA All-In-One Portable Podcast Equipment Bundle - USB Audio Interface Mixer for Live Streaming on Youtube, Twitch, Tiktok - Podcasting Equipment for Beginners w/Bluetooth Podcast Mixer (Pink)

  • [Bluetooth Music Connection = Ultimate Versatility] - Enhance your life through the joy of your creative music endeavors. Compatible with all Bluetooth-enabled devices and operating systems. JAUTJA enables you to live stream, film video content w/ background music, film vocal content, and practice personal singing..
  • [Multifunctional & Multifaceted Sound Mixing] - Perfect for professional-level podcasting, live streaming, content creation, and can be used as a portable personal karaoke machine! Our 10 Modes include Conversational Talk Mode, Auto-Duck(Music fades out while speaking), Vocal Remover, Mute, Vocal Transforming and more. PLUS 12 sound effects to better entertain and connect with your audience!.
  • [Lightweight For On-The-Go] - JAUTJA Podcast microphone bundle is highly portable, so you can stream or podcast from anywhere without heavy or complex equipment. It only weighs 7 ounces (200g)!.
  • [Includes] - Audio interface device, earphones with high-quality microphone, 3.5mm female terminal audio cable, 5-pin charging cable, smartphone adapter (....
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Behringer B 906 Dynamic Microphone for Instrument and Vocal Applications

  • Professional dynamic microphone for instrument and vocal applications.
  • Frequency response designed for guitar amplifiers, percussions and brass instruments.
  • Super-cardioid polar pattern minimizes background noise and feedback.
  • Switchable low-cut, flat and high-frequency boost to match instruments.
  • Extremely high signal output which lets the sound cut through.
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Streaming Systems: Twitch Streaming Strategy with The Twitch App, Guide to Twitch Live Streaming for Video Gaming Enthusiasts - How to Make Money Online Right Now from Home Using Twitch (Book 1)

  • [Bluetooth Music Connection = Ultimate Versatility] - Enhance your life through the joy of your creative music endeavors. Compatible with all Bluetooth-enabled devices and operating systems. JAUTJA enables you to live stream, film video content w/ background music, film vocal content, and practice personal singing..
  • [Multifunctional & Multifaceted Sound Mixing] - Perfect for professional-level podcasting, live streaming, content creation, and can be used as a portable personal karaoke machine! Our 10 Modes include Conversational Talk Mode, Auto-Duck(Music fades out while speaking), Vocal Remover, Mute, Vocal Transforming and more. PLUS 12 sound effects to better entertain and connect with your audience!.
  • [Lightweight For On-The-Go] - JAUTJA Podcast microphone bundle is highly portable, so you can stream or podcast from anywhere without heavy or complex equipment. It only weighs 7 ounces (200g)!.
  • [Includes] - Audio interface device, earphones with high-quality microphone, 3.5mm female terminal audio cable, 5-pin charging cable, smartphone adapter (....
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Amazon Basics Dynamic Vocal Microphone – Cardioid,XLR

  • Dynamic cardioid microphone for vocal amplification.
  • Cardioid pick up pattern and built-in spherical wind and pop filter for separating background noise and delivering clear sound.
  • Great for everyday or occasional use such as live musical performances, public speaking, podcasts, recording sessions and more.
  • Durable zinc die cast housing with matte enamel finish and steel mesh head.
  • Easy to connect and use with included single male XLR cable and simple on/off switch.
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Amazon Basics Dynamic Vocal Microphone - Super Cardioid

  • Dynamic cardioid microphone for vocal amplification.
  • Super cardioid pick up pattern and built-in spherical wind and pop filter for separating background noise and delivering clear sound.
  • Great for everyday or occasional use such as live musical performances, public speaking, podcasts, recording sessions and more.
  • Durable zinc die cast housing with matte enamel finish and steel mesh head.
  • Easy to connect and use with included single male XLR cable and simple on/off switch.
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Sony ICD-PX470 Stereo Digital Voice Recorder with Built-in USB Voice Recorder w ECM-CS3 Clip-Style Mic and 32GB Class Micro SD

  • Bundle Includes: Sony ICD-PX470 Stereo Digital Voice Recorder, SanDisk 32GB Ultra microSD Class 10 UHS-I Memory Card with SD Adapter, and Sony Clip-Style Omni-Directional Stereo Microphone.
  • Reduce Background Noises: Eliminate unwanted low-frequency background noises with the low cut filter or Auto Voice Recording, which optimizes audio capture settings for vocal frequencies.
  • Transcription Playback Mode: You can easily fast-forward and rewind or create cue points in the track to save your place.
  • S Microphone: Capture distant and quiet sounds without getting excessive background noise.
  • Long Lasting Battery: Get extended recording with the built-in mic thanks to a supplied AAA battery that lasts up to 55 hours (using MP3 192/128 kbps).
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Behringer ULTRAVOICE XM1800S 3 Dynamic Cardioid Vocal and Instrument Microphones (Set of 3)

  • Dynamic vocal and instrument microphone with on/off switch for excellent studio and live performance.
  • Ultra-wide frequency response for brilliant and transparent sound.
  • Extremely high signal output lets your voice cut through.
  • Cardioid characteristic minimizes background noise and feedback.
  • Convenient on/off switch to mute during breaks.
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Background Vocal

When it comes to music production, one of the most overlooked elements is the background vocal. Background vocals can add depth, emotion, and harmony to a song, elevating it to new heights. without the right strategies and techniques in place, it can be challenging to get the most out of your background vocals. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate buying guide, outlining the 14 best background vocal strategies to help you achieve the most professional sound possible.

1. Choose a Mic with a Wide Frequency Response: The first step in achieving high-quality background vocals is selecting a microphone with a wide frequency response. A mic that can capture the full range of the human voice will provide a richer, more natural sound.

2. Control Dynamics with Compression: Background vocals can sometimes get lost in a track, so applying compression can help even out the dynamics and bring the vocals forward in the mix.

3. Add Reverb for Depth: Applying reverb to background vocals creates a sense of depth and space, making them sound like they’re in a different room than the lead vocals. This technique can add a subtle yet powerful layer to your track.

4. Use Delay for Character: Delay can provide an additional layer of character to your background vocals. Experiment with different delay times to find the right vibe for your song.

5. Diversify Harmony: Avoid the temptation to only use one type of harmony throughout a song. Instead, mix it up with different vocal arrangements to keep things interesting.

6. Double-Track: Recording multiple tracks of the same harmony and panning them left and right can provide a fuller, wider sound.

7. Layer to Create Texture: Layering different sets of harmonies can create a unique texture that adds complexity to your track.

8. Practice Precision Editing: Background vocals may need more meticulous editing than lead vocals. Make sure that all the harmonies are lined up precisely and that there are no timing or pitch issues.

9. Use Vocal Tuning Software: No one is perfect, but with tuning software, you can fine-tune any pitch or timing discrepancies to create perfectly harmonized background vocals.

10. Practice Consistent Breath Control: It’s important to ensure that your background vocals have consistent breath control to achieve the right balance and precision.

11. Experiment with Different Phrasing: Different phrasing techniques can add interesting dynamics and inflection to your background vocals.

12. Use Layering to Build Variety: Layering harmonies allows you to create a variety of textures, tones, and moods in your background vocal arrangement.

13. Create Depth with EQ: EQ can be used to highlight certain frequencies in the vocals and create depth by making each harmony part stand out.

14. Mix and Match Different Vocal Types: Experimenting with different vocal types, such as male or female backing vocals, can provide unexpected richness to your overall track and help keep the listener engaged.

Utilizing these 14 background vocal techniques will help you achieve a more polished and dynamic sound in your music production. Remember that each technique can be mixed and matched, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works for your unique sound. By prioritizing the quality of your background vocals, you can add an extra layer of emotion and depth to your tracks.