Thanks everyone for the encouraging words.

Peter and Dean: the mic I'm using is the Shure WH30 condenser mic. It's a great mic that has a nice full-presence sound. But, part of the clear vocal sound is the 'tone' function of the Voicelive2; it automatically/intelligently EQ's my voice -- so any mic sounds better through the Voicelive2 when that function is activated.

Dean, I am using the Voicelive2 vocal harmonized functions from the first chorus onwards.

Thanks for the info. I have the TC Helicon Harmony G-xt and that tone button works really well.

My bass professor who played on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and Doc Severenson for 20 years told me that rocking back and forth was more rhythmically reliable than tapping the foot. I felt that was quite the gem right there.

Thanks for that info Marty.

The VoiceLive2 looks like an excellent device - I particularly like the choir feature which sounds great on a Helicon demo I found - I may be behind the times but I haven't previously heard anything quite so convincing. For those who need a choir when recording this may fit the bill (rather than find and record a choir, record and mix numerous individual voice tracks or use an expensive choir sound library with phonetics, which seem to be the only alternatives).

Marty do you find that the auto-pitch sensing that apparently configures the harmonies works with the Stick, or is there another way to configure the harmonies that you use (e.g. manually inputting a key)?

I also see that the VoiceLive2 has been upgraded to version 3, and that the price of the 2 has been slashed by a number of retailers to less than 2/3rds the price of the three (in case anyone is interested in getting one).

I particularly like the statement in the VoiceLive2 advertising copy that the "All new algorithm responds better to extreme vocal styles like screaming." I often scream at my machines when they don't work the way I think they should. Configuration by intimidation - I like it - "Sorry sir, yessir, if you'll just stop screaming at me I'll get that harmony just right for you sir, yessir I will sir ..."

Peter

Nice work.

This song employs the classic "build as you go" arrangement so common in this genre of music.
As a church band director, I'd humbly suggest:

To add more interest, rather than maintaining the same rhythmic pattern in the bass all the way through, you might try incorporating some of the original artist's kick drum patterns in your left hand:

- Go to 8th notes after the first chorus
- Go to the alternate bass pattern at the second chorus 1... +3 1... +3
- Back to 8th notes until you get to the real soft and quiet part
- Whole notes during most of the quiet part...

That said, your tone on both stick and vox is outstanding.
Thanks for posting this.

Hi Peter,

The Voicelive2 has a couple of different ways to control the harmonies. (1) you can plug in a guitar, or more to the point, a Stick, and have that control the key. I use the melody side of my Stick to control the harmonies. Or, (2) you can set the key manually, using the footswitches. This sets the unit to a fixed key, so it would have to adjusted every time to change keys. Finally, (3) you can use midi to control the key.

Marty

Hi Douglas,
Thank you for your arrangement suggestions. I think you are right in your recommendations. Maybe I'll redo the whole thing after a few months and post it. We'll see how much I can improve it.

Cheers,
Marty

Marty, again absolutely fantastic! Nice and clean man...
cheers,
kev

ps
your Stick was conjured close to my mine (6308)

Marty

Just listened to the original Hillsong United version, which I'd never heard before - I prefer your cover! Much more feeling and connection with the meaning of the song.

Peter

This is really nice, Marty. You have a beautiful voice for this genre and I hope you are sharing with your local community somehow.

I also would like to say a few things that I'm thinking as I watch your videos. Nice bookshelf, man! I love this corner of your space. And you have a grand piano, THAT YOU ARE USING AS A MUSIC STAND FOR PLAYING STICK! How awesome is that?!



Ek