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Cubase Pro 10 Music Production Seminar, Part 5: Spatial Effects for Vocals

Production RecipesPublished 2019.06.01Updated 2026.07.18
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This tutorial explains how to process vocals with spatial effects using only the effects included with Cubase Pro 10. Step by step, we combine delay, reverb, and Cloner on FX tracks and use send/return routing to help the vocal sit naturally in the song. Practical techniques include combining Tape Delay and Stereo Delay, using REVerence for hall reverb, and creating a doubling effect with Cloner to shape the vocal's depth and stereo image.

Using only the instruments and effects included with Cubase Pro 10, we explore contemporary music production techniques.

We have reached the final installment of this seminar series.
Here, we focus on spatial effects for the vocal track and take a detailed look at techniques for blending it with the backing track.

The vocal in this song uses the effects and signal routing shown here.
Let's look at one particularly important part of this setup: using FX tracks via sends.

Video Tutorial

  1. 1Techniques for Creating Trap Rhythms
  2. 2Creating Trap Bass Sounds and Phrases
  3. 3Tips for Creating Melodic and Harmonic Parts That Enrich a Song
  4. 4Polishing a Vocal Track with VariAudio 3
  5. 5Using Spatial Effects to Blend Vocals into a Song
Download the Cubase Song Project Here!

If a Sampler Track in the project does not play:

Switch the A/B comparison button in the Sampler Track, then try playback again.

Selected Questions and Answers from the YouTube Video

How can I make my vocals sound clearer?


You could try noise-reduction software such as this: https://sleepfreaks-dtm.com/dtm-materials/izotope-rx7-1/ Alternatively, boosting the high frequencies with EQ can help the vocal cut through. We also have these vocal-recording guides: https://sleepfreaks-dtm.com/produce-recipe/vo_home_recording/ https://sleepfreaks-dtm.com/produce-recipe/vo_home_recording-2/ Please take a look!

Vocal Delay Techniques for Filling the Gaps

In this song, we apply delay to the vocal to make the gaps in the verse more interesting.

The following techniques mainly use send/return routing with FX tracks.
The video below explains send/return routing in detail. If you have not used it before, take a look.

Send/Return Routing Explained

Let's set up and apply the effects.

Create an FX track and load a delay effect on it.
For this song, we wanted a delay with some character, so we chose Tape Delay within VST Amp Rack.

Tape Delay

Add Tape Delay in the Pre-Effects section and enable the effect.

Delay Send

Use the vocal track's sends to route its signal to VST Amp Rack.
Set the delay time to sync with the song's tempo. However, this Tape Delay does not provide a stereo-spreading effect like a ping-pong delay.

Stereo Delay

To create that spread, insert Stereo Delay after VST Amp Rack so the Tape Delay signal spreads left and right.

  • DELAY TIME: Set different values for L and R to spread the sound across the stereo field.
  • FEEDBACK: Set this to 0 so each delay produces only one repeat.
  • MIX: Set this to 100% wet so only the delayed signal is heard.

Let's take this one step further to give the sound more space.
Insert the REVerence reverb after Stereo Delay.

Cubase 10 added a range of vintage reverb presets to REVerence.
Here, select Spring Orange Vocals.

Mix and EQ

Listen as you adjust the mix balance, then use EQ to cut the lows and highs, leaving the midrange.
EQ settings are particularly important when shaping the character of a reverb.

Finally, automate the vocal track's send level so the delay comes in only at selected moments. That completes this sound.

Spatial Effects for Blending Vocals with the Backing Track

The effects above were used as part of the arrangement.
Next, we will apply reverb and delay to help the vocal blend with the backing track.

Start with reverb.

Load REVerence on an FX track.

Large Viennese Hall 1a (SR)

Choose the hall reverb preset Large Viennese Hall 1a (SR).

Main Send

Use the vocal track's sends to route its signal to REVerence.
Listen as you adjust the amount of reverb to suit the song.

Next, use delay to give the vocal depth and stereo spread.

Create another FX track and load PingPongDelay.

Again, use the vocal track's sends to route its signal to PingPongDelay.

PingPongDelay High Filter

For a natural-sounding ambience, use HI FILTER to roll off the high frequencies, setting the cutoff around 5 kHz.

PingPongDelay Sends

To blend this delay sound in further, use a send on the PingPongDelay FX track to feed the REVerence hall reverb.

Next, add a wider stereo feel to the vocal.

Create another FX track and load Cloner.

Cloner is a plug-in that creates a doubling effect.
It can layer up to four voices, with fine control over the pitch and timing of each voice.

Cloner Send

Use the vocal track's sends to route its signal to Cloner.

Cloner: Four Voices

We selected the 4Voice preset.

On listening, the effect sounded a little exaggerated, so we reduced the number of voices to 2.

Cloner Sends

Use a send on the Cloner FX track to feed the REVerence hall reverb as well.

As a finishing touch, apply a room reverb to the vocal to shape its sense of space.

Create another FX track and load REVelation.

Choose the Ambience Natural preset for a natural-sounding ambience.

REVelation Sends

As before, use the vocal track's sends to route its signal to REVelation.

REVelation Send to Hall Reverb

Use a send on this REVelation FX track to feed the REVerence hall reverb, too.
That completes the setup.

Layering these sounds can make a substantial difference to how well the vocal blends into the mix and to its sense of depth.
If you are struggling with vocal processing, try using multiple FX channels and sends in this way.

How did you find this five-part series?

We have covered a variety of useful production techniques, from programming individual tracks to applying effects.
If a particular sound caught your attention, explore the downloadable project and try the techniques in your own music.

Thank you for following the series to the end!

Download the Cubase Song Project Here!

If a Sampler Track in the project does not play:

Switch the A/B comparison button in the Sampler Track, then try playback again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Which effects are most important for blending vocals with the backing track?

A combination of reverb and delay is a good foundation. Reverb adds depth, while delay creates a sense of space, helping the vocal sit naturally in the mix. This article explains how to use REVerence and PingPongDelay for this purpose.

Q2. What is send/return routing?

It routes a track's signal to an FX track for processing. Multiple tracks can feed the same effect, making the setup efficient and helping create a consistent sound.

Q3. Can I use these techniques in a DAW other than Cubase Pro 10?

Yes. The basic concepts of reverb, delay, and send/return routing apply across DAWs. However, plug-in names and specific operating steps may differ.

Q4. What does it mean to bring in vocal delay only at selected moments?

Instead of applying delay throughout the song, use it only where needed, such as in gaps in the verse, to add depth and expression to the arrangement. You can do this by automating the send level.

Q5. What is the Cloner plug-in used for?

Cloner creates a doubling effect on vocals and adds stereo width. It can layer up to four voices, with fine adjustments to each voice's pitch and timing to create a natural sense of thickness.