Vocal Prep FAQ

This article answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the Vocal Prep application.

General Information

Q: What is Vocal Prep?

A: Vocal Prep is a standalone application that automatically removes unwanted room noise and random artifacts from vocal recordings. Using cutting-edge artificial intelligence, it analyzes your recordings and cleans them while preserving the natural character and dynamics of your performance.

Q: How is Vocal Prep different from a traditional noise gate or EQ?

A: Unlike traditional noise gates or EQ, which apply fixed processing rules to your entire recording, Vocal Prep uses artificial intelligence to analyze your specific recording and intelligently separate vocal content from noise. This results in more natural-sounding cleanup without the artifacts often associated with traditional noise reduction methods.

Q: What problems does Vocal Prep solve?

A: Vocal Prep removes undesirable hum, buzz, and ambient artifacts from vocal recordings while maintaining clarity and presence. It's designed to help anyone from bedroom producers to professional studios achieve professional studio-quality vocals without expensive gear or technical expertise.  

Q: Will Vocal Prep alter the natural sound of my recording?

A: No, Vocal Prep has been specifically designed to preserve the natural character and dynamics of your voice while only removing unwanted noise. Unlike some noise reduction tools that can make voices sound artificial, Vocal Prep maintains the authentic qualities of your performance.

Q: Does Vocal Prep work with all vocal recordings or just singing? 

A: Vocal Prep works with all types of vocal recordings including singing, spoken word, podcasting, voiceovers, interviews, vlogs, and any other voice-based content. It's versatile enough to handle different vocal styles and speaking patterns.

Installation & License Activation

Q: How do I activate my Vocal Prep license?

A: You'll need to activate your license through the Auto-Tune Central application:

1. Install Auto-Tune Central here

2. Open Auto-Tune Central and log in with your Antares account

3. Navigate to the "Plug-Ins" tab and click Activate

4. Click the "Install" button next to your license

Q: How many activations do I get with my license?

A: Each Vocal Prep license can be activated on up to two locations simultaneously. You can activate your license on a computer, a physical iLok dongle, or a combination of both options.

Audio Requirements & File Support

Q: What audio file formats does Vocal Prep support?

A:

Mac:

• .wav

• .aiff

• .flac

• .mp3

• .m4a

Windows:

• .wav

• .aif

• .flac

• .mp3 (Note: .m4a files are not supported on Windows)

Q: What are the file size/length limits in Vocal Prep?

A: The maximum file length depends on your audio's sample rate:

• 119 minutes @ 44.1kHz

• 109 minutes @ 48kHz

• 59 minutes @ 88.2kHz

• 54 minutes @ 96kHz

• 27 minutes @ 192kHz

Q: What types of audio work best with Vocal Prep?

A: For best results, upload a soloed vocal with no applied effects (reverb, echo, etc.). While Vocal Prep can work with any vocal recording, it's designed to clean up raw vocal tracks before you add effects during mixing.

Using the Software

Q: Do I need a DAW to use Vocal Prep?

A: No, Vocal Prep works as a standalone application, meaning you don't need a Digital Audio Workstation to use it. However, you can easily export your cleaned audio files and import them into your DAW afterward.

Q: How long does the cleanup process take?

A: Processing time depends on the length and complexity of your recording, but most files will be processed within seconds. A typical 3-minute vocal track usually takes about 40-50 seconds to clean.

Q: Will Vocal Prep remove reverb or other effects from my vocals?

A: Vocal Prep is designed to remove unwanted noise and artifacts, not intentionally added effects. For best results, use raw vocals without reverb, delay, or other processing.

Q: Will Vocal Prep affect the dynamics of my vocal performance?

A: Vocal Prep is designed to preserve the natural character and dynamics of your performance while removing unwanted noise. The AI technology specifically targets noise elements while leaving the core vocal intact.

Q: How do I compare the original with the cleaned version?

A: After processing is complete, you'll be taken to the Playback Screen where you can use the three buttons above the Spectrogram (Original, Prepped, and Removed) to toggle between different views and hear the before and after results.

Q: Can I see what noise was removed from my audio?

A: Yes, the "Removed" view in the Playback Screen shows only the noise content that was detected and removed from your original audio clip.

Technical Questions

Q: What is a Spectrogram and how do I read it?

A: A Spectrogram is a visual representation of your audio that shows how frequencies change over time. In Vocal Prep's Spectrogram:

• Time runs from left to right

• Frequency is displayed from bottom (low) to top (high)

• Intensity (volume) is shown by color brightness (brighter colors = louder sounds)

The Spectrogram helps you visualize:

• Human voice (bright horizontal bands in lower to middle frequencies)

• Room noise (vertical bands or constant "fog" across frequencies)

• Plosives ("p" and "b" sounds appearing as bright vertical bursts in low frequencies)

• Sibilance ("s" and "sh" sounds appearing as bright areas in higher frequencies)

• Electrical hum (thin horizontal lines at specific frequencies)

Q: What file format will my exported audio be in?

A: Processed audio will be exported in the .wav file format. The default file name will be appended with "_prepped".

Troubleshooting

Q: The application doesn't recognize my audio file. What's wrong?

A: Make sure your file is in a supported format (.wav, .aiff/.aif, .flac, .mp3, or .m4a [Mac only]). Also, check that your file isn't corrupted or exceeding the size limits.

Q: How do I check for updates to Vocal Prep?

A: Auto-Tune Central will notify you when updates are available. Look for a red badge on the Vocal Prep logo within the application, which indicates unread notifications, often about available updates.

Q: How do I open Vocal Prep?

A: Unlike our other products, Vocal Prep is a standalone application rather than a plug-in, meaning that you don't need a DAW to open and use it. Instead, please open Vocal Prep from the Applications folder on Mac, or from the Program Files folder on Windows. 

Note: We are working to resolve an issue on Windows that prevents the creation of a Desktop Shortcut and from opening Vocal Prep from the Start Menu search bar. Please stay tuned for an update to the application. For the time being, please follow the steps below to open Vocal Prep via the Program Files folder: 

1. Open File Explorer: You can find it in the taskbar or the Start menu.

2. Navigate to the Program Files folder:

   1. Click on "This PC" or "Computer" in the left pane.

   2. Expand the C: drive (or the drive where your Program Files are located).

   3. Open the "Program Files" folder. 
      

3. Locate the Vocal Prep executable file.

4. Double-click the executable file to launch Vocal Prep.