Double tracking
Recording the same part twice, usually on separate tracks, and playing both together.
A doubled part sounds bigger than a copy of itself because the two performances differ slightly in timing and tuning, and the ear hears those differences as width and depth rather than as an error. Doubling is standard practice for rhythm guitar in rock and pop production, often with different instruments or amplifiers for the two takes. The tighter the two performances are played, the more solid the result, which makes it a demanding technique despite its simple idea.
Example: A rhythm guitar that fills both sides of the stereo field because it was played twice, rather than copied, has been double tracked.
See also
Related
- PageOverdub
- PageStereo widening
- PageMultitrack recording
- PageAmp mic placement
- PageAudio interface
- PageAux send
- PageAaron Dessner
- PageAce Frehley