Artificial double tracking is an electronic processing method used to simulate the sound of a doubled performance without requiring the musician to execute a second take. The source signal is duplicated and modulated to introduce slight timing differences and textural thickness. This creates a wider, chorused, and more prominent presence for a track within the mix.
How the songs in the archive use it
Taxman uses artificial double tracking to thicken George Harrison's lead vocal with chorused texture, while Closer uses wide doublers and high-frequency excitation on Halsey's voice to contrast against Andrew Taggart's dry, centered delivery.
How to do it in Logic Pro
Simulate the natural depth and width of a second vocal or instrumental take from a single recording. Use this technique to thicken lead vocals or guitars without requiring an actual double tracked performance.
Insert Tape Delay onto the audio track or an aux send.
Disable tempo synchronization and set a short delay time between 20 and 40 milliseconds.
Turn off delay feedback so only a single delayed copy is generated.
Add subtle LFO modulation to introduce gentle pitch fluctuations.
Optionally insert Chorus after the delay to enhance stereo dimension.
Plug-in
Control
Value
Listen for
Tape Delay
Tempo Sync
off
free running unsynced delay
Tape Delay
Delay Time
35
slight doubling separation without distinct echo
Tape Delay
Feedback
0
single doubling tap
Tape Delay
LFO Intensity
12
subtle pitch variance between takes
Tape Delay
Dry/Wet
50
equal balance of direct and doubled signal
A general method with Logic Pro's own plug-ins. Control names are checked against Apple's manual; the values are starting points, so adjust them by ear.
Songs that use it (2)
What each track sheet's analysis found, with the sheet's own score. Analysis, not verified credits.
Closer by The ChainsmokersContrasting Dual-Vocal Staging: Taggart's dry centered dynamic vocal contrasts sharply against Halsey's wide stereo doublers and exciter-boosted high frequenciesSheet score 8/10 · Source given: Sound On Sound Inside Track · Open the full track sheet
taxman by The BeatlesArtificial Double Tracking (ADT): Invented by Ken Townsend at EMI just prior to the *Revolver* sessions. Used extensively on Harrison's lead vocal to create a chorusing, thickened effect without him singing it twice.Sheet score 10/10 · Source given: Ken Townsend / Geoff Emerick interviews · Open the full track sheet
Want these sounds in your own mixes? Every song above has a full track sheet with its signal chains and a step-by-step recreation for your DAW. Open Track DiveAll techniques