How RayRay gets unheard-of results with VocalSynth 2

Humans have used their voices to shape, create, and produce music for centuries. Our connection to the human voice is so strong that, until just a few decades ago, instrumental music rarely topped any music charts.

The voice is a powerful tool, and using it effectively can have a massive impact on your music career. No one understands this better than RayRay, one of Asia’s loudest exports. Known for her bass-heavy productions, she seamlessly integrates the human voice in both familiar and unconventional ways.

RayRay uses plugins like iZotope VocalSynth to push vocal boundaries, drawing listeners in with familiar tones and then flipping expectations with innovative effects. Her approach has earned her millions of streams, hundreds of thousands of monthly listeners, and top billing at major festivals like Ultra, Glastonbury, ADE, and Tomorrowland.

We sat down with RayRay to explore how she uses VocalSynth in her studio.

From the first steps in vocal processing to essential VocalSynth 2 techniques, she shared actionable insights to help you achieve unique results in your own productions.

Jump to these sections:

• First step you take when processing vocals
• Essential effects in VocalSynth 2
• Layering vocals
• Where to find inspiration
• Finding the “magic”
• Common mistakes to avoid

Ready to take your vocals to the next level? Check out VocalSynth 2 through the link below and dive into this in-depth interview packed with pro tips from RayRay herself.

Explore VocalSynth 2

What’s the first step you take when processing vocals to make them stand out in a mix?

The first step I take when processing vocals is to clean them up to ensure clarity. I start by addressing any background noise, pops, or harsh frequencies with tools like EQ and de-essing. This creates a solid foundation for the vocal to sit cleanly in the mix. Once the vocal is clean, I use compression to manage dynamics and maintain a natural feel.

To make vocals stand out, I often apply subtle saturation or harmonic distortion, which adds warmth and texture. This is where VocalSynth 2 shines – it has a range of features like Biovox and Vocoder that allow me to sculpt the vocal tone creatively while still keeping it intelligible. By blending clean processing with creative effects, I can create vocals that are both impactful and unique.

Pro tip from RayRay:  Start with subtle adjustments before diving into heavy effects. A clean, well-processed vocal always takes effects better.

What specific effects in VocalSynth 2 have become essential to your sound, and why?

The Biovox module in VocalSynth 2 has been a game-changer for me. It allows for subtle yet powerful manipulation of vocal formants and resonance, which can completely change the vibe of a vocal.

Whether I’m aiming for a more robotic tone or something ethereal, Biovox gives me the flexibility to explore.

Another essential effect is the Polyvox module, especially for creating rich, wide vocal harmonies. I use it to layer harmonics that feel lush but remain natural enough to blend seamlessly into the mix. Finally, the Distortion module adds a gritty edge, perfect for making vocals cut through high-energy tracks like my hard dance or dubstep productions.

Pro tip from RayRay: Try automating the formant controls in Biovox during a breakdown or build-up for an evolving, dynamic effect. It adds tension and keeps the vocal feeling alive.

When layering vocals, how do you ensure each layer complements the others without clashing?

When layering vocals, the key is to give each layer a distinct purpose. I usually have a primary vocal track that carries the melody and clarity, and then I layer it with harmonies, doubles, or textures that enhance the overall vibe. I use EQ and panning to carve out space for each layer and avoid clashes.

VocalSynth 2 helps immensely here.

For instance, I might use the Vocoder module on a duplicate of the lead vocal to create a robotic harmony, then blend it in at a lower volume for depth. Using the Polyvox module, I can add subtle harmonies that stay in key without overwhelming the main vocal. I also use stereo imaging to spread certain layers wide while keeping the lead centered for a balanced mix.

Pro tip from RayRay:  Use VocalSynth 2’s Wet/Dry mix to control how much of each effect is present in the layered vocals. This helps maintain clarity while still getting creative with textures.

Who inspires your vocal processing approach, and how have their techniques shaped your sound?

Skrillex’s ability to create vocal lines that feel like instruments while maintaining emotional depth is something I constantly study.

His techniques taught me to treat vocals as more than just a melodic or lyrical component – they’re instruments too. Using tools like VocalSynth 2, I experiment with turning vocals into rhythmic or harmonic elements in my tracks. For instance, I often use the Compuvox module to create glitchy, robotic tones that add a futuristic touch to my productions.

Where do you feel the “magic” happens when transforming a raw vocal into a memorable part of a track?

For me, the magic happens after the technical clean up – when the creative shaping begins. This is when I start experimenting with effects, layering, and automation to shape the vocal into something that stands out.

Whether it’s through dramatic formant shifts or subtle harmonies, this is where the vocal becomes a key emotional driver in the track.

VocalSynth 2 plays a big role here. Its ability to combine multiple modules like Vocoder, Biovox, and Shred allows me to craft unique vocal textures that feel both polished and experimental. For instance, in one of my recent tracks, I used automation on the Biovox’s formant control to create a “breathing” effect, giving the vocal a life-like, evolving quality.

Pro tip from RayRay: Don’t be afraid to resample and reprocess your vocals. Sometimes running a vocal back through VocalSynth 2 multiple times can reveal surprising textures and tones.

Can you share a common mistake you’ve made in vocal processing and how VocalSynth 2 helps you avoid it?

I’ve made the mistake of over-processing vocals until they lose clarity or emotional impact. It’s easy to get carried away with effects, but the vocal still needs to connect with the listener.

VocalSynth 2 helps me avoid this by offering precise control over each effect’s intensity and tone. The Wet/Dry controls and EQ options within the modules allow me to dial back the effects when needed, ensuring the vocal stays balanced. For example, I might use the Distortion module for grit but keep it subtle enough not to overshadow the vocal’s natural timbre.

Pro tip from RayRay: Always A/B test your processed vocal against the original. It ensures you’re enhancing the vocal, not masking its natural qualities.

Start making unique vocal sounds

A massive shoutout to RayRay for sharing her expertise on using tools like VocalSynth 2 to transform vocals into something completely original. Transforming your voice into something unexpected and unique can completely change how your music is heard. The key takeaway here is that vocals can often be the secret sauce that helps your music stand out in a crowded field of producers using the same samples, loops, and libraries.

With modern tools like VocalSynth and other iZotope vocal production software, you can achieve top-quality results without needing a million-dollar studio. You can do it almost entirely in the box, crafting studio-level vocals and flipping them into something mind-bending and otherworldly. RayRay’s tracks are a masterclass in this approach – each one deserves to be studied just as she studies legends like Skrillex.

We hope RayRay’s approach sparked some new ideas for your own vocal production. Be sure to follow RayRay and dive into her music – she’s a true wizard in the studio.

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