Removing Vocals in an MP3 file

[Shadowofthedarkgod]

Hi,


I've got a newbie question here.
I have this MP3 file that I want to remove the vocals in it, however I don't want to remove all of it, I just need a portion of the song to have it removed.

What software should I use?


Thanks!

[jagabo]

Open in an audio editor. Mark the section you want to remove vocals from. Apply a "karaoke" filter. Save the entire track. Try Audacity's Effect -> Vocal Remover filter. The vocals have to be in the center and the source has to be high quality for this to work.

[olyteddy]

Beware of using MP3 as the source. Phase cancelling the center channel of an MP3 will show off all the compression artifacts. Use a WAV or CD source, if you can.

[Shadowofthedarkgod]

Hi, I just downloaded the latest Audacity and I can't seem to find the Vocal Remover filter in it.

[Soopafresh]

My version 1.39 has it the bottom of the effects list

[Shadowofthedarkgod]

lol, the direct link has the version 1.2.6 in it, thanks I'm downloading the 1.39 now

[V Bot]

Keep us updated, I'm curious. May have to try it myself. I already know what song could use less lyrics. I usually prefer recording on my standalone recorder, but more effects would be nice.

[jagabo]

You will not want to do this routinely. The voice has to be exactly in the middle and the results are full of artifacts. Especially if your source isn't pristine (like an MP3 file).

[V Bot]

True, you wouldn't want a muddy sounding track. Cds need to have more bonus tracks. I mean in a day where you could just download for free or borrow a friend's copy. Music labels want to keep sales up, they need to offer more. I know a whole new argument. Anyway, nothing like the studio instrumental. It would be nice to have such a thing on retail cds. I know some singles have them, but the labels could make a few bucks more by just offering these, even on a digital download site.

[Shadowofthedarkgod]

Yeah I just used the Vocal Filter, it removed most of the vocals but there are still some "ghosts" voices in it (still some voices heard), but the majority had it filtered.

[guns1inger]

There is often an offset from centre on backing vocals or chorus effects to help fill out the soundscape. These you cannot remove with a simple centre phase-invert filter. You might be able to filter some of it out with an EQ filter though, with some trial and error.