Is it possible to remove vocals from mp3 or wav files ?

nonstop301

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to ask if anyone here is familiar with audio editing software that can remove the vocals from mp3 or wav files to create an "instrumental" edition of the original file.

Thanks for your help and suggestions you wish to provide.

Regards,

n301

CB

Sorry. This isn't possible. Trying to remove vocals from an audio track that is not already in two different layers would be like trying to cut a person out of a digital photograph and expecting the grass and trees in the back ground to still be there. It's not a matter of method, it's simply not how the technology works.

You might try searching for the karaoke version of the song in whatever legal music downloading software you use.

Jokke

I once had a friend mention he could do something like it, but the vocals would be faint in the background, so they could not be removed completely. Unfortunately I don't know where this friend of mine has gone to, or what program he used, sorry. Try google or something.

a2jfreak

Not true. I've seen them do it on CSI many many times.

(Yes, I'm kidding. Don't post any scathing replies.)

CB Droege wrote:

Sorry. This isn't possible. Trying to remove vocals from an audio track that is not already in two different layers would be like trying to cut a person out of a digital photograph and expecting the grass and trees in the back ground to still be there. It's not a matter of method, it's simply not how the technology works.

WuGgaRoO

i recall about 5 yeards ago there was a winamp plugin which did this...but i remembered it didnt work well....

DogDragon

I found this But,I haven't tried it
http://www.redsofts.com/soft/165/6184/YoGen_Vocal_Remover.html

Thrax

Human vocal ranges are right in the middle of most string instruments (Especially guitars), and some low horns. Remove the frequencies of the human voices, you remove the frequency of your most important instruments.

At best, you can muddy the vocals, but you'll kill the dynamic range of your mid.

Tansunn

I used to have a program that attempted to remove vocals using the theory that most main vocals are played directly in the center of the stereo spectrum, inverting either the left or right channel, causing the vocals in the center to cancel themselves out. Of course, if there's some reverb added to the vocals, the sound may "bleed out" into the left or right channels a bit and that might not be cancelled depending on how the reverb is added. The problem is, anything else directly in the center will also be cancelled out, anything near the center will be much quieter, and of course, if the vocals are off-center, this method just won't work.

Nomad

Some sound cards, like mine, have a 'kereoke' setting which cancels the voice. It won't do it entirely, and sometimes it distorts the song.

osaddict

Try and find an accapella of the vocal - quite often these can be found, or if its a vocal used as a sample try to trace the original source.

Depends on the music I guess - thats from a dance music perspective mainly