> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.youka.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Keep Backing Vocals

> Preserve background singers in your karaoke track

Some songs sound better with background vocals included. Here's how to keep them.

## What Are Backing Vocals?

Backing vocals are:

* Background harmonies
* Backup singers
* Echo effects
* Chorus parts sung by multiple voices

## Choosing at Creation Time

The best time to decide about backing vocals is when creating your karaoke:

1. On the Create Karaoke page, expand **Advanced Settings**
2. Toggle **Keep backing vocals** on
3. Create your karaoke

This uses a separation model that preserves background vocals in the instrumental.

## Why Keep Backing Vocals?

Benefits:

* Songs sound fuller and more complete
* Helps with harmonies
* Provides vocal cues for timing
* Some songs feel empty without them

When to remove them:

* You want complete silence except lead vocals
* Backing vocals overpower the singer
* The song works well with just instrumental

## Models for Backing Vocals

Different separation models handle backing vocals differently:

### MDX-Net (w/ backing)

* Keeps backing vocals with instrumental
* Good balance of separation
* Popular choice for most songs

### MusicAI Multi-stem

* Separates lead vocals, backing vocals, and instrumental separately
* Gives you maximum control
* Slightly higher credit cost

### MDX-23C (default)

* Removes all vocals including backing
* Cleanest instrumental
* Best for pure karaoke experience

## Adjusting After Creation

If your karaoke is already created:

1. Open the project in Studio
2. Go to the **Audio** panel
3. If backing vocals were separated, you'll see a **Backing Vocals** slider
4. Adjust the volume as needed

Note: If the original separation didn't preserve backing vocals, you may need to recreate the karaoke with a different model.

## Tips

* Listen to the original song to decide
* Pop and rock songs often benefit from backing vocals
* Solo acoustic performances work better without
* You can always mix backing vocals lower rather than removing completely