Basic Vocal Settings

[andyman91]

I'm looking for a fairly generic vocal sound to build from when recording. I'm using a AKG c3000 condenser, behrenger pre, behrenger mixer, and tascam digital 8track. I also have a multi effect processor.

Aside from investing in expensive equipment, I was wondering what eq, compression, and reverb (or delay) settings you might use. I know it's different for every voice/song, but let's say you were recording karaoke, where there will be all kinds of different voices singing different songs, how would you set eq, etc?

[dachay2tnr]

Originally Posted by andyman91

but let's say you were recording karaoke, where there will be all kinds of different voices singing different songs, how would you set eq,

Flat, until I determined what it needed.

[andyman91]

Originally Posted by dachay2tnr

Flat, until I determined what it needed.

but what about reverb & compression

[distortedrumble]

no reverb or compression until you determine if its needed also......i rarely use reverb but compression here and there isnt too bad especially with newbie singers. as for settings...i dont have a basic setting...it varies each time. get used to hearing "check check check check one twooo ooonnnneeee twoooo check one! check two!" its not too bad though...play around with it and you should find a compression that works

[dachay2tnr]

You're missing the point, Andyman. There are no universal settings for these things. That's why they have adjustment knobs.

Ideally you want to record a vocal with as little processing as possible - preferably none. This allows you to add whatever effects are needed at a later time, when you have had a chance to hear it in context with the other vocals/instruments in the mix. When you record something with effects, the effects are there forever - you can't get rid of them if you later decide it was too much reverb, or too much compression.

As distortedrumble indicated, sometimes with rookie singers you might need to work with a little compression, as their vocal levels can be all over the place. But the idea would be to use as little as possible in order to get the job done.

Also, using reverb in the headphone mix is a good idea. In other words, allow the singer to hear himself with reverb, but don't record the reverb. Save that for later.

[deepwater]

I do know that 99% of the time you will have to trim the highs with a C3000b. I record a chorus flat and them make minor adjustments and record the chorus again. You don't want to do much at all until mix down. I use some compression when tracking but not much at all. Maybe 1.5 ratio but . I nevere add reverb until mix down.

[distortedrumble]

it may sound annoying to hear right now but messing with the eq, reverb and compression is part of the fun to me. experiment! think outside the bun!...speaking of which, I'm headed to taco bell. anyone want anything?

[andyman91]

Originally Posted by dachay2tnr

You're missing the point, Andyman. There are no universal settings for these things. That's why they have adjustment knobs.

Ideally you want to record a vocal with as little processing as possible - preferably none. This allows you to add whatever effects are needed at a later time, when you have had a chance to hear it in context with the other vocals/instruments in the mix. When you record something with effects, the effects are there forever - you can't get rid of them if you later decide it was too much reverb, or too much compression.

As distortedrumble indicated, sometimes with rookie singers you might need to work with a little compression, as their vocal levels can be all over the place. But the idea would be to use as little as possible in order to get the job done.

Also, using reverb in the headphone mix is a good idea. In other words, allow the singer to hear himself with reverb, but don't record the reverb. Save that for later.

I know each song should be approached fresh (and I never record with effects, I always add them after), but I figure there are probably some basic settings for different instruments that some people use on most (if not all) of their recordings.

For example, I usually boost the high end maybe 10-13 khz on my acoustic, or 100hz and maybe 5khz on bass.

There's got to be some guidelines (more specific versions of the less-is-more theory) for adding effects and eq on male voices to still achieve a fairly clean sound.

I do appreciate your comments, however. I agree that in the end it all comes down to your taste, and what fits the song.

[andyman91]

Sorry, I see now I probably should've posted this in the mixing/mastering section.

I'll do a search there.