Problem getting a natural vocal sound

[Paul D]

I've been having some trouble in getting a "natural" vocal sound as I attempt to record onto a VS-880 using either an SM 57 mic or a BG 5.0 mic. The vocal sound I'm getting can be compared to someone speaking through an empty paper towel roll. I've tried various mic placement techniques, changed rooms, used compression and EQ'd. However, I'm an amateur in home recording, and am wondering if my lack of expertise in the forementioned problem-solving techniques led to futile results. I realize that the equipment I'm using is prosumer, but the sound I'm getting seems very unnatural. I'd appreciate any comments as to why I may be getting this particularly unnatural vocal sound and what may help remedy the problem(s). Thanks. Paul

[dobro]

I've tried vocals through an SM57 and through an SM58, and I hate both. It sounds to me like the sound has been wrapped in a veil - an attractive veil, but a veil nonetheless. So it might be the mic you're using.

Next, you're experimenting with mic position and room, so you should have found something that works by now. What kind of cable are you using?

[mojovoodoo]

yeah,i got the same problem,with recording female vocals,except i have a cheaper mic.i know that it has to do with the microphone.i need a little advice on microphones,and perhaps we both get our questions answered.large diaphragm,or transparent condenser?what is an overall good mic for a cheap musician budget(200$-275$)one that can really reproduce a voice,clearly,but perhaps add a little sparkle?and yet be able to apply it to other tasks,such as acoustic guitar,elictric giuitar amp mic'ing,i ask a bit much,i know.especially with a small budget.but it shouldn't be that way all the time,does it?nady has a large diaphragm for 99$ ,but i need 48 volts phantom power.or the company CAD?or these new marshall large diaphragm,bragging of gold sputtered,such and such,it's all so confusing.help?

[The Green Hornet]

Yo Paul D and "de" other cumpaneros of "de" microphone:

Here is a little tip to try after you get a good mic for vocals. [like rent one for a month and see if you like it?]

When you get the recording done, say you have used 7 tracks to back up the vocal,

TURN DOWN/OFF ALL OF THE MUSIC AND LISTEN ONLY TO THE VOCAL;
CHECK AND TEST YOUR REVERB INPUT, AND IF YOU NEED TWEAKING OF EQ, DO IT TO THE VOICE AS IT SINGS ALL ALONE;

Then, move your faders back up and set them, add eq/reverb and then listen to it from your monitors and then mix it to whatever you are mixing to, tape, DAT, CD, etc.

This should help improve your vocals; but, I still think a good mic is a big plus.

Green Hornet

[Tom Hicks]

It waould be nice if you had $200 for an entry level big diaphragm like the Rode NT1 but a bargain electret condenser for under $100 will serve you much better than those dynamics.Try hanging curtains or tapestries to create a small vocal booth (or convert a closet with egg-crates etc.)and eliminate problem resonances from your room.
Tom

[Paul D]

As for cables, I've been using SUPERCABLES by Audio Technica. Thanks everyone for the suggestions and posts. Several other people suggested starting with a better vocal mic (such as TLM 103 or AKG C414 BULS) as well as a decent mic preamp. Thanks. Paul

[The Green Hornet]

Yo Paul:

THERE IS NO NATURAL VOCAL SOUND IN RECORDING.

If the big stars didn't use FX to pump up their pipes, they would sound like you or me in the morning shower trying to sing Opera.

So, you have to consider the FX unit you use; you have to consider the mic you use; you have to consider how you tweak the vocal with EQ; you have to consider your external and internal equipment; [I like that one]
You have to consider your input/output;
You have to consider your mixing skill;
You have to consider how much time and how many takes you take to get to the level of sound you really want to hear;
you have to consider what gear you're playing the mix back through; You have to consider all the help people give you on this site;

And, last, but not least, you have to consider DRAGON who will spout flame on you if you make the smallest of error.

Green Hornet

[John Sayers]

There's no reason why you can't get a respectable vocal sound through a SM57(58)... you see it in TV everynight. As the Green Hornet says ...it's skill.
cheers
John

[Shailat]

Paul,
Post a soloed vocal you have recorded (3-4 lines only) in a .wav format.

Explain to me your signal path, and write down your parameters on the compressor-EQ-Reverb-etc.....

Post it some were I can download it and I'll see if I can help

Green Hornet,
I have to say that your are the most original member in this forum.

Keep on posting

[pglewis]

Shailat has the right idea... there's so many things that could be contributing to the result that it's guess-work without hearing an example (though, I'd suggest a 160 or 192 kbps MP3 file to save upload/download size).

I don't know your background, so it's only natural to ask how experienced you are with singing and working with a microphone. The sound we hear when we sing is different from what is being projected into the room. The head vibrates and colors how we hear ourselves. This might be basic stuff to you... but if not, there's a lot you can do to improve the quality of the tone before it even gets to the mic.

[twist]

The Green One rules because he never attempts to obfuscate his meaning with arcane references in his posts.


Twist

[Paul D]

Thanks all for things I need to consider and for the offers to hear my problem vocal tracks. Unfortunately, I'm not quite sure I have an understanding in creating a .wav or MP3. Paul

[The Green Hornet]

Yo SHAILAT:]

Thanks for telling me I'm the most original.....

I just like recording and talking and learning.

As a retired teacher of College composition, originality is a wonderful talent for students to learn and exert.

Have a nice day wherever you are....

Green Hornet