Priority for Perfect Quality Vocals

[shiner41]

I know u guys have heard this question a million times, but: Exactly what has the MOST effect on vocals? I understand that 10 kHz adds the main clarity and vocal clearness (correct me if I'm wrong). I have my own methods, but I'm trying to "move on up". Is it mostly the EQ, or is it mostly the microphone and compressor. I know I'm making u overgeneralize because of the many factors it takes to do this like recording techniques, and whatnot, but what is it that really takes the vocal to that high quality level the MOST, if there is even a way...Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

[RAMI]

Originally Posted by shiner41

Exactly what has the MOST effect on vocals?

It starts with a good singer and goes down the line....Mic....Pre.....etc.....Good room(s) to record and mix down in....Good engineer.......

But asking what specific frequency has the MOST effect is like asking "what color is the size of a suit that will fit a man". It depends on the voice. There are some general ballpark frequencies that might often have to be cut or, less frequently, boosted, but there's no one thing that most effect a vocal.

[ez_willis]

Originally Posted by RAMI

It starts with a good singer and goes down the line....Mic....Pre.....etc.....Good room(s) to record and mix down in....Good engineer.......

But asking what specific frequency has the MOST effect is like asking "what color is the size of a suit that will fit a man". It depends on the voice. There are some general ballpark frequencies that might often have to be cut or, less frequently, boosted, but there's no one thing that most effect a vocal.

Don't beat around the bush, Rami. Answer him, now!

[RAMI]

Ok ok......Lava lamp.

[flatfinger]

A good mic , well placed with carefull attention to levels is far more critical to success than anything else.
It also helps if the singer isn't an American Idol reject!!

[RAMI]

Originally Posted by flatfinger

It also helps if the singer isn't an American Idol reject!!

Or winner!

[chessrock]

Originally Posted by shiner41

Is it mostly the EQ, or is it mostly the microphone and compressor.

As far as equipment goes ... yea, the microphone and the compressor play a pretty big role, actually. That's kinda' why you see the Telefunken C12s going for so much. Also why an 1176 and/or an LA2A compressor isn't going to go for very cheap either.

As for the frequency stuff, 10K is going to add "air" rather than clarity. 6K is really where it's at for clarity and annunciation. But also where it can get harsh on esses and consonants. Very generally speaking, mind you.

.

[SouthSIDE Glen]

On a scale of 1-10, with one being "utterly disposable" and 10 being "absolutely essential", I'd rate importance of quality something along these lines, give or take:

Singer/performer - 9
Microphone - 8
Room/acoustics - 8
Preamp - 7
Compressor - 5
EQ - 3

G.

[ecktronic]

Originally Posted by shiner41

I know u guys have heard this question a million times, but: Exactly what has the MOST effect on vocals? I understand that 10 kHz adds the main clarity and vocal clearness (correct me if I'm wrong). I have my own methods, but I'm trying to "move on up". Is it mostly the EQ, or is it mostly the microphone and compressor. I know I'm making u overgeneralize because of the many factors it takes to do this like recording techniques, and whatnot, but what is it that really takes the vocal to that high quality level the MOST, if there is even a way...Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

5K for presence. 12K+ for "air". low mids for warmth aswell as nice compression. 1-3K for mid range effect. hi pass filter to get rid of low mud.

Copy and paste vox and then pan and nudge, and pitchshift one of them 3% of a semi-tone for phat wide sound.

Eck

[RAMI]

Wow! That simple, huh???

[SuicideNote]

2600 posts can't be wrong

[RAMI]

Originally Posted by SuicideNote

2600 posts can't be wrong

Well, I have over 3,000 and I still don't know what the hell I'm doing/