SM58 physical noise reduction suggestions?

[TIGERSHARK]

aside from the normal windscreen approach. what are some other physical noise-reduction ideas, for recording vocals? i'm going to be using an SM58 and want to minimize as much potential noise problems as possible. thanks!!

[Track Rat]

A shock mount to isolate the mic from the stand (cuts down on mechanical vibration thru the stand to the mic.

[TexRoadkill]

Any time you reduce noise by blocking the mic you also reduce sound.

Apart from a windscreen and shock mount use a noise gate and compressor to help optimize the good sound youre getting.

[TIGERSHARK]

that's a good thing to remember about any time you block noise, you block sound. hmmm. okay, that's good info. any suggestions for shock-mounts, if i don't have access to one? i'm going to be creating my own windscreen, too. (can you tell this is gonna be low-budget? ha!) could i set up some kind of hanging-contraption or would that be a futile attempt? (as long as i didn't bump it...)

thanks for the insight!!!

[TIGERSHARK]

what would you suggest for 'general' settings for noise-gates and compressor? (i'm currently using protools-free and am borrowing the mic, mixer, etc.) AGAIN, THANKS!!!

[TexRoadkill]

Dont worry too much about bump noise with the 58. That is the most used live mic in history (maybe) for good reason and as long as you have it on a mic stand and nobody touches the stand you should be okay. The hanging contraption will be too tough to properly place the mic for the best sound.

A panty hose pop filter a few inches in front should be fine. Place the mic about eye level and point towards the nose. This should reduce most pops.

Record the signal dry (no compression or effects) and then play with the compression afterwards to find a setting you like. Since that mic has a wide pattern you will probably squash it a lot with compression if you want a full studio sound. Probably about a 2 or 3:1 ratio. Be carefull because you will also be compressing the noise floor and the 58 will have a bit of noise, especially if the vocalist isnt very loud.

[knownuttin]

I think Roadkill nailed with the phrase "if the singer isn't very loud". Position the 58 about forehead level pointed down at the nose and have the singer project straight ahead, not up. How far away will require experimentation. Ideally, you probably need the capsule at least five inches away from the mouth to avoid too much proximity effect which will give you an overly boomy bass signal. Too far away though, and you'll have to boost your gain and the noise with it.

Coach your singer to sing out and project that voice. Sing from the diaphram and use proper breathing technique, and all that. Then your job is to set up the mic and the gain stages of your gear such that you don't get any clipping but a nice strong signal that won't require a lot of jacking up later. Go do that, then come back and we'll talk compression/gating. Happy recording!
-kp

[TIGERSHARK]

i guess i'll have to play around with it, as far as getting some good strong signals. (i don't think i'll have to worry about that, as far as singing it. i'll crank it, respectably so) thanks!!!

[TIGERSHARK]

okay, i recorded my vocals last night. for scratch purposes, and considering i was trying to cut 5 lead lines in an hour, i don't think it turned out too badly. ha! any suggestions for reducing the 'hiss' that i managed to record sooo well? lol


thanks!!!!