Any tips for recording vocals with Boss BR-532?

[Bob C]

I just got this machine. So far, for the vocals I've only used the built in mic. They sound surprisingly good, although a bit thin and distant.

Obviously, a better mic would help. Would an SM58, or something in that price range make a considerable improvement? What does anyone else out there use?

Any suggestions on tweaking the algorhythms? I edited insert effect U01 (compressor),adding "doubl'n" and a slight delay at around 160 (milliseconds?). I think you can only use one modulation effect at a time. Is that right?

I've added reverb on the loop effects too. All of this helped, but the vocals don't have the presence that my guitar and bass tracks have. Mic proximity wasn't the answer either.

This is my first song with this machine, and it sounds pretty good. But I know the unit is capable of more - without making it into an over-proccessed mess.

Thanks,

Bob

[72fender]

I have a BR-8 and use a Roland DR-10 mic. The DR-10 was designed to be use with the COSM mic patches.

[Richard Monroe]

I like AKG D690 (discontinued but still around cheap) and D770. There are some vocalists that don't sound good through a 58, and I'm one of them. In a perfect world, SM7B, which isn't that much cheaper than your recorder.-Richie

[Bob C]

Richard,

Good point. I don't want to spend more than the cost of the recorder. Also, an SM58 isn't really a recording mic - just an example of a common mic in an affordable price range.

72fender,

I've seen the Roland mic in the catalog. Is it a condenser mic? Is it low impedance? How does it sound, compared to the built in mic on the unit (Does the BR-8 have that feature?)?

Bob

[Richard Monroe]

Well Bob, I have to beg to differ on SM 58. 57's and 58's have been used on more recordings in the last 30 years than any other mic, including some big budget productions. I don't happen to use them for vocals myself, but they may very well be the #1 recording mic of all time. Try this- go look at the equipment list of some big time pro studios. When you find one that doesn't have an SM57 or SM58, let me know.-Richie

[Bob C]

Richard,

I think you're probably right - especially about 57s.

I seem to remember reading that a 58 is designed for live use. I honestly don't know how often they are used for vocals in the studio.

Anyway, my main question is: How big an improvement is a plug-in mic over the built-in one on the BR-532?

Bob

[Richard Monroe]

I'm assuming the mic in your Br-532 is an omni electret, not unlike the one in my PXR4 Pandora. If it follows suit, the biggest advantage of an outboard mic is the ambient (room) noise it won't pick up.-Richie

[BHead]

Bob,

I own a BR-8 and it doesn't have the built-in mic feature. And the Roland mic that 72fender mentioned is a dynamic mic, not a condenser.

Anyway, let me guestimate the answer to your question. Since the BR-532 (as well as the BR-8) is a low-priced digital recorder, the built-in features are relatively lower quality. Just like my BR-8, the mic-pre is kind of noisy and weak. Plus, a built-in mic of any kind, I guess, would pick up a lot of noise that is generated from the operation of the machine itself.

By all means (put money into consideration, though :P ), get a plug-in. And 57 or 58 is the way to go for a first mic!

[Richard Monroe]

Well, the machine makes no noise, so as long as you don't handle it or move faders, etc., the built in mic won't pick up the machine. The advantage of an outboard mic is that you can move and position it. You can do close mic'ing on guitar cabs, etc. It's simply more versatile. For remote recording,(only personal use, not commercial) I use a cheap Behringer mixer and a pair of Oktava MC012's. The mixer gives them phantom power (sort of) and I can use the line outs on the mixer to the stereo jack in on the PXR4, and it actually makes surpriseingly good recordings of almost anything. Everything, including the mixer (MXB1002) runs on batteries in a pinch, and the whole studio fits in a good sized briefcase.-Richie

[gdw]

I am a BR532 user and have had a problem with the quality of the vocal recordings. I've been told there's too much modulation in the vocals. I use a Shure BG 5.1 condensor mic that is battery powered. I was wondering if a mic pre-amp might improve things. Any recommendations? Below is a link where you can hear some of my stuff. Thanks.

www.mp3.com/gary_d__ward

[Richard Monroe]

Try a really good dynamic. For cheap, I'm a fan of the discontinued, but still available AKG D690. For pricey, it's hard to beat a Shure SM7 or SM7B.-Richie