Recording Vocals - I need your help.

[Dani Pace]

The Shure 57 and 58 are both good mics and either will work for vocals or instruments. I preferr using the 57 for micing amps and the 58 for vocals. One thing I've learned when working with screamers is... keep them from "eating the mic," getting too cloce will garble what could have been a good vocal track. A pop screan can really help to clear some of the "P" sounds and helps with some of the "S" sounds. Pop screans are not needed for micing amps. If your singer is comfortable staying back (a foot or more) from the mic a pop screan may not be needed.

 

[johnnymegabyte]

have you considered the option of Renting a higher end mic for the recording project ?
might be able to save some money, and use your budget elsewhere

 

[darrin_h2000]

That is allways a good point...if you really care about how good your project is going turn out...and it isnt usually to steep to do this...just have enough in your account to cover the deposit and dont drop the thing.

 

[rockstudio]

I'm going to echo the suggestion of a Shure SM7 for screaming vocals. It's a bit pricey compared to your budget, but if you have the extra cash down the line... this mic is primo!

Back to screamo specific tips...

Some singers/screamers have a hard time dealing with recording situations because they are used to holding a mic in their hand while they sing/scream. When I was recording a lot of hardcore bands, I used to record all the vocals with a Shure SM58. They could hold the mic, move around in the vocal booth, they felt comfortable, etc. Then I would have them lay down another set of vocals with the SM7 after they were feeling more confident. Combining these 2 vocal tracks sounded great.

Just a tip from a guy that's recorded more screaming than he can remember.

 

[Malaclypse]

Singers sometimes have a tendency to move to and from the mic to "compensate"
for level differences (between quieter parts and louder). Don't let this happen.
You, or the mix engineer (if it's someone else) can compress it after, just get
it naturally on the way in.



Cheers,
Phil.

actually, i'm going to have to disagree here:
this "compensation" you speak of, is called good microphone technique. singers employing good microphone technique require less compression at mixdown, and this results in a more natural sound. if you're lucky enough to be recording a singer with good technique, please DO let it happen!
you can still add compression at mixdown, and you'll have an easier time of it too.

 

[darrin_h2000]

actually, i'm going to have to disagree here:
this "compensation" you speak of, is called good microphone technique. singers employing good microphone technique require less compression at mixdown, and this results in a more natural sound. if you're lucky enough to be recording a singer with good technique, please DO let it happen!
you can still add compression at mixdown, and you'll have an easier time of it too.

Yeah...some people just have that ability...but its a pain in the ass if they are tracking an acoustic guitar at the same time...lol.