Cannot get the Vocals to sound full

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partygirl

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This is my first song and I've been working on it for over a month now and the music sounds AMAZING!! and its finally time for the vocals and there just not sitting in right. I want them to sound fuller and warmer. And just more professional. I need tips on getting better vocals and making them sit better :eek:
 
Double track the vocal maybe? Use some reverb, chorus, delay. Hard to guess without knowing/hearing what you have.
 
And maybe post somewhere other than the mastering forum...?

Well, somebody had to... :guitar:
 
Let me tell you, that this could be the recording itself or a mixing issue. If you don't have much knowledge about mixing then you might want to use a channel plugin or a one-stop plugin to get a pretty decent sound. For example the vocal plugin from the Waves Maserati series is pretty good. Without more information it's hard to help... How did you record etc.
 
partygirl said:
This is my first song and I've been working on it for over a month now and the music sounds AMAZING!! and its finally time for the vocals and there just not sitting in right. I want them to sound fuller and warmer. And just more professional. I need tips on getting better vocals and making them sit better :eek:
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What microphone are you using? Not all mics suit all voices and I have read that female voices are harder to get "nice" than male ones?

I am a big fan of capacitor mics for the home recording bod because of their high sensitivity and wide range but it must be said they can be a bit harsh on some voices, especially the cheaper ones, but we can't all afford U87s can we?! So, try the ubiquitous SM57/58 if you have not already done so.

Then, there is always the factor that many people cannot stand the sound of their own voice! Get an honest friend round (slip 'em a scotch or two first)

Dave.
 
PTravel said:
There have been a lot of posts like this lately. I think these may be examples of the new "Zen music" movement.
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Something to do with the Ten Posts Block? A restriction I have never understood.

Dave.
 
I always add a quick "slap" echo on my vocal tracks. Not long enough to be really be able to hear the repeat though, just enough to make it sound fuller. This helps me a lot.
Also the microphone and pre amp have a huge effect on the vocals as well.
Pat
 
Vocal recording

If this is a home recording don't go out and buy sound proofing. Use blankets. Ill start there.

Get your vocal area surrounded to deaden the sound aroun you.

Next you need to set your distance from the mic with a pop filter. If your don't have one build one. Make them out of wire hanger and pantyhose.

Now you need to set your levels. If you are by yourself you'll be going back and forth until it's set right. Record a vocal line, listen back, watch your meters. Turn up or down accordingly.

Next you can start to prime your vocals. Pull out frequencies you don't need and put a high pass filter to get rid of lower frequencies. You may not hear what you took out but it makes a difference. Trust me.

Next mix at low levels. You should be able to have a conversation with the music playing. That's how low it needs to be.

A technique you can also do to get the vocals to sit better is turn the volume down until you can't hear music and barely vocals. They are the dominant feature in most mixes.

This is all for straight forward mixing. If you have a more artistic approach then certain rules don't apply obviously.

If you want more information check out averagejoestudiopro.com and subscribe. It's a new website for home studios. Weekly updates and tutorial videos.

Cheers! Hope this helps get you in the right direction
 
Jperieda said:
If you want more information check out averagejoestudiopro.com and subscribe. It's a new website for home studios. Weekly updates and tutorial videos.

Cheers! Hope this helps get you in the right direction
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I'm going over there right now to subscribe. Here's why:

1. You don't come on here and pick fights.

2. You give straightforward advice without preaching or talking down to people.

3. You write with a helpful, friendly attitude.

4. You know what you're talking about (I'm fairly new to music production/mixing but I worked in film post-production for 7 years, recording voiceovers and other audio in improvised settings, and what you said squares with my experience).
 
Hazard Nova said:
4. You know what you're talking about (I'm fairly new to music production/mixing but I worked in film post-production for 7 years, recording voiceovers and other audio in improvised settings, and what you said squares with my experience).
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Lol no he doesn't. The first line is terrible advice.
 
Sound proofing? Blankets? Wire hangers and pantyhose? While you're at it, hang your mic by a rope ( a DIY shock mount).
 
bongoboy said:
Sound proofing? Blankets? Wire hangers and pantyhose? While you're at it, hang your mic by a rope ( a DIY shock mount).
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If he were not from the states, I might see this as a translation issue.

Possibly a poor wording of his response, but I agree. Bad advice.

Soundproofing is completely different from acoustic treatment. Creating a room worthy of recording/mixing in, is a whole different aspect.

Yes, blankets may help in some situations. Not the best by any means, but the other advice is sound as a basis for someone looking for the cheap starting out.

I still have a pop filter made of nylons that hangs on my wall. It did the job when I had limited funds. Likely no better than the $100 one I use now.

Not the point.

Room treatment does not equate to blankets and foam mattress pads. But then, not all of us have the means to DIY or purchase the optimal products to make that a reality.

Remember, this is the 'NEWBIE' forum here at HR. We try to help members with least cost advice, while directing to what really needs to be done.


Member hashing should be done elsewhere.
 
On his web page, he recommends blankets as opposed to foam, that's valid, but of course we know that true acoustic treatment is NOT foam.
The 'basic info' on his site is just that - VERY basic and short of much detail.
 
Try changing your microphone placement. If you place it at chest height you should get a little bit more bass coming from your chest, making your vocals sound 'fuller'
 
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