A lil warmth for vocal advice? RNC product?

[guttapercha]

Hello gear forum,

I am presently using an AT3035 going directly into a Tascam US-122 for recording most of my instruments, including vocal. I use Cubase SE with this. I find that the quality of the AT3035 for vocal is almost completely transparent with this set-up, and I'd like to add a little compression and some warmth. Right now I'm using Cubase's "Da tube" plug-in, which does help slightly.

I'm looking at the RNC RNLA , but also would consider something like the joemeek3Q or the bluetube. Basically for around 200, I'd like to improve the sound of my vocals. Stylistically (if this helps) it's melodic rock ala Squeeze, Beatles, Bowie.

Any advice at this price point?

I love the AT mic for a drum overhead, by the way.

Thanks!

JD

 

[chessrock]

Try a de-esser.

 

[guido #2]

I have a 3Q, and "warm" is not an adjective that I would use to describe it.
I would call it bright, though.
That's just one man's opinion.

 

[scrubs]

I don't think a compressor will add much "warmth." The RNC (in Supernice Mode) is pretty clean, so it won't change your sound much, but will offer some dynamic control if you need it. The RNLA has a slightly more aggressive/edgy sound to it when you push it, but I would still not call it "warm." I think your best bet is to look into different microphones. Also, the preamps in the Tascam are o.k., but nothing spectacular. An external preamp might give you a better sound if mic upgrades fail to do it for you.

 

[chessrock]

guttapercha,


This is nothing personal against you ... but Gawd, I wish people who ask questions like "How do I add warmth to my vocals?" would just take a flying leap off a 10-story building.

It's just getting so old. Seriously, guys, if you feel like asking that quesiton ... just go away. It's really fucking annoying. And no, I don't feel like skipping over the dumbass questions. I want the dumbass questions to go away so that people with half a clue can discuss audio.

Thank you very much and have a nice day.

 

[Rick Shepherd]

Wow, that was constructive!

 

[Chris Shaeffer]

Have you tried EQ? "Warmth" (or something like it) can sometimes be found around 300-800Hz- don't go overboard though or it quickly becomes "mud" Also try cutting some 2-5K. Depends on your voice. I'm usually trying to CUT some mud in my voice, so I end up boosting 5K a little and cutting 500 a little. Play around with the EQ and see what it does. Go easy though: I wouldn't cut or boost more than 3dB or so.

And get right up on the mic when you're singing. Like 3" away from the grill. The closer you get to a cardioid mic the more the bass builds up. Play around with singing slightly off the the side of the mic, or off-axis (i.e the capsule is pointed towards your shoulder. Mount the mic so that the capsule is about nose level and point it down a bit towards your chest. Not down your throat, towards your chest- picks up more chest resonance. Play around with mic placement...

99 times out of 100 you CAN get a better sound out of what you have. Once you know what the 100th time is, you'll have a much better chance of actually spending your money on a piece of gear that will address that issue.

Have fun,
Chris

 

[guttapercha]

guttapercha,


This is nothing personal against you ... but Gawd, I wish people who ask questions like "How do I add warmth to my vocals?" would just take a flying leap off a 10-story building.

It's just getting so old. Seriously, guys, if you feel like asking that quesiton ... just go away. It's really fucking annoying. And no, I don't feel like skipping over the dumbass questions. I want the dumbass questions to go away so that people with half a clue can discuss audio.

Thank you very much and have a nice day.

Dude, clearly you have some issues. Drink some green tea or something.

 

[guttapercha]

Thanks for this suggestion. I had sort-of haphazardly boosted the mids and the highs a titch to give the track a bit more presence over the instruments. I achieved this end, but maybe my own insecurity about hearing my vox has left me with the desire for "warmth".

Truth be told, this came up while recording a cover-tune and it should come as no surprise to any of us that not everyone sings as great as Bowie!

I'll try your advice for sure.

JD

Have you tried EQ? "Warmth" (or something like it) can sometimes be found around 300-800Hz- don't go overboard though or it quickly becomes "mud" Also try cutting some 2-5K. Depends on your voice. I'm usually trying to CUT some mud in my voice, so I end up boosting 5K a little and cutting 500 a little. Play around with the EQ and see what it does. Go easy though: I wouldn't cut or boost more than 3dB or so.

And get right up on the mic when you're singing. Like 3" away from the grill. The closer you get to a cardioid mic the more the bass builds up. Play around with singing slightly off the the side of the mic, or off-axis (i.e the capsule is pointed towards your shoulder. Mount the mic so that the capsule is about nose level and point it down a bit towards your chest. Not down your throat, towards your chest- picks up more chest resonance. Play around with mic placement...

99 times out of 100 you CAN get a better sound out of what you have. Once you know what the 100th time is, you'll have a much better chance of actually spending your money on a piece of gear that will address that issue.

Have fun,
Chris

 

[Chris Shaeffer]

Bowie. Well, that explains it. Tough shoes to fill as far as having a warm voice goes. Work on using your chest voice as much as possible- get your chest resonating with the low frequencies of your voice. BREATH. Push your stomach out when you breath (instead of pushing your shoulders up) and push the air out of your lungs from the diaphram as you sing. Don't think about your throat and vocal chords, think about radiating sound from your chest like a speaker cabinet.

When you get it down you can bellow your vocals out with amazing power and depth without sacrificing the clarity of the words.

Also- have you downloaded the Digital Fishphones Fish Fillets plugs, yet? If you haven't:

http://www.digitalfishphones.com/

Go get 'em! Run, don't walk. The Blockfish compressor is easily one of the best free compressors out there. Play around with that some before even thinking about dropping your paycheck on a hardware unit. Hardware generally sounds better (both my RNC and RNLA outdo the Floorfish) but see if compression will help you get what you want out of your vocal tracks first.

Most vocal sounds you hear on CD are (among many other things) treated with compression at some point. It may be part of the sound you're looking for- along with the fundamental element of having a good voice to record in the first place.

Have fun,
Chris

 

[Big Kenny]

I do not find "warmth" at 300 -800, that is typically where I find mid range "honk", I find warmth at lower frequencies, with mic placement, a pop filter, a de esser, a leveling amplifier (the rnla is a great tool) and panning. Mic choice and gain staging can also be a factor.

 

[SonicAlbert]

Right, ideally you get the sound you want by mic and preamp choice, mic placement in the room, and the position of the singer to mic. That can include side to side position as well as nearness/distance.

In other words, you try to get the basic sound with as few of the eq, de-ess and compression tricks as possible. Mic choice and the singers ability to work the mic are really high on the list of what's important.

Experimentation is probably the best way to get there. Try out different mics and positioning while recording takes. Make notes of what you did for each take, and then listen back. Whatever sounds the closest to the Bowie sound you are looking for will be your starting point.

I know this is very general, but hopefully it will be of some help.

 

[chessrock]

What Sonic Albert is trying to say is that if your mic doesn't sound "warm" with your voice, or whatever the heck else it is you're micing, then you need to try something else that does.

It's all about selecting the proper mic -- along with the proper instrument, room, etc -- and pointing it the right way. This stuff ain't always easy, but you'll figure it out.

 

[Chris Shaeffer]

I do not find "warmth" at 300 -800, that is typically where I find mid range "honk", I find warmth at lower frequencies, with mic placement, a pop filter, a de esser, a leveling amplifier (the rnla is a great tool) and panning. Mic choice and gain staging can also be a factor.

Sorry. Big Kenny is correct.

I must be on crack today- those numbers ARE way off.

-Chris

 

[vinegar8]

Warm, Warmer, Warmest

guttapercha,


This is nothing personal against you ... but Gawd, I wish people who ask questions like "How do I add warmth to my vocals?" would just take a flying leap off a 10-story building.

It's just getting so old. Seriously, guys, if you feel like asking that quesiton ... just go away. It's really fucking annoying. And no, I don't feel like skipping over the dumbass questions. I want the dumbass questions to go away so that people with half a clue can discuss audio.

Thank you very much and have a nice day.

WARMTH IS A VERY HOT, SUBJECTIVE SUBJECT AND CAUSES CONFLICT.

I AGREE THERE ARE A LOT OF BULLSHIT BUZZWORDS FLOATING AROUND THESE FORUMS BUT YOU CAN'T BLAME SOME NEWBY FOR LATCHING ONTO THEM. IT IS "HOME-RECORDING" AFTER ALL.

I FIND THE BEST WAY TO GET THIS SOUND IS TO MESS WITH THE EQ, BUT MIC SELECTION, ROOM AND MIC-PLACEMENT ARE CRUCIAL. YOU CANNOT POLISH A TURD.

I TOO WOULD PREFER IF PEOPLE REFRAINED FROM USING THESE TYPES OF REFERENCES FROM NOW ON. THERE ARE ENOUGH OF THEM ON THE FORUM ALREADY. DO A SEARCH.

IF YOU LIKE WARMTH, REST YOUR BALLS ON THE TOP OF ANY VALVE AMP.

OTHER BORING/STUPID/USELESS TERMS, PHRASES AND WORDSFOUND ON THE BOARDS.:

"BANG FOR BUCK."
"ANYWHO" WHO OR WHAT IS THAT ANYHOW?
"PEAVEY ROCKS!" MAYBE SO BUT YOU DON'T.
"CHECK OUT MY GEAR" A+ FOR EFFORT. F FOR INTEREST.
"WHAT MICROPHONES DO ALL OF YOU HAVE?" A.ALL OF THEM.

FEEL FREE TO ADD YOUR OWN.

 

[guttapercha]

WARMTH IS A VERY HOT, SUBJECTIVE SUBJECT AND CAUSES CONFLICT.

I AGREE THERE ARE A LOT OF BULLSHIT BUZZWORDS FLOATING AROUND THESE FORUMS BUT YOU CAN'T BLAME SOME NEWBY FOR LATCHING ONTO THEM. IT IS "HOME-RECORDING" AFTER ALL.

I FIND THE BEST WAY TO GET THIS SOUND IS TO MESS WITH THE EQ, BUT MIC SELECTION, ROOM AND MIC-PLACEMENT ARE CRUCIAL. YOU CANNOT POLISH A TURD.

I TOO WOULD PREFER IF PEOPLE REFRAINED FROM USING THESE TYPES OF REFERENCES FROM NOW ON. THERE ARE ENOUGH OF THEM ON THE FORUM ALREADY. DO A SEARCH.

IF YOU LIKE WARMTH, REST YOUR BALLS ON THE TOP OF ANY VALVE AMP.

OTHER BORING/STUPID/USELESS TERMS, PHRASES AND WORDSFOUND ON THE BOARDS.:

"BANG FOR BUCK."
"ANYWHO" WHO OR WHAT IS THAT ANYHOW?
"PEAVEY ROCKS!" MAYBE SO BUT YOU DON'T.
"CHECK OUT MY GEAR" A+ FOR EFFORT. F FOR INTEREST.
"WHAT MICROPHONES DO ALL OF YOU HAVE?" A.ALL OF THEM.

FEEL FREE TO ADD YOUR OWN.

Equally obnoxious are people who post in all caps.

Dude, stop flaming people and go get laid; you'll feel better.

 

[vinegar8]

no caps

Equally obnoxious are people who post in all caps.

Dude, stop flaming people and go get laid; you'll feel better.

just got laid and i feel the same way.

 

[guttapercha]

just got laid and i feel the same way.

Good for you, now go wash your hands.