Advice: Pre-amps and Fine Tune

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linkris

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Peace Fam, firstly, I've been on this site for a while and gained a CRAP LOAD of knowledge and tips from you guys, thank you!

I am Hip-Hop artist and have been doing my thing for a while.

I however, only started recording-mixing-mastering independently(by myself) about 7months ago.

Currently this is my HARDWARE setup:

Novation Nio 2|1 USB SoundCard
Samson CO1 COndensor MIC
Roland Cakewalk Series Monitors(Active)
Windows XP SP3 PC, 3GB RAM, CORE2DUO 2.88GHz CPU,
512MB Nvidia PCI-eGraphics Card

SOFTWARE SETUP:

Beats: Garageband(MAC) and FruityLoops 7 and 9
Recording, Mixing, Master: Adobe Audition 3
Plugins: Waves Mercury and Diamond Bundle

NOW, Questions:

taking the above into account, I am getting decent sound at the moment, I am still very green in terms of mixing and mastering, but I am learning allot daily!

I do however, want to take my sound to the "next level" I feel my vocals are lacking warmth and fullness.

A every experienced friend of mine has suggested getting a MIC and also a pre-amp? With the hardware listed above DO YOU THINK A BETTER MIC and PRE-AMP IS NEEDED? Gear is mad expensive, you know money aint just laying around....

Also, will a PRE-AMP ELIMINATE the need for my NOVATION SOUNDCARD?

Will a pre-amp make all that NOTICABLE DIFFERENCE?

Lastly, please give some tips on how I can Better, utilize the tools i currently posess? I know it's nothing major, or massive, equipment wise. but it's a start!

Appreciate y'all feedback!

Peace
 
First the easy one. You still need a sound card to go after a pre-amp but you'll be using the line in sockets rather than mic in.

There's no single right answer to your question.

However, my personal opinion is that, unless you spend a lot of money on a top notch microphone, it's probably not worth going the pre-amp route. Pre-amp differences tend to be more subtle than changing mics.

Beyond that, although the Samson CO1 is a so-so mic, you'd have to spend a lot of money on a mic, you won't get the dramatic improvement you're looking for.

Without hearing your recordings, (and hip hop isn't my thing anyway) I'd say that, before spending any more money on gear, you might do better by spending some time playing with things like mic placement and technique. You could also probably benefit from looking at the many threads on acoustic treatment of your recording space. Acoustics and mic placement are both things where even small changes can pay big dividends in sound quality. Try things like turning your mic stand around, moving closer or farther from walls and corners, that sort of thing.

At the same time, experiment more with your mix technique. Tweaks to things like EQ or multiband compression can benefit your sound--and you lose nothing by spending hours just trying different stuff.

Finally, if you do get to the stage (and budget!) to buy a new mic, find a place that will let you try a few on your voice. Mic selection is a very personal thing, dependent both on what your voice sounds like and also what you want your recordings to sound like. We all have favourite mics but a mic that sounds "warm" to you may sound "dark" to me--and the detail I like may be harshness to you.

But, anyhow, I wouldn't rush out and spend money just yet. Unless you win the lottery then everyone will happily spend your money for you!
 
Thanks

Thanks for your time and response Bobbsy. Points Noted!

I am currently seeking/looking into ways to treat the acoustics of my recording space affordably.

Echo, noise and interference is not a huge problem at the moment, as my room is quite small, with thick curtains and carpet. I am however going to invest in better acoustic treatment.

Your comments will be very helpfull in/for my journey.

Thanks.
 
Any advice/tips you guys can add that's in-line with my questions?

It will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
 
One point: eliminating echo, noise and interference are only the basics of acoustic treatment. You mention you want more "warmth and fullness" and things like acoustics and mic placement can make as big a difference in this regard as going out and buying a $2000 Neumann mic. Small changes can have a beneficial result so it's still worth playing....er...experimenting!

As for the comments on the Mercury bundle, there is one valid point in them: Your mic is one that's good value for money but far from the best (I know less about your interface btw so no comment there) and a bit of a mismatch for top end stuff like your Waves bundles. Eventually you will likely want to spend some money on your hardware. That said, I stand by my initial comments that more experimentation with recording techniques, placement, acoustics and mixing!
 
The infamous site hang got me and, after a five minute wait for anything to happen, this turned out to be a double post.
 
I find it strange that you can drop $8000 on software and you think your setup is nothing major??
 
That was my thought. Sorry bobbsy, your points were bob on!

Updated my waves plan today. Not in a benefit of the doubt mood,lol.
 
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