Best way to record vocals?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ajmauburn
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ajmauburn

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I am stuck in a cement lined dorm room with only a pair of MXL 990 and 991 mics. I am using an audio buddy pre. I notice that I can get my instruments to sound pretty good but my vocals never seem to "fit" in with the music. I need help! I am using Logic 8 to mix and what not.

My music to see what I mean

sorry about the screaming :)
 
ajmauburn said:
I am stuck in a cement lined dorm room with only a pair of MXL 990 and 991 mics. I am using an audio buddy pre. I notice that I can get my instruments to sound pretty good but my vocals never seem to "fit" in with the music. I need help! I am using Logic 8 to mix and what not.
Click to expand...

Well, it's a $70 LDC though an $80 preamp...the results are kinda predictable. You're probably not going to ever get stellar results from that combination, you'll get better results by some kind of rudimentary room treatment...blankets on walls and maybe over your head is a good start. If you can't do any of that, then stand with your back to a corner and sing into the middle of the room. That'll minimize reflections back into the mic.

Frank
 
Its not even an LDC. Its 19mm diaphragm with bad circuitry. There's really no way to get decent results unless you voice fits that mic perfectly. Save your money and get something good, plus acoustic treatments.
 
ajmauburn said:
I am stuck in a cement lined dorm room with only a pair of MXL 990 and 991 mics. I am using an audio buddy pre. I notice that I can get my instruments to sound pretty good but my vocals never seem to "fit" in with the music. I need help! I am using Logic 8 to mix and what not.

My music to see what I mean

sorry about the screaming :)
Click to expand...

Put up a packing blanket around the back of the mic. Surround 180 degrees and you will have a makeshift vocal booth. It will focus the vocals much better. Your mic and pre-amp are fine.
 
Try a dynamic mic

ajmauburn,

A dynamic mic is much more forgiving of the environment than a condenser mic. And they can be had used cheap or maybe you can borrow one.

As a starting point there are many vintage EV mics that go under $50. I like the PL80 a lot. The 635a is an omni that should be in everyone's kit. There are less expensive used omnis made by Shure including the SM61 and the Realistic 1070 b, c, or d.

AKG also has some inexpensive dynamics like the 770 and the 690 and the Shure SM57 or SM58 cost a little more but they are the easiest to find and borrow.

Thanks,

Hairy Larry
 
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