"Cheap Sounding"

[micrors4racer]

Hello, I am trying to get my recording to sound "right". It was recorded on 2 seperate tracks, the beat box then the vocals. Problem is it sounds like its live and cheap or something, nothing like a real track. I am wondering if it is my mic which is a SM58 or my editing in adobe audition. Here is a sample from the middle. It was recorded while holding the mic so volumes might not be optimal but you should get what i mean about sounding cheap.

 

[ssscientist]

You're right.

It sounds cheap. And it's not the microphone - the vocal sounds clear and unmuffled.

We've all been there, and getting 'it' --- whatever 'it' may be --- to sound professional is the whole point of this site.

Spend some time reading the various forums here.

While you're recording concentrate on mic technique and don't be afraid to sing out. If you can't sing unrestrictedly where you're recording right now find someplace where you can. It sounds like you're holding back right now.

 

[micrors4racer]

omfg, i totally forgot about this! Haha, well can you reccomend me some things I should try out? This is recorded using a old school spiritfolio mixer and shure beta mic.

 

[ssscientist]

Your vocal is not the problem - it sounds fine.

What sounds bad is the blend between the vocal and the track.

Get a mic stand and a pop filter and some headphones. Set it up so you can hear your vocal and the track thru the headphones like they do in a real studio. Then, as I said before, give your voice some oomph, some poost, some real BREATH behind it because you sound like your Grandma's sleeping in the next room and you're trying not to disturb her.

Investing in a sound card wouldn't hurt either.


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[Rokket]

I know it's not possible using that beatbox, but if you could record everything separate, it would be easier to mix it. It's got a karaoke feel to it because you are singing to basically pre-recorded tracks.
That can be mixed properly with practice. Do like ssscientist says, get a mic stand and a pop filter and let 'er rip. Look at the compression, eq, and reverb plugins in Audition. You can tweek them to help you fatten up and smooth out the vocal so it will sit better in the mix.
Good luck with it.

 

[micrors4racer]

Ok, I will try that guys. This is how I record it. I get my friend to beatbox after I record that, I play it on the headphones and thats when I record the vocals. So it is a 2 track thing. Also with the mic, what is the difference between the my beta which i think is a dynamic? and a condenser mic.

 

[ssscientist]

Read this.


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[micrors4racer]

Thanks man, so i wouldnt be neededing a condenser mic right now. Oh yea my beta58 seems to be an older model (it is old all of this was my dads) are there any differences between this and the new version? Also when i opened the top grill, all the foam inside crumpled up and turned into dust so its all gone now, would this affect the sound?

Theres the body.

Top, that foam is brittle too

Theres the grill, there used to be foam in there.

Rack

Mixer

 

[ssscientist]

Yeah, that foam was a crude pop filter.

Taking it out shouldn't have much of an effect on the sound of the mic. If you find that you're getting pops in your vocal either sing more at an angle to the mic --- in other words, not dead straight on but not at a 45 degree angle either --- or find a replacement for the foam. You need so little of it that you could probably find it at a good sized arts and crafts store.

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[superspit]

Yeah, that foam was a crude pop filter.

Taking it out shouldn't have much of an effect on the sound of the mic. If you find that you're getting pops in your vocal either sing more at an angle to the mic --- in other words, not dead straight on but not at a 45 degree angle either --- or find a replacement for the foam. You need so little of it that you could probably find it at a good sized arts and crafts store.

.

Yep...but most music shops will sell you a generic 58 screw on head, with the foam as part of it. About $20 (Aus) will get you a 'fake' Sure 58 mesh head.
I believe that the foam, or lack of it rather, can actually change the response of this mic. I'm not sure if it would be for the better either.
Anyway, see how you go....your 58 looks just fine, and should give very similar results to the new ones.....just get that head fixed, ok?
All the best to you...keep telling us how you get on.

 

[micrors4racer]

Would getting one of those foam things you put on top of the grill itself do the same thing? Also can you reccommend a good mic stand or are they all the same. And is this pop stopper good?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Mic-Microphone-...ryZ29948QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[superspit]

Would getting one of those foam things you put on top of the grill itself do the same thing? Also can you reccommend a good mic stand or are they all the same. And is this pop stopper good?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Mic-Microphone-...ryZ29948QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

hi...generally for live VOCAL work...the 58 (in it's complete form LOL!!) does not require any further 'pop' filter.
In the studio, still using that complete 58, the pop filter is something I would never go without!!! (when using for vocals).
Yes...that ebay filter will serve you well....though a coat hanger and a pair of mum's stockings will do the same thing!!! LOL!!
Mic stands?...just get the best one that you can afford, they'll last longer and don't seem to wobble as much as the really crappy ones.......ok?
Regards,
Superspit.

 

[danny.guitar]

After listening to the clip, it's definitely a performance issue. Nothing wrong with the sound quality at all.

As for mic stands, just get something not too expensive that will work. I'd recommend a Peavy. Their stuff never breaks. I've been using the same $20 stand now for along time with no problems.

Just make sure it's the right height for you to sing into it comfortably. Any mic stand in the $20 range will be good enough, maybe cheaper if you can find one. As long as it's not made out of plastic.

 

[micrors4racer]

Ok , so i dont need to fill up the grill. On the mic stand, how come I see some mics hanging over head on some studios, does this do any thing? looks cool though.

 

[superspit]

Ok , so i dont need to fill up the grill. On the mic stand, how come I see some mics hanging over head on some studios, does this do any thing? looks cool though.

ah my friend, it's not to look cool!! But you're right, they do!
Those mics you are seeing are generally specialist Condensor type mics that must be hung that way in order to function properly (ie/eg: reduce the amount of residual, ambient noise), they have very sensitive elements, as opposed to a robust capsule that you'd find in your 58). They can also get quite heavy and odd shaped,...so a standard, flimsy stand just won't cut it!!
I'm using very simplistic terms here, others can, and probably will, add more technical details,...for you I'm guessing that's a start of an explanation? LOL!

PS. do try to get a new head on that 58, if you can? Please don't put any old foam in it....it deserves better!!
There you go, hope that helps!!

Regards..
yada yada yada.

 

[micrors4racer]

Will try to get one of those grills.
http://cgi.ebay.com/SHURE-SM-58-REP...oryZ3278QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem
Will that do?
And when i record on the mic, how would i postion it relative to my mouth? Directly pointed and speaking into the center of the mic, pointed up a little or down a little.

 

[superspit]

Will try to get one of those grills.
http://cgi.ebay.com/SHURE-SM-58-REP...oryZ3278QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem
Will that do?
And when i record on the mic, how would i postion it relative to my mouth? Directly pointed and speaking into the center of the mic, pointed up a little or down a little.

Basically, whatever you feel sounds best.
Generally, centre-on, for recording....straight down the capsule.
Strangely, you'll see live performers sucking on one, licking one, and generally gobbing on one while they basically drive the poor sound engineer crazy.
oh shit...I don't know......experiment, you'll know when you hear it.

PS..ebay?..that's the grill you need for your 58....you go get it!! Enjoy!
superSpit.

 

[fdrennan]

Another way to "beefen" up your vocals is to buy a pre-amp. The basic concept is that it increases the sound coming from the microphone to make a "hot" mic. You will definatly notice an improvement in the overall sound. Im not sure if you have one or not, but if you dont I think that would be the next step! : ) At least for me it was!