Dead Poets' Suiciety

  • Thread starter Thread starter chrisharris
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1. What Neumann did you buy? -
K-183 - It's like a spot mic for acoustic instruments, and it's SUPPOSED to catch everything from 20Hz-20KHz.

Chris--the KM 183 is listed as an omnidirectional mic. I've never used this mic, but bear in mind that its picking up sound from all directions. As long as you don't get too close to the guitar, it should give you a pretty nice recording. It has a boost at 7-10k, so its already adding some brightness before you EQ anything.

2. Did you "EQ" these tracks or are they just as you recorded them--flat?
EQ'd like a madman

EQ like less of a madman:D

3. Are you recording to a computer?
you got this one

I tell ya, I'm a friggin genius, ain't I?

4. What rate was this compressed for with your MP3 software? 128, 160 or other?
It's @ 128, but I JUST got some editing software, and I don't have a clue what encoder it's using.

128 is OK. 160 is better if you can figure out how.


5. What preamp are you using? Mixer? Outboard gear?
Unless a mic cord counts as "outboard gear," I'd have to answer "NONE." No preamp either...that needs to change, but I've gotten away with using my old Lexicon (bypassed) as a sort of a gate/volume control.

Hmmm...no preamp? Where is the mic getting 48v phantom power? Anyway, ya need a preamp.

6. What are you using for monitors?
Headphones...(it's really late), and I just have some shelf JBL's that I'm used to...

7. something is not right.
Yeah, that'd be me. I have about 50% hearing left in my right ear the last time I was checked, and I'm losing the highs in my other one...Fuckin' Snares and Crashes for 15 years...and people wonder why I hate drums.

I'm in the same boat only its my left ear thats bad. Another reason to use speakers instead of headphones. Phones can really bang the eardrums after a while. I HATE headphones. Whenever I have to monitor with phones and then try to go to speakers to mix, its a disaster.

8. I hate my avatar
Hey buddy, nobody said you HAD to use it

That guy with the AK 47 said it would be a "good Idea" if I used the avatar for a while. He was pretty convincing...

Anyway, I'm gonna check out the new version, then I'll be back with a bunch of other questions,OK?:D
 
crawdad said:


Hmmm...no preamp? Where is the mic getting 48v phantom power?
Click to expand...
I've got a little black box (AT8801)...supplies phantom power. But I'm starting to get the message about the need for a preamp. The Participant guy has been pretty helpful in recommending some stuff.

I'm also a little weirded out about the "scooped vocal" comments that are obviously true, b/c everybody is noticing them. The vox are flat on the latest version; maybe it's b/c the previous mic I've BEEN using was so tinny??? I'm lost. Thanks for sticking with me here.
 
Ah! Whatever you did, you made the guitars sound about 1000% better! Clear, real and with some nice depth. I'm buying into the new mic idea big time now! Now, we gotta get you a great preamp!

However, I promised I'd ask you some other questions, so:

Did you use this mic on the vocals?

What do you normally use for vocals? These sound different.

What is your shoe size?

Did your wife make you breakfast this morning?

How about the big bang theory--do you believe it or think its a scientific cop out?
 
I believe the big bang theory is a scientific cop out, but she usually won't let me close enough to put it to the test ....Booha!
 
Originally posted by crawdad
However, I promised I'd ask you some other questions, so:

Did you use this mic on the vocals?
Yes. I know it's not MADE for that, but I figure...you know...shell out $500 for a mic, it oughtta' do a lot of stuff, right? Live and learn.

What do you normally use for vocals? These sound different
I've been using a little AKG condenser mic (C3000), and it's really harsh. I normally cut mids on it so my vocal is tolerable. These vocals are not EQ'd at all, and it may just be my "real" voice coming through, or I may need to not use a spot mic for vocals. We'll see?

What is your shoe size?
Okay, I like and respect you, Al, but this question makes me nervous. Suffice it to say that MY WIFE MAKES ME BREAKFAST EVERY MORNING!!!


How about the big bang theory--do you believe it or think its a scientific cop out?
I defer all doppler questions to Mr. SLuiCe!!!

If anybody else agrees or disagrees with "Participant's" suggestions on the pre-amp, lemme' hear ya'.

Stratomaster - I skipped you there. Yeah, the vocal thing seems to be pretty prominent. I am having fun though. Thanks for listening again.

thanks again guys.
 
i really really like your adaptation of this man. i mean REALLY like.

your vocals are killer.

there is way too much EQ and such as mentioned ....I would love to hear this thing flat as well.

The lyrics, are from a fabulous poem, from Alfred Tennyson.."Crossing the Bar"

love it man. you may hear me cover this someday...

to tell you the truth I always thought that i would put that poem to music at some point (not that it hasn't been done before...).

but i love the way you did it. gorgeous harmonies.

I think you could learn a lot from me when it comes to recording - I will tell you my secret...

Just use good mic technique..get a good full sound - AND NEVER MIX/EQ/COMPRESS IT! :)
 
What A Cool Post

WES
YOU WIN!!!!!

Honestly, I've never heard of somebody putting this to music. To be BRUTALLY honest, I picked this b/c it is the ONE poem in Brit Lit that I actually understood.

You mentioned my "adaptation" and that people have done this before. Can you point me towards a version? That'd be cool to hear.

Thank you very much. You win my old mic.

I have to admit, I'm a little bummed b/c I thought the gits were getting there. This is pretty different from the first one I posted, and actually really flat on the EQ. DAMMIT!!

Thanks again.
 
Chris,
Has that big Texas sound ! ;)

A really fine rendition !
Love the phased licks. Vocals are placed well.
Everything sounds pumped. But still sounds better than my stuff!
I thought if you have it.............................use it!

When I play my stuff flat, that is exactly how it sounds!!!!!!!
Keep it up!
Joel
 
chrisharris said:
I think I know how WATYF felt when he got a bunch of new gear, and then recorded an acoustic with a 'leslie' effect on it. :D I'll get it figured out eventually.
Click to expand...
Hey now... don't be dissin' the leslie... :p

I agree aboot the preamp.. you're pretty much wastin' your time with new mics and soundcards if you're still not using a workable preamp. I use the M-Audio DMP3 (metioned earlier, except I didn't pay no 250 bucks for it... :p ) and you know the acoustic guitar sound I get, so you can make up your own mind.

Your mixes still sound very "harsh". This is a bit of a step up (sound quality-wise) from your earlier stuff, but it still has that "tinny" feel to it. I dunno if it's EQ'ing or the lack of a preamp, or both,... but your stuff deserves a better "sound", 'cause the tunes themselves and the playing/singing isn't bad at all.


WATYF
 
Hey Chris,
I dont know what version im listening to...... I dig the phase shift on the lead guits. Is that what everyone is complaining about? ....... shit. I like it..... thats my story...... .......and im fuckin stickin to it!! very cool.

The mix is just a touch crispy.....and I think the pre-amp suggestion is gonna improve your life. Ive never used the DMP that participant suggested...but ive heard that it is very nice. ...even on a lawyers budget:D


This is a great song man. Im not familiar w/ the poem that you swiped:D , but you put it to a very nice use. Your vocs and harmonies are beautiful...... though a touch crispy in the mix. You have a very natural sounding voice that i always look forward to hearing.


......ok, Ive gotta go to bed.


Great Stuff Counselor,


G w/5
 
chris - actually the back fingerpicked guitars sound good to me...

it's the solo around 1:04 - that tone has some really weird qualities.

by the way - the version of the song that I am familiar with is a christian hymn...

it's in our church song book.

so whats your old mic? you won't let me have the neumann? :)

hehe...i want a pair km184s sometime....smoothe mic. my room acoustics arn't quite up to 183 standards.

hmm, i thought 185 was the omni, i am confused.

btw - i am listening to this in headphones now, and it sounds good. like i said your overall musical bed is very polished...

the solo tone...maybe it's intentional..i dunno, just weird to me. i'd rather have a nice acoustic solo...

and then the vocals at like 2:09, pilot face to face...almost sounds like clipping on the vox.

overall sounds good...better through headphones, to me at least.
 
OK, Chris--we are getting someplace now. The Neumann KM 183 is a keeper for your acoustic guitar, but its not doing your voice the justice it deserves. I mean that--you have a great voice. Its honest and it usually fills up the track in the right way. Not to mention the incredible songs you write. I'm genuinely impressed and I'm following this whole thing just for the privildege of hearing you get even better recordings of your stuff! You don't want an omni mic for vocals--you got to get a mic thats tailor made for that application.

So, you have a good soundcard, guitar, acoustic mic. You need to get that preamp and a dedicated vocal microphone. Thats the bad news. The good news is that your recordings are going to improve a whole bunch with those two purchases.

The DMP3 is supposed to be pretty nice for the money. So is the SP VTB-1. Not to mention the Joe Meek MQ3. The latter two are single channel pres and the DMP3 has two channels, so the question is--do you need one or two channels?

As for a vocal mic---damn, there are a lot of options. The SP C1 gets rave reviews all the time. The AT 4033 is real nice and versatile. The Marshall V67 is a great vocal mic for a bill, but its not as versatile as the other two. Hell, since you have gone in the Neumann direction, you could always spring for a U87 if you're rich enough. Hang in the microphone forum and ask a bunch of questions--there are a lot of opinions there!

My hunch is that you just want gear that works so you can set it, forget it and concentrate on your music. As it should be!

As for your shoe size, I really didn't WANT to know. But I think its mighty fine that your wife makes you breakfast every day! I wish mine would!
 
Nice tune Chris!
I liked the melody and production.

Vocals were great,as always!
Was that just you singing on the bg vox?

I'd definitly lose the phase shifter,kind of kills it.JMHOP:D

I enjoyed it,thanks,
Pete
 
Woh... another Chris Harris tune...cool.

Pretty tune. Who originally performed it? What soundcard? I don't think I saw it posted anywhere. Still using CEP 1.2?

Excellente guitar sounds. You got a cool dobro sounding effect going on with those leads. How'd ya do it?

Since everthing else has been covered and covered well in the other posts, I'll just make one comment about the mix. GO BACK TO THE C3000. I don't care for the c3000, but it suits your voice very nicely. They can be a bit harsh, but use a warm pre and you'll be ok. And never run one through a Mackie to ADAT. I hate that chain... eeeeeeek. :eek:

What other gear did you buy? You said some guitars? yiippppeeeekyaaaa mo'fo...

btw.. i downloaded the chrissmas tune. very funny. thanks for jumping on board.
 
addendum... if you fork for a neumann, don't listen to these guys and buy a budget mic pre. buy something worthy of your neumann. you don't wear k-mart loafers with your armani suit do you? so why get a budget pre for a pro mic? unless of coarse, the loafer size is a 13 or something.. then show them bad-boys off and get a bright tie that says, "you know what they say about shoe-size" . no wonder your wife makes you breakfast every morning.:eek:
 
Hey Chris --- It sounds good over here for the most part (in lo-fi), but there does seem to be a little bit too much high end ... It may just be me, though (and I haven't read any of the other comments, so I don't know if others are hearing this or not) ...

Very nice playing and singing ...

Oh yeah, I may be a little bit hazy, but these lyrics sound like they come from an old Twisted Sister song, but I can't remember the name of it ... lol :)

Take care!
 
Hey Chris,

....I listened to "Lorraine" a few times this afternoon. .....WOW is that great man. That should be on a HR comp. album.......:)


g
 
Guernica said:
Hey Chris,

....I listened to "Lorraine" a few times this afternoon. .....WOW is that great man. That should be on a HR comp. album.......:)


g
Click to expand...

i ditto that sentiment, but i dont think we can do covers on the Comp CD...unless she wants to cover one of Uncle Gidges tunes.....

anywho,

i love the guitar sound on this and the tune in general but the lead vocal sound doesnt touch your previous efforts......
 
hey guys i just wanted to let you all know that i recieved a e-mail from chris's wife today.....and that jerk is in the hospital...:( .....doesnt sound like a real serious deal and maybe he doesnt even want me to post this but i thought i should as chris is alwasy so quick to respond to everyones replies with thank you's and just plain good conversation......so to anyone who did reply youll just have to cut him a little slack ...im sure he will be back in a few days.....and i agree with you all that this is a great song....anyway....anyone interested in any updates feel free to pm me and i will keep you updated as well...........chris is good people .....and i hope he gets better soon:)



thanks
jamal
 
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