DP-24 DE-ESSER how best to use it?

[TECHNINOT]

So far, so good. My recording experiences are becoming more and more satisfying thanks to the generous assistance of some of you great people out there. Now if I can get THIS little technical difficulty right, I'll be on my way to doing what I love to do the most - MAKING MUSIC! As a singer songwriter, the number one instrument in all my recordings is, of course, my voice. I'm having some problems with some esses since I started using my DP-24. Following someone's advice, I boost a bit at 12k Hz for the "air", cut in the 400Hz region and apply the DE-ESSER to the Input of my AKG SolidTube, but so far this doesn't eliminate a few troublesome esses. If anyone has a great idea to solve this sticky problem, I would be truly grateful. Thanks in advance.
William

 

[Mickster]

If a de-esser on the DP-24 is not working for you after adjusting it......then.........record your vocal dry and flat.........then adjust your EQ in the DP-24 to see if you can eliminate the problem. Make small adjustments to small bands to pinpoint your problem area and then adjust to taste. That may be all you need and you can make those adjustments as part of your normal vocal EQ adjustments every time as your starting point for vocal tracks. If you record vocals with too much compression you will also get the "SSSSS" (known as sibilance) so be sure you understand compression a bit first. You may be too close to the mic.......or you may not have the right mic for your style. It could be a number of things and I've only covered a few. If you post a vocal track here we might be able to get a better idea of what the problem might be.

 

[TECHNINOT]

You're like having a personal coach! Thank you so much for your help. I'm beginning to catch on, I think.
Today I recorded the vocal part on my "work/study song" completely dry, then adjusted the EQ, as you suggested
on the TRACK, then put what seemed to be at least "not too bad" back onto the INPUT, taking it off the TRACK, of course.
In the MIXDOWN stage of the operation, I added just a smidgen of DP-24 REVERB, then on the MASTERING I added some COMPRESSION -
that's all. The result is pretty good (the important thing being that each day there is improvement); the sound is still not sufficiently strong, going
from the DP-24 to iTunes. I tried also making a CD of it, then playing that on iTunes, but it made no difference in terms of volume.

One of the essential keys that you offered me, and that I have put to good use, is backing off a bit from the mic. In fact, I had placed the pop
screen too close. That changed things a lot.

My frustration is enormous by moments, due to all the time I spend not making music, and especially not singing, but I have faith
that my time and energy investment will be worth it.

Thank you very, very much for your help.

 

[Mickster]

You're like having a personal coach! Thank you so much for your help. I'm beginning to catch on, I think.
Today I recorded the vocal part on my "work/study song" completely dry, then adjusted the EQ, as you suggested
on the TRACK, then put what seemed to be at least "not too bad" back onto the INPUT, taking it off the TRACK, of course.
In the MIXDOWN stage of the operation, I added just a smidgen of DP-24 REVERB, then on the MASTERING I added some COMPRESSION -
that's all. The result is pretty good (the important thing being that each day there is improvement); the sound is still not sufficiently strong, going
from the DP-24 to iTunes. I tried also making a CD of it, then playing that on iTunes, but it made no difference in terms of volume.

One of the essential keys that you offered me, and that I have put to good use, is backing off a bit from the mic. In fact, I had placed the pop
screen too close. That changed things a lot.

My frustration is enormous by moments, due to all the time I spend not making music, and especially not singing, but I have faith
that my time and energy investment will be worth it.

Thank you very, very much for your help.

We all learn from different sources........and you will be too as you move ahead. Have fun with .it..........READ AS MUCH AS YOU CAN RIGHT HERE ON THIS SITE.........and your music will get better and better. Good luck to you!