Getting Vocals Louder

[SwurVe]

I have a question...ok it just seems like i cant get my vocals to stand out how i want them too on a track...i want them to sit in nice too but i cant get them to stand out either though they just getsucked into the beat...n i know someone else who uses the same setup as i do n i mix there verses for em n they stick out of the track some too....my question is there anything i can do eqing whise....or also i was thinking maybe i need to rap closer into the mic??? cause i have the pop filter about 3-4 inches from the mic n then i stand about 6-7 inches from the pop filter or it could maybe even be a foot....maybe i need to get right up to the filter??? I use a MXL 990 mic n a Behringer UB1202 Mixer / PreAmp

thank u

 

[SwurVe]

Also for some more stuff about me......My voice is a bit high about a bit higher then a normal pitched voice....

but also for my mixer / preamp I dont have the Mic gain up at all and the MAIN MIX level bar thing i have the slider just below 0

 

[SwurVe]

n here are some images you might want to take a look at at...n those WAV pictures are when i am rapping pretty loud...not loud as in shouting and yelling but being normal to a bit louder then normal

 

[scrubs]

Why don't you turn up the mic gain while recording? The master fader on your mixer should be at unity (0), as should the channel fader on the mixer. Use the mic preamp gain to adjust the input level of the mic to a point where it is a decent level, but not clipping (the indicator lights on the mixer should mostly be in the yellow). Getting closer to the mic will increase the proximity effect (more bass) and make the vocals more up-front. The 990 is plenty loud.

Also, after tracking, you may want to apply some compression to the vocal track with appropriate makeup gain, if necessary, to even it out.

 

[SwurVe]

Thank you...I just turned my MIC GAIN level to +4 n then on my windows recording control i turned my LINE IN down so its 3 lines down from the top....n i did a test record n it did bring out my vocals alot more...but for eqing anything i should do...like cut the low n boost the highs n how much n stuff?

 

[scrubs]

Thank you...I just turned my MIC GAIN level to +4 n then on my windows recording control i turned my LINE IN down so its 3 lines down from the top....n i did a test record n it did bring out my vocals alot more...but for eqing anything i should do...like cut the low n boost the highs n how much n stuff?

There are no definite rules. I generally cut all frequencies below 100-150Hz on a vocal, leaving more room for the bass/drums. Only boost eq if you really need to. A 1-2dB boost in the 3000-5000Hz range will definitely bring out the vocals, but too much will make it sound horrible.

 

[JazzMang]

If it seems like its suffering a lot of drastic volume changes, dont be afraid to use a compressor with a light ratio, medium attack, and slow release to smooth it out a little.

 

[chessrock]

Scrubs, your volume is fine. You need to use a compressor, though. And you need to find your way around an EQ.

This stuff's going to take you some time and experimentation. Hope you have patience.

 

[kkamikazekidd]

I know rappers like bass but, try fading the bass down in your eq dont move up your mids(voice) just lower everything else. It doesnt have to be alot. I play acoustic guitar with light strings so I often do the opposite but the effects are the same.

 

[carp_81]

Question

I got a quick question, I was wondering what type of eq'ing can I do to make the chorus seem more fuller, I'm having a problem with they're being a distinct difference between my vocals that I rap, and my hooks. If you could give some suggestions that would be great.

Oh and in response to your question about louder vocals, I use sound forge 6, and what I do is use the wave hammer function to start out with to get the verse really loud and to show all the distortions, then I use a noise gate to take up the imperfections, then I work my way down further through eq'ing and all. Just my suggestion, hope it helps if you decide to use it!
Carp