Good voice but not great

[Rusty K]

Ok,

So I have a good voice but not great. On stage I'm fine. Good projection clear on pitch usually. I'm having a hell of a time getting anything down on tracks that I like.

I've been trying a Sennheiser MD421(?) it a dynamic mic, I know a condenser would be better. It sounds thin and tinny with a pre and compression laying down the tracks.

In fact I'm generally having problems with anything I lay down with a mic. I can't get a clear full and rich acoustic guitar sound either, damn. I've tried the twelfth fret position, nothing but harsh. My Martin should sound better.

Is it the mic? Also, If you had just one Plugin besides the usual, compression/eq/verb, what would it be. My vocals need a kick in the ass. If I could hear them sounding good I think I would sing with much more confidence during recording.

The best they ever sound to me is when I've used compression on top of compression at the final mix stage.

Thanks,
Rusty K

 

[norm55]

hey Rusty
I was having the same proplem so i went out and got the joemeek vcq1 micpre.BIG difference made all my head aches
dissapear.

 

[LI Slim]

My 3 cents

Rusty, I'm just a guy, but here's what I think after "finishing" two acoustic-guitar-and-vocal songs.( http://www.mp3.com/LarryKolker )

Yes, you need a condensor mic. I got an AT4047, a large condensor, and it's working pretty well for both. I have screwed around a little with my SM58, and it just wasn't as good, although it worked a little better when I backed off several inches from where I would be live. I think that with the guitar it's even more essential that you have a condensor.

The pros say take it easy with the compression. I find that I love loading it up with compression while I'm mixing but then when I sit back and listen to it in the mix the compression, although making the sound strong, is making it a bit harsh and removing the nuances of my voice. So, so far I've ended up with some light compression while I record and even lighter when I mix. The effects can't make up for your mic not picking up your voice properly. It's depressing too to hear your really nice voice sounding like shit. Get a good mic.

 

[Rusty K]

Thanks,

Norm55.......I use a Presonus BlueTube. I was looking at different brands but couldn't spend the money for Joemeek.
Bluetube seemes to sound a lot better than Art.

LiSlim.......We meet again. I listened to "God is in the Internet" It was funny man. I'll get to the blues number later. Sounded like a nylon string acoustic am I right?

I am going to try to find a decent condenser mic as soon a possible but do you have any suggestions for a plug-in that will add a little sparkle to my vocal tracks.

RK