Help!!! need tips on how to get better voicing.

[..:.:MeCCaH:.:.]

Now, I'm kinda bogus for havin' this in the first place, but I really need tips for the Boss BR-8.

I'm just now starting to work with it and it's killin' me. How can I get a better voice mix for hip-hop tracks and r&b? how much fullness should i put in and how much presence or bass should be added?
I also need tips on the method of recording. would it be better if I wait until the whole song is done to add the EQ or just I EQ the beat/instrumental before I lay the vocals?

If these questions seem to be too easy for you guys, good. I hope that equals to more replys. I'm only 17, give me a little credit for havin' the ambition to learn.

oh, one more thing, do I REALLY need a compressor? If so, which would be the best choice?

 

[The Green Hornet]

YO MeCCah:+ ::...::....::....::]

Since I don't run a BR8 I can only speak in general. I do use the Yam MD8 but sitting next to it is my new Yam 2816 which I am studying intently and will be working on that box.

But, for vocals, over the past few years, I've found that sometimes putting the vocal on TWO TRACKS will give you more presence. Also, you can pan the tracks: one a bit left/another a bit right and see what happens.

I always like to do the music and then do the vocals LAST. You might try running in CD music background into your BR8 and then do the vocal to the "already" tweaked music. I've done this many times and all I did was run a 1/4 inch cable from the headphone out of my amplifier directly into my recorder. You don't need much input volume with CD so take care you don't input it too loud.

You need a good mic for vocals and that would take up more space than I want to get into. Just research the site, [as Bruce would say] because there is a ton of information here.

As well, maybe Roland has a BR8 site or links? There you could chat with other BR8 users.

Since you are 17 you have many hours, days, months, & years to practice mixing down a tune. Different reverbs produce different results but don't drown your vocal with reverb.

EQ? Well, you really don't need much; if you do need tons of EQ, record the song over.

Just wanted to give you some help.
Hang in there.

Green Hornet