Help with recording and mixing with vocals and a karaoke music backing

[singsing]

Hi...I have a question concerning recording a song with a karaoke backing......I'm trying to make a demo of a song on my computer, using a software called Session. The music backing, which will be recorded onto one of the tracks, is from a karaoke VCD. My question is how I can record this song on my computer and have it sound somewhat professional. The reason I ask this is that I noticed that when I listen to other professionally recorded CD's sold on the market....they tend to sound "fuller" and the vocal and instrumental mixes better together(and more professional sounding) even when the volumn is turned very low. However, I've noticed that when I listen to the demos I've recorded onto a CD of my own voice with the instrumental backing it tends to sound somewhat crappy when the volumn is turned low. What I mean is that, the vocal and instrumental sounds like it doesn't mix well and doesn't have a warm feel to it. It only begins to sound "complete" and "fuller" once the volumn is turned up to a certain level of loudness. I was wondering if this is due to the fact that the music backing is from a VCD and it doesn't mix well in the final production. I know that in a prefessionally recorded CD, each instrument is recorded on a different track and therefore, maybe it would sound "fuller" in the final mix down. Can anybody help me on this? TIA

 

[darrin_h2000]

Try going optical out on the music so theres not any loss. then record a track of your vocals using a large diaphram condenser and a good mic pre. then take the mix and go through an aureal exciter and a good compresser. then you will have a good karaoke demo. That fuller sound is in the mastering.

 

[schwa]

Darrin's right...

If you're not using a good mic, a good pre, and some compression, you're going to have a hard time getting your vocal to sit in the mix.

A condensor mic allows you to sit back, giving the recording more air.
A good preamp is where you'll find the fullness your looking for.
A compressor will allow you to tame the dynamics that are keeping the vocal from sitting in the mix.

If you don't own or have access to this sort of gear, I wouldn't buy it, it aint cheap, and even if you do buy it, they're tricky to use.

If you hust want to do a demo or two, most towns have small studios which have the right gear and someone who knows how to use it. It would be much cheaper and quicker.

 

[darrin_h2000]

I do this service myself for many karaoke singers in my town( I hand out cards at the clubs) Hell you may even have a place at the mall that does this service.