In-Built Mic Tone?!

[falconer333]

Just joined this forum but looking forward to meeting everyone!

Going to kick it off with a bit of a weird one...

I've been struggling to get a good recorded vocal tone ever since I started playing around with recording. For lack of a better description, it always felt a little bassy and out of the mix. Here's the strange part, i've noticed that the vocal tone I seem to be after is what I get when I record with my inbuilt mac/iphone mic. I know the quality does not compare but there is something about the way it sounds which appeals to me.

I was therefore wondering if you guys could let me know what is making it sound that way (compression/eq/voodoo...etc) and how I might be able to replicate that type of tone when recording with better quality mics.

As for my setup, I am currently working with a Shure SM57 and KSM32, into an Apogee Duet into Logic Pro X.

Thanks, Johnny.

 

[mjbphotos]

From what you describe it is the standard proximity effect one gets with dynamic mics - the closer you get, the higher the bass response.
Solutions: back off the mic a bit (try a pop filter mounted 2-3" from the front of the mic to stay consistent); go to a condensor mic that has less proximity effect (and that you don't kiss while using).

 

[Track Rat]

Sounds like proximity effect that you get from cardioid mics the closer you get to them. Omni mics (like what's in a phone) don't suffer from this.

 

[falconer333]

Ah cheers guys, just the kind of info I was after!

The only problem is if I turn up my mic (loud enough to keep the levels right from a distance) I get quite a lot of interference. Is there a way to combat this?

Also, on my KSM32 I have a three setting switch, one with a straight line, and two with a bent line of varying angles. Any ideas what those mean and which would be best for me?

Lastly, can you get/recommend any high quality omni mics?

 

[Steenamaroo]

Also, on my KSM32 I have a three setting switch, one with a straight line, and two with a bent line of varying angles.

This is a high pass filter setting. It cuts off, or reduces, the kind of bass you're talking about.
The straight line setting does nothing and the sloped lines reduce bass by some amount, below a set frequency.

I'd leave the gain as is and stay as close as you were but either flick the HPF switch, or use an eq in your software to do the same thing.
Some people, myself included, prefer the latter because it's non destructive and you have control over the frequency and severity.

I don't think you need to go shopping for omni mics. This isn't a problem, so much as something you just need to be aware of.
If you do use an eq in your software, be sure to put it before any compressors you might be using.

 

[mjbphotos]

What level (dB) are you recording at? You're probalby trying to track to loudly. -18dB to -12dB is more than adequate.