Looking for feedback on my vocals

[h34v3ns_s0ul]

Looking for honest feedback on my vocals, so if you could please visit my youtube channel and leave a few comments, I would appreciate it. Unfortunately I do not have a camera as of yet and I only use a PC Headset for recording, so forgive me if you get bored of reading the lyrics in the videos. I will be looking to get a more professional setup in the near future.

Thanks

https://www.youtube.com/user/h34v3nss0uluk?feature=mhee#p/a

 

[ido1957]

Go to the newbie forum and post 10 garbage posts in the 10 post thread then post a clickable link here please.

 

[h34v3ns_s0ul]

Thanks for the advice ido! I have now updated the post with a clickable link!

 

[Morodiene]

I like your voice - it reminds me of the Savatage guy . I just think you need to work a bit on sustaining pitches/tone a bit from one note to the next. It seems to fade away instantly on each note even if you connect. In order to do this, you actually have to get louder toward the next pitch.

Also, musically I think it's a bit square, as if you are just singing from notes on a page. It doesn't help that the piano plays your melody with you. Try to not match the rhythm of the notes the piano is playing all the time - vary it a bit by stretching out important words and diminishing lesser words. This will free it up.

Lastly, I think the vocals are a bit overpowered by the instruments in your mix. I'm a newbie to mixing and all that, so perhaps someone else here can help you better than I can.

 

[h34v3ns_s0ul]

Thanks Morodiene and I have to agree with you on that now that you've said it. I never really looked at it in that way before as nobody has really given me such an honest opinion. I will certainly take note and put it into practice.

As for the vocals being overpowered by the instruments, alot of that is down to what equipment I have. I only use a PC Headset to record just now and it's not the best of headsets, the volume of the music is very low so I have it as loud as can be otherwise when I sing it overpowers the music and I can't hear it too well. Plus my mic volume on the headset isn't that great so it's difficult to hear myself singing whilst listening to the music if that makes sense?

But I do hope to get a more professional setup in the near future as well as a video camera to make better recordings because I'm pretty sure the majority of people see a vocal cover with nothing but lyrics or pictures kind of boring, it's better they see the person as they sing.

 

[Morodiene]

Thanks Morodiene and I have to agree with you on that now that you've said it. I never really looked at it in that way before as nobody has really given me such an honest opinion. I will certainly take note and put it into practice.

As for the vocals being overpowered by the instruments, alot of that is down to what equipment I have. I only use a PC Headset to record just now and it's not the best of headsets, the volume of the music is very low so I have it as loud as can be otherwise when I sing it overpowers the music and I can't hear it too well. Plus my mic volume on the headset isn't that great so it's difficult to hear myself singing whilst listening to the music if that makes sense?

But I do hope to get a more professional setup in the near future as well as a video camera to make better recordings because I'm pretty sure the majority of people see a vocal cover with nothing but lyrics or pictures kind of boring, it's better they see the person as they sing.

It doesn't have so much to do with the recording levels of the individual tracks, but what volumes they are set at in the end. This can be adjusted via software.

 

[h34v3ns_s0ul]

Now that you have clearly pointed out what could be better, I will be sure to do so the next time I record a song, thanks again!

 

[DM60]

It doesn't have so much to do with the recording levels of the individual tracks, but what volumes they are set at in the end. This can be adjusted via software.

OP

Yes, recording levels are one thing. It is how you mix them on the final that matters. If you are using some type of DAW, and your instruments are not bleeding through the mic, try bringing up your vocal mic track and lower your instrument mic. If you are recording with only one mic, then you need to start investigating a two channel interface so that you can get better separation. Look at some of the threads on digital recordings (or you can go analog just to be fair). Get some information from there and it will help you a lot.

 

[h34v3ns_s0ul]

I'll be looking to get the Rode NT1 A Condensor mic as I have been told it's a very good mic on a low budget, also looking at getting a presonus audiobox and Yamaha MG 82C Mixer. Only thing I'm not too sure on is whether or not I need to upgrade the soundcard in my computer? At present I just use the standard one.

 

[Mr Clean]

If you get the Presonus Audiobox you won't need the Yamaha Mixer or your on board soundcard. The Audiobox will replace your onboard soundcard.

The only thing to be weary of is the Audiobox gets it's power from USB and may not supply enough power for the 48V Phantom Power your Rode NT1 will need. But if you're saving by not buying a mixer you DON'T/WON'T need, you could get yourself a better USB Interface.

Research and ask questions before you throw your cash at stuff. You'll get a better set up for sure that way.

 

[h34v3ns_s0ul]

Appreciate the advice Mr Clean, is there an audio interface you would recommend for use with the Rode NT1?

 

[Mr Clean]

In all honesty I'm not really the best to give advice on USB Interfaces as I use standalone Preamps. Althought I do have a Tascam US-800 USB with 8 inputs that I use for drums occasionally.

There are lots of options: Focusrite, Presonus, Tascam. Do a little research, maybe ask in the Digital Recording part of the forum. There are more knowledgeable people around here to give you great advice on these things.

 

[h34v3ns_s0ul]

Ok well thanks anyway, I'm sure there will be a thread on here, otherwise like you say, I'll post a new thread.

 

[Morodiene]

I just got the Rode NT-1a myself! I love it, but I'm using the Zoom H4n as a preamp and that isn't able to handle it. FYI, the Rode can work on 24V or 48V phantom power, but I don't know how that would do with the USB interface you're looking at.

 

[h34v3ns_s0ul]

I'll have a word with someone I know who uses the Rode NT1 A and see what setup they have as I know their current setup works absolutely fine. Then I'll get back to you.

 

[h34v3ns_s0ul]

After speaking with a friend who also uses the Rode NT1 A, they wasn't too sure on the PreSonus Audiobox either. So I contacted PreSonus themselves and they confirmed the AudioBox USB supports +48v Phantom powered microphones.