Making the best out of vocals with current equip?

[MSG_VT]

Hey Guys,

I'm a college student. Low budget. Just wanted to try some 4-track recording.

Heres my gear :

TASCAM Porta-02 MKII
SM 57 mics


Im satisfied with the sound it gives me in micing my guitar amp


I use it for vocals though, and I want to get a decent sound,but I cant.

Would it make a difference if I used a condenser mic , or since its analog recording, it wouldnt?

I do have an AT4033 but no phantom power supply yet


How would I make the best out of my current setup for vocals?

-

 

[Gidge]

go with a better preamp first off....a sm57 with a good pre sounds pretty damn good.......the 4033 with a decent pre would sound even better......the Audio Buddy at $79 is a good start, but a Studio Projects VTB-1 would sound killer..........

 

[Richard Monroe]

What Gidge said. You can't upgrade with the gear your using, but you have a very good mic you can't use. Get a preamp. One thing that you didn't mention is cabling, but good vs. crappy cables can make a lot of difference in recorded sound. -Richie

 

[gordone]

You mention you're in college. A good condenser mic (through a good preamp) will pick up EVERYTYHING!! When I was in College, I could never get a decent track recorded with people running around like crazy in the dorm or Fraternity house. Just something to keep in mind...

 

[chessparov]

MSG, I'd do one of these three plans;

If I already had a computer...
1) Get Pro Tools Free from www.digidesign.com (use for mixing down)
2) Sell AT 4033 and buy Studio Projects VTB-1 mic pre
3) Sell Tascam Porta 02 and one SM57, then buy Tascam 244

If I didn't have a computer... (budget plan)
Follow steps 2 and 3 above
Use a Hi-Fi VCR or preferably CD-R to mix down to

Or...
step 2 then
Sell Tascam Porta 02 & SM57, then buy Tascam 564 MD 4 track
(the 564 has a "bounce forward" feature to do internal mixdowns!)

A SM57 + VTB-1 will blow away a AT4033 + Audio Buddy for vocals
IMHO. (although the 4033 is a fine microphone too)

Chris

P.S. The specs on a Tascam 244 stretch up to about 18Khz, better than
the more expensive 424. The 564, however, does have superior
sound than the best cassette multitracks. Both are excellent for
demos.

 

[powderfinger]

a decent condensor will make a big difference........i went from using the sm-58 to marshall mxl v93 (less than $200) and have been very pleased with the improvement

 

[chessparov]

A decent (or better) will make a big difference if you're using
"prosumer" or less mic pre's. A good pro mic pre like the VTB-1
throws the ball back into the home recordist's court as either
a dynamic or condenser microphone can work well for a given
singer's voice.

Chris

 

[notCardio]

57 / VTB-1 combo

Chessparov,

I know you really like your VTB-1, but are you saying that it works especially well with the 57?

 

[Richard Monroe]

Well I can tell you, I'd be singing or playing guitar into that 4033 right now if I had it. So if you take Chess's advice, feel free to sell that puppy to me.-send me a PM anytime. In the end, Chess and I agree, but the style is different. We are both saying you need a preamp, we just don't agree on how you should pay for it. You've got a gem of a discontinued (at least for now) mic there, and it's a classic that should be in every mic cabinet, including mine.-Richie

 

[chessparov]

There's a bit of personal bias where the 4033 is concerned.
I'm one of "those" singers who sound better on a '57 than the 4033.
When not paying due attention, my voice can be (slighty) nasal and
the 4033 exagerates this.
There are many pro engineers, however, like Alan Parsons who think
very highly of the 4033-except I'm no Alan Parsons!

Been very happy with the VTB-1 on the SM57.
It's performed well on all my other vocal microphones too.
Guess you could call it the SM57 of pro mic pre's!

Chris

P.S. MSG, both the SM57 and AT 4033 have scored hit records BTW!
(so they ain't too shabby)

 

[chessparov]

See the new thread on the '57!

Chris