men/mars vs. women/venus...

[bmorris]

I am trying to figure if there are some common starting points for recording when eqing males vs. females. I know the "best possible input" is the first and most effective option, but given linitations, what types of eq settings may be typical for male and female voices?

For instance, the eq potential I face is no more than a 3 band eq with a parametric mid. Are there "templates" to get beginners going in the right direction for good quality vocal mixes for male and female voices?

-Humble-

 

[Track Rat]

My friend, just use the low end roll off if your mics or preamps have them and just record flat. It's my theory that when tracking it's easy to add shit but it's a mother fucker taking it back off if you don't like it. If you feel you need to EQ later, you still can.

 

[bmorris]

what exactly...

does low end "roll off" refer to? Would that be simply cutting all of the low end frequency until mixing? I am intelectually obsolete when discussing and interpreting technical terms...

-Humble-

 

[scottboyher]

My friend, just use the low end roll off if your mics or preamps have them and just record flat. It's my theory that when tracking it's easy to add shit but it's a mother fucker taking it back off if you don't like it. If you feel you need to EQ later, you still can.

I am by no means a pro but this is very true!

 

[chessrock]

Re: what exactly...

does low end "roll off" refer to? Would that be simply cutting all of the low end frequency until mixing? I am intelectually obsolete when discussing and interpreting technical terms...

If your mic pre or mixer has a switch that says "Low Cut," then turn that on. If not, then don't mess with cutting any lows untill you learn more about where to start and how much to cut, etc.

 

[mikeh]

I think to a degree you answered your own question "best possible input".

If you are already trying to "fix" the sound before you have recorded it (with EQ) than he input is bad to start with. The signal chain has to be (in order) a good voice, a good space, a good mic and a good pre-amp).

Even if the vocal source is less than perfect, you have to try to record as flat and as true as you can.

 

[Track Rat]

I did a little search and I did find that they do in deed make Gender Specific Mic Preamps.

 

[Scottgman]

I did a little search and I did find that they do in deed make Gender Specific Mic Preamps.

LOL!! That is hilarious! That picture reminds me of the bedroom closet I share with my wife. My wimpy selection of clothes gets swallowed by her massive wardrobe. Ah well, to each his own-- she loves to buy clothes, I love to buy gear.