micing on korg d1200

[SANDWASH]

to d1200 owners: how do i adjust the mic levels acording to the source i'm gonna mic? with analog recorders, there's an adjustment for the different levels of frequency, i.e. switches for recording vocals, drums, etc...

i know this may sound like a rather silly question, but this is the first time i've dealt with a recorder that doesn't have this 'switch.' and when we record vocals, they come out distorted becuase we had toi push the peak and fader levels all the way up for recording (the only way the vox can be heard over the rest of the instruments).

please reply.

 

[StevenLindsey]

Not sure what kind of switches you are talking about for recording different instruments. You should be able to just plug your mic into the XLR input and adjust the trim knob to the correct level. If you have a lot of other music recorded and can't get enough volume from your mic, you may need a decent outboard preamp and a better mic. I have a D8 and could not get a decent vocal into it until I got a condenser mic and ran it through my mixer preamp. The Korg preamps are pretty weak. You might be able to use the internal compression to get your vocal levels up some but I didn't have much luck with the onboard compression on the D8. The D1200 compression may be better. Try about a 4:1 ratio with a pretty fast attack and medium release and jack up the "level" ( the effect level or makeup gain ) some till you get your level meter as high as you can without clipping. ( Experiment with different settings. ) Just keep on trying different things. You'll get it eventually. You'll see a great improvement in vocals and other recorded acoustic instruments when you get a decent large diaphragm condenser mic and a decent preamp. You should be able to get both of these for about $300 ( whatever that is in your currency. ) It will be worth the investment if you are serious about making some good music. Good luck!

 

[SANDWASH]

thanks for the tip. i eventually found the right setting for recording mic but i don't use the built in compressor. everything sounds fine now, except i have to sing a little louder than i normally do to be heard above the other instruments.