Need serious help with my set up!

[Dreadas]

Hi guys this is my first post..
sorry for all the questions but I am in crisis!

I record Reggae/Ragamuffin Vocals only.

Current Set up.
--------------
Rode NTK
Voice Master Pro
M-Audio Delta 44
-
Genelec 8020
Bheringer Truth
-
Sound treated recording area---------------

I feel stuck .. Im not happy with the quality of my recordings.. and dont really know what to change.. but looking to update my vocal chain.

First up I think I would like to get rid of my VMP and invest in a new Mic pre right now its between the MA-5 and the Great River ME-1NV

I was thinking of combining the mic-pre with the RNC-1773
is this a good combination? anyone know how teh RNC is on vocals?

do my ideas sound any good? I feel really stuck.. I dont know what the best way for me to improve my set up is!?

I have also been looking at the M-Audio projectmix I/O I love the idea of having that hands on opportunity when mixing!
how does it actually work with the console, could this be a substitute for the mic pre? is there any in built compression? and would it be compatible with my Delta 44 Sound card..?
ALSO I am sitting on a 4-year old PC (have updated the memory) but there is no 'FireWire' in it.. I have heard people who have installed FireWire on there comps that they work really dodgy.. and easy to break down? anyone know how I can get a solid FireWire inputs on my comp?

ok again sorry for my many questions and lack of knowledge.. but I just need some serious help here.. anyone that feels they have the time to try and help me out I would appreciate it very much!

Thanx

Bless.

 

[tmix]

Hey D,
I will try to help, hopefully others to follow.

You say you are not happy with the sound of the vocal tracks, but what exactly is wrong?
Is it the clarity? the tone? too much background noise?

I can say that the RNC is a good compressor for vocals.
With the right settings it is very transparent, but like any compressor if used with the wrong settings it will make your tracks dull and lifeless regardless of what is in front of it.

I would say from my limited experience with Reggae / Ragamuffin , the vocals generally have a smooth delivery, so maybe the comp should be out of the chain completly or set up to only react on the occasional plosive.

Channel strip type preamps can be a little tricky to get set up unless you can defeat the different sections if you don't need them.

Anyway, I am just guessing until you describe what it is you want different.

 

[Dreadas]

pulling my dreads out over this issue with my gear..

its a good question.. I guess I am not happy with the sound.. it sounds very flat and not so clear.. I voiced a riddim (beat) alongside several other big Jamaican artists and when I compare my version to there’s.. quality wise.. they sound just so crisp and clear almost 3d... my vocals sound flat and a bit unclear.. no spark! (all the songs are mixed and mastered by the same people)

So Im thinking how can I improve my vocal recordings.. so Im looking towards my gear.. what can I improve..?

Is it a better understanding of the VMP?

or is it maybe my mic that is the problem? (Rode NTK) or sound card? (delta 44)

I have read bad things about the VMP as well as the NTK..

What I wont to know from more serius producers and sound men.. is.. is it possible for me to achieve high quality vocal recordings for CD as well as Vinyl release to be able to match other Reggae releases with my gear?

or Am I sitting on some mediocre gear that is good for demo recordings but not really when it comes to more serious productions? (I guess this is a mater of opinion but maybe some personal feedback would help)

 

[Steve Henningsgard]

Some of the best advice I've ever been given was to always assume it's you, not the equipment. Regardless of what you own these days, chances are the limiting factor is your own skill! Think of this as a positive thing: your skills are really the only thing you have complete control over.

That said, there is equipment out there that is known for its clarity and such. I'd ask the guys making the recordings you like how they do it!