Need to record vocals - No budget for a studio!

[DJCalifornia`]

Hello,

I'm a 21 year old singer. I sing in Farsi (Persian). I was recently asked to sing a song at a party so I did and a guy who is an investor in the Persian Music Market came up to me and told me that I have a really good voice. He told me that I have to record a song and send it to him and he'll sign a contract with me to release an album.

I am currently in a tight financial situation and I can't afford to go to a studio and record. All I have on my PC is Sony Acid and a M-Audio Vocal Mic (Producer USB)

I already have a song (mp3) and lyrics and I have done the arrangements myself but I really don't know what to do to record the vocals and mix it with the song. I tried many times but it doesn't sound clear and well done! The guy keeps calling and asking if I have the song ready.

If you guys can help me out and give me a step by step instructions on how to record the vocals, I will totally appreciate it and I'll never forget who helped me out.

I wan't to make it as professional as possible, I know it's not that easy and I'm being really optimistic but I have no other choice. I just need to know the settings/effects that I have to apply to the vocals after I record.

Thank you guys in advance!
Peace

 

[mjbphotos]

Unfortunately, you can't do it 'professional' without spending some money! At the minimum, you would need a decent microphone and an interface. If you can find them used, maybe $200 total (minimum). Alternately, you can buy a USB microphone, but the sound will be marginal.

BTW, are you sure this 'investor' guy is legitimate? If he was, he'd find a way for you to record, or front you the money.

 

[FunkDaddy]

He told me that I have to record a song and send it to him and he'll sign a contract with me to release an album.

LOL never knew it was that easy!

Like the other poster said, if this guy is an investor in the Persian music market and thinks you have the talent to make it, why isn't he "investing" in you?

 

[Chibi Nappa]

1. This cannot be done with MP3 backing tracks, a USB mic, and no recording engineer.

2. The whole deal sounds like a scam.

 

[leaningpine]

I'll echo the previous posts, He's heard you sing, he knows you're good, why do you have to record a demo, If he thinks you're that good it should be no problems for him to get you studio time to record one song. Make sure no money goes from your pocket to his for anything!

 

[buzzard bass]

Stinks of cod to me too. Heard one song and is is talking about signing for an album?

 

[grimtraveller]

Maybe it's just the way things are done in Iran.

DJ California, where are you based and could you give us more details ? What you're saying, to us, sounds mighty odd but I don't want to pre~judge without some detail.

 

[DJCalifornia`]

Hi guys, thanks for taking your time and posting on my topic.

Well the Persian Music market is totally different than other markets. People get famous after releasing just a song or they get famous because they have a lot of money to spend. This guy who is an investor works with a huge recording company called AVANG and he has to get the approval from another person who basically owns the company. That's why he needs me to have a song ready for him. I told him from day 1 that I don't have any money to spend, even if I get the album deal. So I don't think this is a scam. Even if it is I still have nothing to lose, worse comes to worse I will have a song lol

Now I got a few questions for you guys. With a USB M-AUDIO microphone and sony ACID, there's no way to record vocals? I just need it to sound smooth and clear. Don't really need crazy effects or autotune or anything like that. If not, then what do I have to purchase? Interface? Mic? Software?

You guys are way more experienced than I am so I would appreciate any help from you guys.

Once again, thank you guys!

BTW, I live in San Diego, CA

 

[smithers138]

If you have a computer that can run the demo of sonar 8 download it and install it. Then record it using your mic. The reason I suggest this is because you can atleast eq and compress your voice with the effects that come in the demo. With a cheap mic some EQ trickery can go a long way. BTW is it a USB mic or just a cheap mic that plugs into your sound card? If it is not a USB mic atleast you are pretty much up a creek without a paddle.

If he is legit tell him you do not have the resources to record yourself... maybe he can help you out.

 

[CFox]

Hi guys, thanks for taking your time and posting on my topic.

Well the Persian Music market is totally different than other markets. People get famous after releasing just a song or they get famous because they have a lot of money to spend. This guy who is an investor works with a huge recording company called AVANG and he has to get the approval from another person who basically owns the company. That's why he needs me to have a song ready for him. I told him from day 1 that I don't have any money to spend, even if I get the album deal. So I don't think this is a scam. Even if it is I still have nothing to lose, worse comes to worse I will have a song lol

Now I got a few questions for you guys. With a USB M-AUDIO microphone and sony ACID, there's no way to record vocals? I just need it to sound smooth and clear. Don't really need crazy effects or autotune or anything like that. If not, then what do I have to purchase? Interface? Mic? Software?

You guys are way more experienced than I am so I would appreciate any help from you guys.

Once again, thank you guys!

BTW, I live in San Diego, CA

Hey bro. If you can make a pop filter out of a coathanger and some stockings that will at least help you from getting too close to the mic.

The Sony site says you can record with even the entry level ACID

If you upload your track in the MP3 mixing clinic and ask nicely. I am sure someone would let you know how your recording efforts are going. They may even help polish a dry recorded vocal.

 

[RAMI]

I told him from day 1 that I don't have any money to spend, even if I get the album deal. So I don't think this is a scam. Even if it is I still have nothing to lose, worse comes to worse I will have a song lol

I'd usually be the first one to call this a scam....and it still might be. But, if it's agreed that you have no money to spend and he still wants to work with you, then I agree with you. You have nothing to lose.

 

[Farno]

Perhaps rent or borrow someones setup for a day. It would be cheaper than buying the equipment. Tricky part is finding someone willing to let you use there stuff!

 

[buzzard bass]

If this is your own composition a quick and dirty way to copyright it is to send a copy of the song to yourself registered mail. Make sure they stamp the envelope over the sealed flap. Tell them at the post office what you're doing and they'll be really helpful. It's admissible in court should you hear your song being sung by someone else.

 

[DJCalifornia`]

The microphone that I have is a good mic. It's pro tools M-Audio mic. USB! I'm gonna try it with sonar and see what happens.

I'll keep you guys updated. Thanks

 

[FunkDaddy]

The microphone that I have is a good mic. It's pro tools M-Audio mic. USB! I'm gonna try it with sonar and see what happens.

I'll keep you guys updated. Thanks

Just an FYI, most USB mics are cheap for a reason. They aren't built for serious vocal work, the majority being geared towards podcast voiceover stuff that doesn't call for a lot of headroom.

If this is your own composition a quick and dirty way to copyright it is to send a copy of the song to yourself registered mail. Make sure they stamp the envelope over the sealed flap. Tell them at the post office what you're doing and they'll be really helpful. It's admissible in court should you hear your song being sung by someone else.

Another FYI, you should not go around stating this as fact, it doesn't do you any good really at all in trying to prove you own the copyright. That envelope should be sent to the Copyright office, not yourself

 

[CFox]

Just an FYI, most USB mics are cheap for a reason. They aren't built for serious vocal work, the majority being geared towards podcast voiceover stuff that doesn't call for a lot of headroom.

It sounds ok on these RnB vox - unless they are BSing.

Another FYI, you should not go around stating this as fact, it doesn't do you any good really at all in trying to prove you own the copyright. That envelope should be sent to the Copyright office, not yourself

The dude did say quick and dirty and this is a rush job - however I heard you should mail 3 copies so you can open one in front of your lawyer if the time comes. But, yes proper channels as well.

 

[moresound]

Watch it! I think he just wants your soul!

 

[FunkDaddy]

The dude did say quick and dirty and this is a rush job - however I heard you should mail 3 copies so you can open one in front of your lawyer if the time comes. But, yes proper channels as well.

He also said it's "admissable in court" which would leave me to believe he thinks it's accepted as proof of copyright, which it most certainly isn't.

 

[CFox]

He also said it's "admissable in court" which would leave me to believe he thinks it's accepted as proof of copyright, which it most certainly isn't.

Not sure I am following, tired sorry. Are you saying registered mail is not permissible as evidence in court or that this method is not a valid/time stamped proof of authorship ( if he is indeed the author and its the authorship that is being contested )?

 

[FunkDaddy]

Not sure I am following, tired sorry. Are you saying registered mail is not permissible as evidence in court or that this method is not a valid/time stamped proof of authorship ( if he is indeed the author and its the authorship that is being contested )?

I'm sure registered mail is permissible as evidence. But sending yourself a copy of something doesn't provide proof of copyright nor is it a replacement for registered copyright. If the case in question is one of copyright, the "poor man's copyright" method isn't accepted in a court of law. It's a common myth.

If somebody is worried about their work being stolen, registered copyright is the only way they could get any judgement after the fact.