Not getting the sound I want...

[eadgbe]

Here's a short Beatles cover I did to test a new digital recorder (recorded on a fostex MR8 with an MXL v67 and 603s and mixed w/Guitar Tracks Pro).

http://f2.pg.briefcase.yahoo.com/bc/tsaff5910@sbcglobal.net/lst?.dir=/My+Documents&.view=l


My problem is the vocals . As is the case on most of my recordings, the vocals don't have enough breadth/depth/fullness. I compensate by overdubbing the vocal tracks but that isn't always the vocal affect I'm looking for. And reverb, delay, etc help but not enough. I often record solo voice and acoustic guitar so getting the vocal track to fill the space is important. What's the best way to fill-out a single vocal track using my gear?

PS. other suggestions/comments are of course welcome.

 

[zim]

more than just vocals...

well, i listened to your stuff 'cuz i was in the mood for some beatles... and...

you mention vocals being your problem, but i think you need to look at the instruments, first... mainly the timing on this one. along with the vocals (which are very echo-y or delayed alot and don't sound great, but i'll mention that in a sec), the drum track throws everything off kilter--using computerized guitars doesn't help, either... but get the timing right!

as far as the vocals, lead vocal first: i think you need to just cut all the efx and go for a clean sound with maybe just a hint of 'verb. double the vocals, but do 2 different takes and pan them separate left/right a bit (but not all the way) to separate a little. 2nd, the backing vocals: again, 2 different vocal tracks, but pan them hard left/right, and maybe try to differentiate the sound from the lead a little.

these are just simple ideas, but from reading this board, if any of the pros listen, i'm sure they'll have better directives.

i'm still learning myself, but i think you need to add a little soul to the playing of the song, and maybe pick up a few guitar lessons and really play...

good luck,
zim

 

[eadgbe]

zim, I know the timing is thrown off by the synth drum track - but this was just a test of the new recorder. The track is, however, representative of the vocal issues I've struggled with for a while and which are now keeping me from recording altogether.

 

[producerkid]

compression. compression is your friend.

im not talking about huge stomping, squishy squashed to the basement dynamic cancellation (lol) im just saying to even out the dynamics and bring a little "zest" and width to them. try compressing the vocals and pulling just a touch out of 800-900hz unless you are going for an old school sound for this track then maybe boost the 600-800hz range.