Pitch problems

[guitarfreak12]

I've always had good pitch control when I sing live, I guess cause I can hear myself well. However, in the booth, I have a hard time staying on pitch, I've tried to lift one side of the headphones, but unless I play the muisc TOO loud I still struggle sometimes. I do know that i don't sing off in live situations, because I record all of my performances, and I'm right on. Just in the booth. Is ther any techniques I'm missing!

 

[sjoko2]

You might want to try playing around with the mix you are singing to.
For a start, most people have their headphones way to loud, so start with it at a low volume.
Then you might want to try and change the mix. Drop the volume of the drums and bass, and strip the mix until the most prominent item in there is the instrument that gives you the most pitch reference.
Try that first, and just play around with it until it gives you the reference you need.

 

[Beck]

What sjoko2 is right on the mark. Another problem could be the design of the headphones, or in other words cheap headphones.

The aforementioned bass and drums at high levels can cause the cups of the headphones to resonate their own frequency, which can confuse the ear. Some people are troubled by this more than others.

Many classically trained singers could hold on to their pitch reference through an explosion in a spring factory. Most of us aren’t that talented though.