Please recommend compression settings for vocals

  • Thread starter Thread starter enemyofthesun
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enemyofthesun

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I am recording a demo for a sludge/hardcore band with heavy vocals. In recording the demo I have had a hard time getting the vocals to record properly since the guy spends most of the time screaming but then on other parts he lightens up somewhat.



Can you recommend a compressor setting that will help me keep the volume on that track reasonabally even??

To compare I would be interested in a sample setting for a more easy going rock vocalist as well. Thanks!
 
I would have the singer sing the quiet parts and loud parts in different takes..the amount of compression your talking about would just not sound right..you also didnt say what your recording medium is..if you cant have him sing different tracks, I would copy the lead vocal to another track. Now you have two copies of the lead vocal. Take that second lead vocal and compress the hell out of it, then mix to taste with the original vocal. You might get something useable. good luck
 
I've been using my comps to limit or compress peaks, so I just set the threshold so that the gain reduction meter kicks in on the loudest peaks only. That's where you start. Then you can go higher/lower to get the desired levels. I record to tape, so I try to hit it up to +8db, but not higher and it works out fine for me. The ratio I set just so that my recorder doesn't go above +6-8db. I don't know much about using compression for special effects yet. I use these techniques for tracking and I use them for everything. It's too subtle to color anything, but keeps peaks in check.

I am kinda new in recording so I don't claim to be an ace here. In fact, I could use more tips myself.
 
Other then compression I would suggest you tell the singer to move back a bit when belting it out and move in ( on the mic) when not.

Also besides compression try to ride the levels with your hand. If you know the song well enough and you don't have to jerk your hand up and down fast, it can smoetimes get a better result then compression.
 
Compression Ratio - 6:1 or even 10:1 in your case
Threshold so as to get around 6 - 10db reduction
Slow attack - faster release

Cheers
John :)
 
John - I understand your advice about the ratio and threshold settings, but why the slow attack and faster release in this case? For an accented definition of the beginning of every note?
 
Dobro - I just don't like clipping the transients at this stage I suppose.

Cheers
John :D
 
as john stated, the fast release is crucial. this minimizes pumping. also, i'd recommend a smallercompression of about 4-6db though.
-kp-
 
Yes sonnix in normal conditions I have a lower ratio but this guy sound like a screamer!! :eek:

Cheers
John :)
 
Everyones help here is greatly appreciated. I tried those settings you gave me there John and with a little tweaking it came out very good. I still had to back off the fader a bit on certain parts but I got it in the end. Thanks for the help. The internet is incredible isnt it?
 
Great stuff, and newbies are always asking how to get better vocal recordings. My vox have greatly improved since hangin' around the now infamous hr bbs. By the by, printers are incredible too...I'll keep a hard copy of this thread for my files.
 
whoa! Ouija from relapse? Damn its a small world isnt it? haha..
 
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