Priority for Perfect Quality Vocals

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shiner41

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I know u guys have heard this question a million times, but: Exactly what has the MOST effect on vocals? I understand that 10 kHz adds the main clarity and vocal clearness (correct me if I'm wrong). I have my own methods, but I'm trying to "move on up". Is it mostly the EQ, or is it mostly the microphone and compressor. I know I'm making u overgeneralize because of the many factors it takes to do this like recording techniques, and whatnot, but what is it that really takes the vocal to that high quality level the MOST, if there is even a way...Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!
 
shiner41 said:
Exactly what has the MOST effect on vocals?
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It starts with a good singer and goes down the line....Mic....Pre.....etc.....Good room(s) to record and mix down in....Good engineer.......

But asking what specific frequency has the MOST effect is like asking "what color is the size of a suit that will fit a man". It depends on the voice. There are some general ballpark frequencies that might often have to be cut or, less frequently, boosted, but there's no one thing that most effect a vocal.
 
RAMI said:
It starts with a good singer and goes down the line....Mic....Pre.....etc.....Good room(s) to record and mix down in....Good engineer.......

But asking what specific frequency has the MOST effect is like asking "what color is the size of a suit that will fit a man". It depends on the voice. There are some general ballpark frequencies that might often have to be cut or, less frequently, boosted, but there's no one thing that most effect a vocal.
Click to expand...

Don't beat around the bush, Rami. Answer him, now!
 
A good mic , well placed with carefull attention to levels is far more critical to success than anything else.
It also helps if the singer isn't an American Idol reject!! :p



:D
:D :D
:D :D :D
 
shiner41 said:
Is it mostly the EQ, or is it mostly the microphone and compressor.
Click to expand...


As far as equipment goes ... yea, the microphone and the compressor play a pretty big role, actually. That's kinda' why you see the Telefunken C12s going for so much. Also why an 1176 and/or an LA2A compressor isn't going to go for very cheap either.

As for the frequency stuff, 10K is going to add "air" rather than clarity. 6K is really where it's at for clarity and annunciation. But also where it can get harsh on esses and consonants. Very generally speaking, mind you.

.
 
On a scale of 1-10, with one being "utterly disposable" and 10 being "absolutely essential", I'd rate importance of quality something along these lines, give or take:

Singer/performer - 9
Microphone - 8
Room/acoustics - 8
Preamp - 7
Compressor - 5
EQ - 3

G.
 
shiner41 said:
I know u guys have heard this question a million times, but: Exactly what has the MOST effect on vocals? I understand that 10 kHz adds the main clarity and vocal clearness (correct me if I'm wrong). I have my own methods, but I'm trying to "move on up". Is it mostly the EQ, or is it mostly the microphone and compressor. I know I'm making u overgeneralize because of the many factors it takes to do this like recording techniques, and whatnot, but what is it that really takes the vocal to that high quality level the MOST, if there is even a way...Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

5K for presence. 12K+ for "air". low mids for warmth aswell as nice compression. 1-3K for mid range effect. hi pass filter to get rid of low mud.

Copy and paste vox and then pan and nudge, and pitchshift one of them 3% of a semi-tone for phat wide sound.

Eck
 
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