Processing a deep voice

[rmilanov]

I recently switched my podcast recording gear from an inexpensive condenser headset to a really nice dynamic studio mic. The new mic makes the recordings sound great, however I am running into an odd issue.

My voice is very deep and listeners have a hard time understanding me sometimes if they are in a noisier environment. I tested a quick listen in my car while I was driving and I had a real tough time understanding some parts. My co-host sounds fine, but his voice is nowhere near as deep.

What's the best way to address this in post-processing? Would the fix be to play with the EQ and boost the midrange or highs? That seems too simple.

Thanks!

 

[bouldersoundguy]

What mic? Most directional mics have what's known as proximity effect. The closer you get the more bass and low mids are boosted. In that case you have two options, move away from the mic or eq to compensate.

But "dynamic studio mic" could easily mean an EV RE20 or one of its cousins. Those have something called "variable D" which prevents proximity effect. Their frequency response doesn't change so much with distance. With one of these you just eq it the way you want it to sound and get as close as you need.

A low shelf with a shallow slope at about 500 Hz (or even higher) and down maybe 6dB or more would be a good starting point. Do this at some point in the process that doesn't affect your co-host's mic. If you do it after the voices are mixed he will sound really thin.

 

[Armistice]

If mic proximity and EQing fail to deliver the result you're looking for, there are surgical options...

I'd try the shelving EQ a la boulder's comments above first, however....

 

[rmilanov]

It's a Heil PR40. I normally speak about 2"-3" from the mic. If I move further away, I lose the volume.

 

[bouldersoundguy]

It's a Heil PR40. I normally speak about 2"-3" from the mic. If I move further away, I lose the volume.

Well, the mic pre gain can bring the signal back up to where you need it, but you will get more bleed (your co-host's voice getting into your mic). Outboard eq may be a better option if the bleed is unacceptable. And just to be sure, you know it's an axial address mic rather than side address, right? That is, speak into the end of the mic, 180° from the XLR connector. It looks like a side address mic.

 

[Steenamaroo]

I looked up the Heil specs to see if it had a bass roll off.

On my travels I found this on their official specs list.

"Best kick drum microphone ever"

Lol...thought it was worth sharing.

I'd recommend playing with rolling off low frequencies, or if possible, lay your hands to an EV mic with that variable-D jobby.
I think some of the akgs had the same design built in too.

 

[mixsit]

True for all voices appropriate energy', projection, focus are huge. Even more so in placing lower tone sources to fit'. Toss in close proximity to a directional mic, double whammy..

"No matter how mellow' or 'soft the passage might be.. It has got to be interesting."..Focused like a laser"

..paraphrasing my vocal coach.
You see this concept ignored (or not understood) offten.
(..How about nine out of ten for 'chatter between songs in any stop in your local pub/bandstand.