Proximty effect

[Heezzi]

I have song song where there are 6 people on the track. 5 of them are on a MXL 2001 + a ART Tube OPL preamp with a very close promimity(prox 3 inches. The last vocal is using a MXL 2001 + a Studio Projects VTB1 preamp (prox 6 inches. The new vocal sounds way cleaner. What would be the best way to make the old vocals or new vocal sound like they match?

 

[esactun]

You'll probably have to retrack something to get them to match well. The combination of distance from the mic and different preamps make (as you found) for a quite different sound.

You could try a few ms of delay on the first 5 ART vox, perhaps EQ a little of the lows out (I'm guessing these tracks are bassier since they were closer to the mic, and the proximity effect kicks in).

The VTB is supposed to be a cleaner pre than the ART, so you may have to "degrade" that track (roll off some highs, add a touch of mud, etc.) to get it to gel with the ART tracks more.

If the ART tracks are backing vox and the VTB track is a lead vox (here's hoping!!), then you'd want them to sound a little different so that they stand out.

I hope this was helpful.

 

[Heezzi]

The most of the leads are going to be rerecorded. The problem is that 2 of the artists are not in town. and are unable to retrack to the VTB.