Recording to PC using pre-recorded backgrounds

[SRHookEm]

My 13 year old son is an opera singer (yes, professionally!) and I would like to record him singing to some selections of pre-recorded orchestra backgrounds.

We have a fast PC laptop and a very fast Mac desktop (G5) to use.

Questions:

1) Which system, the Mac or PC? I am a Mac user and the PC is his. I'm almost thinking that the laptop PC would be better since it's portable.

2) What software for either?

3) What must I add to the computer to be able to connect a microphone?

4) What mike would be best for this?

5) Can you suggest some places to look for opera "karaoke" background music?

6) Will I be able to adjust reverb, the levels, etc, bewteen his voice and the background. I guess I am asking for multi-track, correct?

7) Anything else you can think of that I may have missed would be appreciated.

Can you tell I'm new to this? haha Here's a shot of my son performing with the Houston Grand Opera in "Boris Godunov" this season.

 

[sixways]

www.tweakheadz.com

You'll need at the very least something like the M-Audio Mobile Pre or Presonus Firebox. The Firebox comes with Cubase.

Do some research over on tweakheadz.

6

 

[SRHookEm]

OK, the Firebox looks cool and I would use Cubase with it.

More questions:

1) The firebox connects to the computer via firewire and it controlled by Cubase. I plug the mike into the Firebox. How does the singer hear the music playing as I record the vocals? The headphone jack on the Firebox is for the recording person, right?

2) Can the singer hear the reverb as we record?

3) Can I use a firewire mixer instead of the Firebox or do I need both? Does a mixer do the same but add mixing and other features?

4) What (fairly) inexpensive mike should be used for opera vocals? It's powerful and he will be back some from the mike.

 

[sixways]

OK, the Firebox looks cool and I would use Cubase with it.

More questions:

1) The firebox connects to the computer via firewire and it controlled by Cubase. I plug the mike into the Firebox. How does the singer hear the music playing as I record the vocals? The headphone jack on the Firebox is for the recording person, right?

2) Can the singer hear the reverb as we record?

3) Can I use a firewire mixer instead of the Firebox or do I need both? Does a mixer do the same but add mixing and other features?

4) What (fairly) inexpensive mike should be used for opera vocals? It's powerful and he will be back some from the mike.

You can buy a dual output jack for the headphone out on the Firebox. Its got a pretty hot signal coming out and is enough for two.

You can set the singer's reverb wherever he want's it..using sends and busses if you want.

The Firebox will have mixing software (Cubase) no need for a mixer really.

Check out the Studio Projects B1 or Audio Technica 2020, both have received good overall reviews.

6

 

[SRHookEm]

Do I need a shock mount mike?

Also, would a dynamic mike be better for opera performance?

 

[Newbie dude]

I would definitely use a condensor mic. I have a sp b1, and it allows alot of detail and I have alot of different dynamics in my songs, and I can usually get a nice hot level out of it without clipping.

I don't know what you mean by shock mount mic.....if you're asking if you need a shock mount, yes. If you buy an sp b1, it comes with one.

Oh, and you should look at the Presonus Inspire 1932. Same as firebox, but with a few less features that I don't think you're going to need, and you'll save a hundred bucks.

 

[Sirnothingness]

If you go with the Mac, you should be abel to record in Garageband. It's not the most thourough recording software, but it should get you what you're looking for.

 

[wheelema]

How in the heck does one become an opera singer?

 

[SRHookEm]

Thanks for the tips! I'll get the B1.

He became an opera singer by practicing. He's been singing since 3rd grade, toured nationally with "Oliver!" in 5th grade and fell in love with the classical style in junior high. He started working with a professional opera instructor (and world performer) and it developed from there. My wife and I never had any experience with opera and it's been fun learning with him.

His professional debut with the Houston Grand Opera was playing the son in "Boris Godunov" along side the amazing Sam Ramey in his signature role as Boris. The opera was sung entirely in Russian btw!

Can you tell I'm a proud dad?

 

[DavidK]

I am a Symphony/ Opera musician, I play violin for the Cleveland Opera and several others.

5) Can you suggest some places to look for opera "karaoke" background music?

THIS is what you need

Music minus one is the best possible solution. Good luck with your Son, its a rewarding job but a challenging one.

 

[Monkey Allen]

Yeah, and while you're at it...get him a guitar and a massive amp!

 

[Newbie dude]

I agree with the monkey

 

[SRHookEm]

No guitar for this one---he rocks on piano though.

My youngest son (8) is a dirtbike racing, baseball playing guitar boy. He will have a massive amp I'm sure!

Also, I don't understand the "reputation" ratings. Thanks to the a**h*** that said my son is ugly. He's in a wig and full stage makeup you moron! Idiot.

 

[rayc]

People are supposed to give you reputation points if they feel you've given good advice, been helpful, insightful, funny etc. & neg points if you've been unkind, rude, negative, deliberatly misleading etc. Unfortunately some folk are cruel & mindlessly so.
There's nought you can do about it except take the high ground & reward those who are worthy.
To give + or - rep points you click on the scales top right, select pos or Neg & comment - it's good form to leave your name too - esp if neg.
Sorry someone got up your nose.
Good luck the minus one prog looks pretty good eh? David knows his oats.

 

[andycerrone]

Just ignore stupid people who give neg rep for no reason. As for recording, I think they've got everything covered. Good luck, and come back with some stuff that's been recorded!

 

[SRHookEm]

Thanks guys! Forum comments usually don't get to me. Of course, this was about my son which was totally inappropriate.

Yes, I have gotten all the info I need to start and it is very helpful. I went ahead and ordered the Firebox instead of the Inspire because they had dropped the price to only a $50 difference. I also ordered the Studio Projects B3 instead of the B1. It seemed to be reviewed as a more "warm", "rich", "classically deep" than the B1. We'll see.

And the Music Minus One was a great link! We're going through it now.

I'll post when we have some results.

Thanks again for all the help!

Steve

 

[DavidK]

Good luck to your son. I did a Russian Opera this year ( Eugene Onegin), I know whats involved. It's brutal. Houston Grand Opera is a BIG deal, its one of the big Opera companies in the US. And Sam Ramey of course is a huge star, that must have made you BEAM with pride.

 

[SRHookEm]

David:

Good luck to your son. I did a Russian Opera this year ( Eugene Onegin), I know whats involved. It's brutal. Houston Grand Opera is a BIG deal, its one of the big Opera companies in the US. And Sam Ramey of course is a huge star, that must have made you BEAM with pride.

We are so proud! This is all him though---he's knows what he wants to do and works hard to do it.

I see you're a Rush fan! I've seen Rush on every tour since Hemispheres. Don't let that age me though.... OK, I'm old. My MySpace page has "Fly By Night" as the music.

I love your music on the myspace page. My son has turned me on to The East Village Opera Company (http://eastvillageoperacompany.com). They are amazing. We have tickets to see them live in Houston in November.

 

[DavidK]

David:



We are so proud! This is all him though---he's knows what he wants to do and works hard to do it.

I see you're a Rush fan! I've seen Rush on every tour since Hemispheres. Don't let that age me though.... OK, I'm old. My MySpace page has "Fly By Night" as the music.

I love your music on the myspace page. My son has turned me on to The East Village Opera Company (http://eastvillageoperacompany.com). They are amazing. We have tickets to see them live in Houston in November.

I have seen Rush 5 times, have every CD and DVD.

Its hard for the average Joe to know what your son is doing and who he is playing with. Doing a gig with Sam Ramey is like a young guitarist playing with Pink Floyd Especially dealing with the conductors: I remember doing La Boheme with a total bastard conductor, and he gave the kid in act 2 such a hard time that I couldnt believe he didnt quit.

Opera people are CRAZY! Much crazier then us classical geeks, they are nuts. I mean that in a good way of course, but they are nuttier than the ballet people! I played with Houston Ballet last year here in Cleveland. The only people crazier than Opera people are true Musical Theatre people, they are INSANE!

 

[SRHookEm]

We had a great time with HGO. It was a learning experience for us! He was treated like a star---dressing room and all. Of course, most mainstream music fans don't know Sam Ramey at all. Taylor did, I didn't. He said, "Dad, he's like the Pavarotti of the bass world!" He was correct!

Not only Sam Ramey here---Stefan Marghita (tenor) and Maestro Tugan Sokhiev! It was a great cast in a great show.

You can see a movie clip of the orchestra tech here: http://homepage.mac.com/steverawley/iMovieTheater7.html

You can see several rehearsal clips here (more of Sam Ramey): http://homepage.mac.com/steverawley/iMovieTheater6.html

Here's Taylor with Sam Ramey in rehearsal: