Recording vocals and pops

[Jack Real]

Hi

I would like to know if there is a good way to avoid pops in a vocal performance or if it's better to fix this at the editing phase. If you listen to my latest project "Les portes", you will hear pops at 59 sec, 1 min 23 sec, 2 min 18 sec, 2 min 23 sec and 2 min 25 sec; the most noticeable being at 59 sec.

http://www.nowhereradio.com/artists/album.php?aid=2872&alid=-1

I record my voice dry with the following equipment:

Recorder: Yamaha MD8
Microphone : Sure KSM27 with a pop filter
Pre-amplifier: Art

Then I make a wet voice with the following equipment:

Compressor lexicon; setting; 2:1, threshold: -29Db, Attack: 8ms Release: 8ms
Vocal reverb: Roland SRV3030, InvAmbiance

Note: The pops become more audible after that phase.

I don't know if I sing too close from the microphone or if I should compress more. I like the setting that I have except for the pops. Can this thing be fixed at the editing stage ?

Thanks,

Jack Real.

 

[jake-owa]

One trick someone showed me is to place the microphone above a bit so you have to look up at it. Point the mic down and keep the borrom edge of the mic lined up with the nose. That was you are always singing over the edge of the mic rather than right into the diaphram.

 

[Jack Real]

One trick someone showed me is to place the microphone above a bit so you have to look up at it. Point the mic down and keep the borrom edge of the mic lined up with the nose. That was you are always singing over the edge of the mic rather than right into the diaphram.

Hi

I will try that. My mic is above and pointing down but the botton edge is pointing at the ground instead of being lined up with the nose.

Thanks,

Jack Real.

 

[notbradsohner]

I put the middle of the diaphram at eye level with the singer, and have them sing straight ahead. I do this to pick up some room ambience tho, so it might not be such a good idea if your room is not treated.

 

[Lurk_R]

A pop filter would help along with the mic technique that Jake described.

 

[giraffe]

i've not tried it myselfe, but it has been mentioned here before.

a pencil taped (or whatever) so it's in the middle of the diaphram.
(splitting the air)
maby someone else would explain better.

 

[7string]

Hi

I would like to know if there is a good way to avoid pops in a vocal performance or if it's better to fix this at the editing phase. If you listen to my latest project "Les portes", you will hear pops at 59 sec, 1 min 23 sec, 2 min 18 sec, 2 min 23 sec and 2 min 25 sec; the most noticeable being at 59 sec.

http://www.nowhereradio.com/artists/album.php?aid=2872&alid=-1

I record my voice dry with the following equipment:

Recorder: Yamaha MD8
Microphone : Sure KSM27 with a pop filter
Pre-amplifier: Art

Then I make a wet voice with the following equipment:

Compressor lexicon; setting; 2:1, threshold: -29Db, Attack: 8ms Release: 8ms
Vocal reverb: Roland SRV3030, InvAmbiance

Note: The pops become more audible after that phase.

I don't know if I sing too close from the microphone or if I should compress more. I like the setting that I have except for the pops. Can this thing be fixed at the editing stage ?

Thanks,

Jack Real.

NEVER rely on 'fixing it in the mix'... damn... can't remember Massive's line... I'll have to find it. Something about the most important things happen BEFORE you hit record. JOHN?!?!?! HELP!!!!

One thing you could try is making the vocalist aware of the fact that he's popping and ask him to be cognizant of it while tracking. He could just try softening those particular parts.

 

[Jack Real]

NEVER rely on 'fixing it in the mix'... damn... can't remember Massive's line... I'll have to find it. Something about the most important things happen BEFORE you hit record. JOHN?!?!?! HELP!!!!

One thing you could try is making the vocalist aware of the fact that he's popping and ask him to be cognizant of it while tracking. He could just try softening those particular parts.

Hi

I was thinking more about editing the vocal track only and applying compression on those specific instances but you are right, it is better to get a good track if possible. I will retrack the lead vocal tonight using the technics mentioned above and see the results. My room is not treated and the gain on the pre-amp is pretty hign but it's worth the try.

Thanks,

Jack Real.

 

[JazzMang]

I believe the quote was similar to this effect: The most important things that will define a song as a success or a failure occur before the record button is pressed.

 

[AGCurry]

It's well-nigh impossible to edit out plosives. You really need to eliminate them before/during tracking.

Other than the pop filter, the only thing I know to do is to have the singer sing across the business end of the mic, rather than right into it.

 

[Jack Real]

I put the middle of the diaphram at eye level with the singer, and have them sing straight ahead. I do this to pick up some room ambience tho, so it might not be such a good idea if your room is not treated.

Hi

I've tryed re-tracking my voice using the various technics and it really helps cutting the pops but since my room is not treated, it picks up too much room ambiance. Anyway, for now, I've edited and treated the pops so at least they are not louder than the music. Now, I guess I need to treat my room.

/Jack Real.