Recording vocals only with no dampening...will there be a big impact on the sound?

[Dionna Blue]

I'm setting up a small studio to record vocals over instrumental tracks. My only real option for dampening is suspending moving blankets from the ceiling but I wondered if there would really be a noticeable difference without any dampening.

Also, if I do use the blankets, would the primary target be like 3 feet above and 3 feet below the mic? I doubt they will be floor to ceiling--our ceiling is pretty high. And would they need to be on all 4 sides? I read that the blankets should be placed a few inches away from the wall also.

Thanks for any advice,
Dee

Sidenote - I picked up the Alesis iO2 StudioPro3 Recording Package which has the V63M LDC and I added an SM58. The speakers are crap but they were practically free. The interface has 2 XLR inputs, Midi, phantom power, pre-amps and includes Cubase LE which should be a nice upgrade from audacity.

 

[Bobbsy]

Assuming you're using a cardioid microphone, I'd put one blanket behind the singer (so the mic is pointed at the singer and blanket) and another one behind the mic in line with the direction the singer is facing. Assuming you're fairly close miked and the room has a typical level of soft furnishings, this is likely enough.

Yes, it's best to put your blankets a bit away from the way--and some experimenting with where you place the singer in the room will likely show some spots better than others.

I've suggested this before, but hitting the local plumbing supplies shop to buy some cheap plastic pipe and connectors to build yourself an "L" shaped form or two to clamp your builders blankets to works really well...and if you don't glue all the connectors you can break them down flat for storage.

 

[Dionna Blue]

Thanks Bobbsy,
Great cheap tip and much easier than having to pull out the step ladder all the time. I'm in an apt so space is at a premium and that's something I can easily store under the bed or behind the couch. There is an angled exterior wall, I think that would be good place to set up the mic as there is no wall that is parallel to it and looking out from there is a large open space. a blanket there would be pretty convenient. What is the best way to test for a good sound spot? Like what am I listening for that would tell me I'm in a bad spot? Feedback?

 

[cobaltaudio]

In terms of what to listen for, you want to pay attention to how much reverb or echo you can hear on the recording. Move positions, try different setups until you get as little of this as you can manage. Ideally, you want to get rid of all of this 'room sound' or ambiance as it's unlikely to sound nice!

Try other rooms if you don't have any real success.
Carpets help a great deal, sofas, beds, armchairs etc. all this stuff will absorb some of the energy from sound waves and stop them bouncing around less.

Here are a few other things that you may find helpful when it comes to setting up your recording space, and in general recording at home