Recording Vocals

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stewartwarnock

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Hi all!

I am just getting into recording with Logic Pro 9 and am recording vocals atm. I have been using a Shure SM58 run through a Roland Tri-Capture A/I, but am not getting sufficient volume levels when I record the track. Should I be looking at using a different microphone that is better suited for recording vocals? I was under the impression that the SM58 had an overall good rep. Any help is appreciated! Peace.
 
We're sort of assuming that you're (A) using the mic input and (B) turning up the gain at least some.

It shouldn't take an awful to get it to typical levels (somewhere in the -18 to-12dBFS is a nice place to be).

Can you plug a different mic in?
 
The SM58 is aimed more at live stage use than recording but many people use it happily as a first home studio mic. The problem, as you've now discovered, is that the output is pretty low so it needs a pre amp with lots of gain.

Having said that, what levels ARE you getting with the existing mic and pre amp and are you okay in terms of signal to noise with the gain on the Roland cranked right up. Many people make the mistake of tracking at overly high levels--you want your vocals to average about -18dBFS on your DAW with peaks 6 to 12 dB above the average. You don't need to be pushing levels right up to the top of the scale.

If you DO decide to purchase another mic, you have thousands of choices and which is best for you will depend on a lot of details that we'll no doubt be asking you about soon!
 
stewartwarnock said:
but am not getting sufficient volume levels when I record the track..
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Do you know what this means stewart? It's a common error to think you need to maximise vocal (or anything) levels. You don't. See Massive's post. What levels are you getting?
 
Thanks to you all for responding!

I have the mic hooked up with an xlr cable with the gain turned up just under 75% with the SM58 and got to about -16dBFS to about -12dBFS.
I also tired using the Shure BETA 58A and reached approx the same levels with less gain from the Roland. I do not mind having my Roland's gain turned up if I am getting appropriate levels in Logic.

I appreciate the insight about the recording levels of vocals considering that I was trying to get a much higher volume output that is apparently needed. Thank you for correcting my misguided preconceptions about recording vox! I'm very new to home recording!
 
That was the easiest answer of the day!

It sounds to me like you levels are just about right as they are and, unless it adds electronic noise, there's no rule against turning the gain on the Roland up above the 75% level.

Just to be clear, we're not talking about STAYING at -18dB, just tracking there. Once you've mixed and mastered you will have levels up just under 0dBFS.
 
That totally makes sense. I had the false impression that vox needed to be recorded at a higher volume! Thanks again for the help!
 
Maybe one day I'll have your level of experience and expertise in these subjects. :)
 
grimtraveller said:
Well, that's put me off my late night snack !

ATM = at the moment. :D
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Sorry. From now on, I'll try to be less "last century" and instead enrich myself with the wealth of timeless, un-forgettable, and classic comedy, music, culture and general entertainment that has come out in the last 13 years, 3 months and 17 days. :laughings:
 
Hey, GaugeFX - welcome to the HR forums, please don't dredge up old threads just to say 'interesting', etc. IF you have what you believe is valyable input on the subjexct, by all means comment, otherwise those of us who look for currently active threads waste our time opening the thread to find nothing new of any consequence.
 
GaugeFX said:
Very interesting posts..
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You risked life and limb setting the controls for the heart of the sun and piloting through cyberspace and asteroid storms just to tell us that ?
 
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