Step-by-Step Vocals?

[JoePOD1]

I'm trying to get a really good, tight vocal sound similar to "Chemicals between us - Bush" or anything like that. I am using Cakewalk Pro Audio 9 with a PIII 500 / 256 RAM / 8 Gig HD / SoundBlaster PC512.

I'm using the POD to get my guitar sound and am getting great results.

Could anyone give me a Step-by-Step on the specifics of getting a great vocal sound? I need a detailed rundown like Effects (Actual Effects and settings), Mics (Make and price - cheaper the better), and anything else that will help me.

I tried using a Shure SM58 with a Mackie 1202 Pro run through my POD for Compression this weekend and had fair results.

Any help would be gladly appreciated.
In turn, I'll try to help with guitar recording and tone techniques (my strong point.)

 

[MM2]

I'm just not nuts about recording with SM58s--though they are fantastic for live vocals. The sound you are hearing on those songs is undoubtedly a very expensive bunch of equipment, but the first thing you'll need is a condenser mic. Large or small diaphragm, a condenser will bring out details you simply don't get from dynamic mics like the 58 or even the 57--even a $120 small diaphragm condenser will go a long way towards improving the clarity of what you record. From there, you can worry about preamps and compressors...or not. But that's my .02.

 

[Track Rat]

I agree with MM2, any condenser will smoke the 58 unless you're just screaming into it point blank and then the 58 might not be a bad choice. If you can't come up with one though give it some air with EQ around 10k and squash the piss out of it with a compressor.

 

[kikling]

hey MM2, can you really get a condensor mic for $120. Are they crappy. where can i find them? who makes them? I would really like one. I need a fast repsonse because Im saving up money to buy a mic. I was going to get an sm57 to use for amps, drums and maybe vocals. but if a condsenser mic could do that. i would definetly get one.
Thanks, kikling@mail.com
Please email the response

 

[bear]

Hmmm don't know about $120 but in the $150 to $200 range you could get a AKG C1000 or a RODE NT1.......

Don't know your recording setup, but remember you are going to need phantom power for a condensor mic...The C1000 lets you use a battery.

[This message has been edited by bear (edited 06-06-2000).]

 

[MM2]

I thought I saw one of the Audio Technica ATM series going for that cheap; I might be wrong though. But that company has several small diaphragm condensers for under $200. I think Shure has one for under $200, and there's always the C1000. It should just be a matter of $$$ and taste for you to pick; I doubt you'll be disappointed.

By the way, large diaphragm condensers are all the rage, and look cool, etc., but the small diaph.s are quite nice workhorses. Plus, many of them are battery powered, so you won't need a phantom power supply.