The last word on decent 'done at home' vocals...

[JimiJames]

Man, I just discovered this site and I must say, what a wealth of information... Conveniently, I have a problem that I hope you guys can help me solve once and for all. I've been dabbling in some multi-track recording on my PC, and while musically I'm very pleased with how things sound, vocally I'm not even close... I just picked up a Shure SM58, and I'm thinking its not what I need, although I'm really not sure where the problem lies. I've tried some DirectX plug-ins for Compression and Reverb (though I could use some help with the settings), and have also tried those effects through my Boss GT-3 (yeah, I know its for guitar..)

Anyway, heres where I'm at now... I think I need to return the SM58 and get a decent condenser microphone, and have heard quite a few mentioned here (CAD E100, Audio Technica 4033, AKG C1000S & C3000). The other thing I've been told to try is a preamp like the ART Tube MP (any other preamps are out of my price range, especially if I spring for the condenser mike). What do you think I need to do? Will the ART preamp make enough of a difference where I might be able to get away with keeping the SM58? My main problem I think is that the vocals sound very 'sterile' and just seem to pop out at you in the mix. Reverb helps, but not nearly enough.

I'm currently disabled, so going out the Guitar Center and trying different things out is not an option right now. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks a lot!

JJ

 

[Emeric]

JimmiJames,

What are you currently using for a preamp? As well, what software, soundcard.. what is your setup?

The SM58 is a decent mic and I think you could get good results out of it, but certainly a condensor will give a more crisper, ambient sound.

Provide a few more details and I'm sure someone will offer more advice.

Emeric

 

[37point5]

I agree that you'd be much better off with a good condenser, but I think a good set of preamps is far more important (since the condenser will be wasted without good preamps). If you don't have much money, I'd recommend getting a small Behringer mixer (like the 602A) and a C1000S. You should be able to get a crisp, bright sound from these. I'd also read up on compression settings for vocals, since good compression is VERY important for getting a vocal to sit right in the mix.

Another option is one I haven't gotten around to trying yet, but which sounds intriguing. Sonic Foundry has a product out called Acoustic Modeller which can supposedly make any mic sound like a condenser, or tube, or ribbon mic. Even better is a new Antares product I just read about on Harmony Central (http://www.harmony-central.com), which asks which mic you're using, and then converts the signature of that mic to pretty much any other mic you can think of, including the AKG 404, which is one of the best vocal mics around. So, that might be worth checking out, and might save you some money (although I'd still recommend getting some decent preamps).

Ryan

 

[JimiJames]

Yeah, I read about that mike modeler... Unfortunately, I don't think it's out yet.

As for my setup, I'm using N-Track to record (along with Cakewalk w/ plugins) with an Ensoniq PCI soundcard. The sound quality of the instrumental parts is fine. I'm currently not using a preamp for the vocals, and one of my questions is whether or not the ART Tube MP is a decent option for that. As with most of you, until I hit the lottery, price is a major consideration in my decision.

 

[SN]

If you are not currently using a mic pre-amp how are you getting the vocals on the computer? By using the "mic in" on the soundcard? That is a weak link right there. Try a better pre-amp before you go for a better mic.