Type of microphone for vocal

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jack Real
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Jack Real

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Hi

When I'm recording vocals, I'm using a condenser microphone AKG C535EB when I sing soft parts in the verses and a dynamic microphone Audio Technica ATM61HE when I sing louder parts in the chorus. The reason I'm using the dynamic microphone is because the AKG saturates when the voice is too strong. Now, there is a switch on the AKG that can reduce its sensitivity and add a roll off filter to compensate for the proximity effect.

I would like to know what people do when their condenser microphone saturates. Do you usually use the switch that reduce the sensitivity of the microphone or do you switch to a dynamic microphone ? What are the pros and cons of the two techiques ?

Thanks,

Jack Real.
 
Jack Real said:
I would like to know what people do when their condenser microphone saturates. Do you usually use the switch that reduce the sensitivity of the microphone or do you switch to a dynamic microphone ?
Click to expand...

I back off from the mic.
 
quote:
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Originally posted by Jack Real
I would like to know what people do when their condenser microphone saturates. Do you usually use the switch that reduce the sensitivity of the microphone or do you switch to a dynamic microphone ?
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Answer by chessrock

I back off from the mic


Ans: Yes, that's a third option. I usually like to sing very close to the microphone to get more presence but sometimes backing off the microphone will give the best results.

Thanks,

Jack Real
 
c7sus wote:

This is where pads, compressors, and limiters come into play.

The compressor will make loud passages quieter, but can also make quiet passages noisy if overused, because it will boost them some.

Limiting can be soft or hard. With a limiter you dial in the MAX output and that's your new limit. Problem is it can add artifacts quickly if you are going over a lot and the limiter is cycling off and on.

Sounds like a combination of mic technique and maybe some compression (like an RNC) would help your situation.

Are you using a pop filter with your condensor? That's a must-have and will help tremendously with plosives.

Good luck.

Ans: No, I'm not using a pop filter, I will try it. Recently, I've changed my recording technique on vocals. Now, i'm recording totally dry and I will apply the effects after. I bought a Lexicon MPX550 so in the first pass, I will apply the vocal effect (compression with delayed reverb), and in the second pass, I will apply a chorus/detune or any of the vocal chambers effect. I will also apply reverb during mix down. I'm in an experimental phase right now so I try to have the best dry signal as I can.

Thanks,

Jack Real
 
Pop filter and sing across the mic at a slight angle....
 
c7sus wrote:

Are you using a pop filter with your condensor? That's a must-have and will help tremendously with plosives.


Answer:

Yesterday, I re-recorded the chorus with my condensor mic and a pop filter. What a difference, the sound is much clearer and I have no saturation. I still have to work on my performance but at least I know my recording set up is fine.

Thanks,

Jack Real
 
Ditto the "Pop Filter"

Just to add 2 cents, the pop filter is must have when recording vocals with a condensor mic. Never any problems when using one, as long as the vocalist stands at a reasonable distance relative to the volume they will be singing. If it is a loud and expressive vocal, just step back about 3-6 inches or as far back as necessary.
 
Jack Real said:
Hi

When I'm recording vocals, I'm using a condenser microphone AKG C535EB
Click to expand...

DOOOOD!!! You're the only other person here who uses that mic besides me (at least as far as I can tell).

I wonder if that's telling me someting :eek:

It's my only condensor mic, so...it's what I use :D
 
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