Using multiple mics for vocal tracking

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4ever

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Sorry I've tried search engine first but couldn't find any on this. If this has been discussed before I apologize.

Someone here once mentioned about tracking main vocal, then another vocal track to spread left and right with a slight delay adjustment to make the vocal full. My question is will using 2 or 3 mics be a good way of achieving that goal instead of tracking for the second time using the same mic? If it is then I'd have to buy additional mics ($$$) so I would like to know your opion/experience first. I have only one AT 4033 right now. Thanks in advance.
 
I don't track vocals with multiple mics. With musical instruments it's a different story. Sound eminates from more than one area on a guitar or a drum kit or a piano. The voice only comes from one spot. You're more likely to get into phase issues with more than one mic for vocals. Just my humble opinion. YMMV.
 
"Days go by and still I think of you"

"Days when I couldnt live my life without you"...

I've noticed when I've seen Dirty Vegas performing this tune on TV, the singer is using two mics side by side. Obviously, one is processed.

Taylor

P.S. Hey, the chick on the Mitsubishi commercial gets into it.
 
multiple mics on vocal

I have been experimenting with this lately. Using a LDC and SDC together. I don't think it's a common or widely accepted practice, but whatever works for you is good. I think it's interesting because you get the character of two different mics to mix and play with.

Tom
 
To the real point of your enquiry. No.. using multiple mic's will not have the same fattening effect on vocals as multiple tracking them. The fattening from multiple tracking comes from the fact that each take will be slightly different than another... with random variance in pitch, tonality, timing & expression, even if only slight. I remember how this blew me away when the Beatles came along & double tracking their vocals was a big part of their sound.

Also with double tracking the vocals there should be no need to delay either of them as the natural variance in timing should be enough & the random nature of the variance is generally better than a fixed delay.
 
I've heard that Enya overdubs her vocals about a half a million times to get that mystical outer-space abience she gets on her vocal tracks.

Taylor
 
Naahh, they're probably using Pro Tools... ;)


I've used the multi-mic thing once, with my NT2 and a sm58 that I borrowed, with each one panned about 75% R/L and I liked it a lot. I'd like to try it with a darker condensor like the Oktava 319 also, I think that sound pretty cool. :)

-tkr
 
That funny, I just did this last night with my NT1000 and an SM58. I thought it sounded really good. When I muted either one of the two it really seemed to lose something. I know I will be able to use this effect for the good.

Blessings, Terry
 
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