vocal problems

[DFMJoe]

I have posted here before about this problem, but my band has been recording with the mr8 and while everything else sounds fine.. the vocals always sound crap. I am using a MCA sp1 condenser I think it is.. to record vocals.. on other songs it has recorded fine.. the levels seem to be good, no clipping.. but it still sounds bad. Is it because we aren't running through any effects? I will try to post a sample of what It sounds like tomorrow.

 

[billisa]

keep FX out of it...

Effects should not have to by used to fix a vocal, only enhance it. So if you have really bad results, you should track down the reason and fix it. What exactly does the problem sound like?

 

[DFMJoe]

Its like its distorting.. just slightly.. and it also sounds canned. I was told before it was where we recorded.. so we made a vocal booth and recorded and are still getting the same distorted canned sound. I do alot of kinda whiny stuff since the music is emo.. if u know what i mean.. could that be causing it?

 

[tomleblanc]

have you tried varying the placement of the mic itself? All mics are different, but often there's a "sweet spot." You shouldn't necessarily need to use any acoustical treatments in order to get pretty good sounding vocals...maybe the mic you're using isn't good for getting the sound you're after.

 

[gospel]

What are you setting the mic simulation on. Although, I use a dynamic I don't get a good vocal recording unless I use the dynamic or condenser setting. When I don't use the mic simulation it sounds grainy and when I use the tube simulation it sounds muddy.

 

[DFMJoe]

I actually don't have it set to anything.. since I'm running the mic through a pre amp.. i just thought those simulations were for the internal mic.

 

[gospel]

I actually don't have it set to anything.. since I'm running the mic through a pre amp.. i just thought those simulations were for the internal mic.

No, they are for when it is set on line/mic input. It is probably not what the problem is since you are using a preamp, but it might be worth a try. Like I said, if I don't have the mic simulation set on anything my vocals will sound grainy.

 

[mrx]

A couple questions -

If you record with this mic onto another device do you get the same result?

Have you tried a different mic?

Maybe you're on to something with the style of music - when I record my female vocalist it sounds incredible, when I record myself (through the same mic) it can be brutal. Not just performance/pitch/talent, the actual recording of the sound of the voice is almost like what you describe... Maybe needs eq to cut some mid range before going into the MR-8 - I'll try that tongiht.