Vocal recording tips

[jtcole44]

I'm singing for the first time and I'd like some advice on the best ways to record vocals. You'll find the two recordings I've done at: http://razorwaveband.com/Home_Page.html. The first one (Things Change ) was just recorded into an SM58 dynamic mic. But, I bought an AT 2020 condenser and a pop screen to record the vox on the other one 'Draw the Line'. The condenser is definitely better (except that it didn't make my singing sound in key when it wasn't lol) but it kind of sounds too out front to me. I don't mean it in terms of volume, but rather it just sounds kind of brittle. The only thing I can equate it to is the difference between a guitar going direct in on a recording and one being mic'd up. This sounds a little too clear and not too natural. Do I need a tube mic preamp or what? My singing doesn't always help but any tips would be appreciated. Actually, any feedback on the songs overall would be great. Thanks@

 

[studiomaster]

Try to sing in tune first. so hit the keys right and the rest will fall into place. put some reverb just to see how it sounds like on your voice. experiment.

 

[Dogman]

Also, compress teh vocals some...this might help to even them out, so the loud parts sit better, and the quiet parts are brought up some. How are you mixing? (pc, or otherwise...)
And I won't say it sounds bad at all....but you can easily make it sound better.

 

[studiomaster]

Compression is definitely important to hear vocals at a good level.

 

[Scouse]

Double Track your vocal

I always like to double track my vocal, it takes a bit of practice, then mix them together giving the best vocal prominence. Hopefully they will be almost identical otherwise it'll sound like two people singing. It gives a warmer sound and with a little reverb (but not too much). Don't be tempted to sing too close to the mic either. I've seen those things they put in front of mics (pop screen)I never used one so I don't know if they're worth a try.

I use a Sennheiser E 835S which is fine. I guess if nothing else invest in a good mic

 

[ecktronic]

I always like to double track my vocal, it takes a bit of practice, then mix them together giving the best vocal prominence. Hopefully they will be almost identical otherwise it'll sound like two people singing. It gives a warmer sound and with a little reverb (but not too much). Don't be tempted to sing too close to the mic either. I've seen those things they put in front of mics (pop screen)I never used one so I don't know if they're worth a try.

I use a Sennheiser E 835S which is fine. I guess if nothing else invest in a good mic

pop shields are definitly worth using IMO. Gets rid of any unwanted pops from your singing pushing wind into the mic.
Eck

 

[studiomaster]

pop shields are definitly worth using IMO. Gets rid of any unwanted pops from your singing pushing wind into the mic.
Eck

It sucks when you or the vocalist throws a good performance, but due to pops in the vocals, just ruins the whole thing!

 

[Scouse]

Just heard the tracks and the vocals sound pretty impressive to me, I couldn't attempt at singing like that I'd be coughing for a week.

My only comment is to do with the mixing, I reckon your voice is fighting too much with the lead guitar. I would separate them more in the mix. Place the vocal centre right and the lead guitar further left except during the solos. Keep your bass and drums central.

Hope that helps

 

[soundchaser59]

You should look into this:

http://www.homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=162034&highlight=motown

I tried it recently, it definitely helps! If cloning the track is not an option, you can get a DI box that takes one XLR mic input, and has two XLR outputs, one output is direct and the other is transformer isolated. It is the best way to split a single mic signal and record it to two tracks at the same time. Just note that the isolated output will not receive phantom power from the mixer. If that's a problem, you can use a stand alone phantom power unit to power the mic before it gets to the DI splitter.

 

[jtcole44]

Thanks for all the great info! I'll be putting it to use soon... I love this site!

 

[jtcole44]

Also, compress teh vocals some...this might help to even them out, so the loud parts sit better, and the quiet parts are brought up some. How are you mixing? (pc, or otherwise...)
And I won't say it sounds bad at all....but you can easily make it sound better.

I'm just mixing on the PC in ProTools LE at this point. I'd like to have a nice interface.... but I seem to spend my spare money on gas these days

 

[jtcole44]

I always like to double track my vocal, it takes a bit of practice, then mix them together giving the best vocal prominence. Hopefully they will be almost identical otherwise it'll sound like two people singing. It gives a warmer sound and with a little reverb (but not too much). Don't be tempted to sing too close to the mic either. I've seen those things they put in front of mics (pop screen)I never used one so I don't know if they're worth a try.

I use a Sennheiser E 835S which is fine. I guess if nothing else invest in a good mic

The pop screen is great imo. Now, as far as doubling tracks go, I've done some of that and it sounds good but I'm curious how these are traditionally mixed. If they are at the same level they seem to sound kind of 'robotic' to my ears... any tips? Also, thats a good point about being too close to the mic I think I might have been a little too close... I'll look out for that

 

[Janesaid2me]

I think it really depends what kinda music your looking to do and what effect u want your voice to have....general tips:
1) use a nice condenser mic with a pop screen 3 inches from it and sing another 3-6 inches from that.
2) add alil eq to roll of the lows...maybe a few bumps in the higher freqs
3) Compress...but dont overdue it unless that helps achieve a certain sound.
4) Add some reverb...experiment see what you like best.

Thats my basic routine....here are a few other things i do as well sometimes.
-Autotune....i use v vocal in sonar 5...so if your outta tune tune it up with that subtly and maybe try and resing it to the tuned version and get it right for real...hahah....it works...i swear.
-Use some chorus....can make things sound pretty hahah
-Delay....can be interesting...
-Drastic eq'ing can be fun as well...

Hope that helps.