Vocal Recording

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hjdrummer

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My band has recorded 1 cd and it sounded kinda bad. We have fixed most of the problems with the first one and are working on our second cd. But I cant seem to get the vocals on each song to sound right. They sound more Live than studio. We are using a Yamaha Multitrack recorder, and have an Alesis Effects processor, and an Alesis cmpressor/limiter. I just need some input here. If you would like to hear 4 songs off our 1st cd to see what im talking about, go here:
http://www.geocities.com/hurricanejunxion

These are all in MP3 format. Please let me know what we are doing wrong...Also intead of bouncing tracks we are recording the drums and either the bass or a guitar on the same track is this good or should we ping pong?

Thanx
HJdrummer
 
The recording sounds better than I expected. Perhaps the guitar is too loud and the vocals not strong enough in the mix. I also have a Yamaha 4-track ( an MT4X) with Alesis effects and compressor. I don't recommend ping-ponging, and if you're going to record anything with the drums on the same track, it should be the bass and not the guitar, just be careful to set the input balance carefully. What mics did you use, what is the model of multitracker, what did you record on each track, mic placement for drums, how many tracks used for drums? The drums sound particularly good to me. I don't see a problem with live sounding vocals. Give me more specifics and we'll talk.

Mark
 
Thats cool man first of all I would like to say thanx for checking it out. Ok here goes. I play a Roland TD-7 electric drumkit. One track for the drums. We usually but the bass on the same track as the drums but usually its whatever instrument that starts the song. I really dont know what the model is of the recorder just Yamaha is all. I will find out for sure later and let you know. I dont know what you mean as far as what we recorded on each track usually guitars and vocals get thier own tracks the drums always shares with the other instruments. As far as Mics we use a Shure SM-57,and EV im not sure of the model number on the EV mic but neither of them are condenser mics i know that. But anything else you need to know to help me let me know for sure.

Thanx
hjdrummer
 
hjdrummer,

First of all, I'd like to say that you and your band have a lot of good musicianship. The general sound that you guys are going for is there also, so you're in the right ballpark. Just a few tweaks. Good musicianship is a plus that is difficult to teach.

IMO, the guitar is too "out front". It really swallows up the whole track. I'd recommend that you first put a low cut filter on the guitar tracks, filtering out all frequencies below 100 or 120 Hz. Then, pull the volume down a little. Your guitar tracks don't leave enough space for the vocals, bass, kick and snare drums. After you have the volume under control then all the vocals. You've got to cut certain mid frequencies in certain places to let the vocals come through so that we can really hear the vocals clearly. Try boosting the vocals (a little) in those areas that you cut. You may also want to consider adding a little reverb or another spatial effect to "push" the guitar back a TAD.

The vocals are the weakest part of the mix, IMO. It's sung well, but not mixed as good as it can be. Consider a low cut filter on the vocals, cutting below 90 or 100 Hz. It also sounds like the choice of reverb is too "dark and thick". I would go for a "brighter" 'verb. I'd also use a little less of it. It seems like I'm hearing the room that you recorded the vocals in (sounds like a basement). Perhaps that's the choice of 'verb making it sound like that. The vocal is swimming in way too much of the reverb or "room sound".

You may actually get away with using a reverb with a shorter decay time OR creating a spatial "reverb-like" effect with a delay. (Reverb is really a whole bunch of combined delays) I would also consider an effect on the vocals to make them a little more agressive (like a little flanging or phasing). More (stronger/fuller) kick drum.

Overall, a good tune that for the most part seems to have been well-recorded and decently mixed.

Rev E
 
hjdrummer,

Your Yamaha must be a 4-track so you should be able to record the drums, guitar, bass, and vocals all on separate tracks. I'm not sure why you need to combine bass and drums on the same track. You should definitely consider a condenser mic for the vocals and maybe the drums. You can get an AKG C-1000s for around US$200.00. Also think about a pre-amp for this mic. The drums sound good to me so I guess you don't need to change much there. As I said before, mix the guitar lower because it is too dominant in the tune that I heard.

Mark
 
about the mic problem, i would suggest investing in a
condenser...i have the rode nt-1 and i think
it's available for $200 at pssl.com. i also have
a shure sm-58 and that is what i use when i
want to get a more raw, live sound in the studio.
 
Hey thanx alot to all you guys for the info I will definatly try some of that stuff. I just got Calkwalk Pro audio 9 and I am working with it a little. Mark...I have a Yamaha MT50 multitrack. We have to combine 2 interments on one track because we have 2 guitar players, Drums, Bass, Vocals. But all in all thanx guys for your help. I will try some of this stuff

Thanx
Hjdrummer
 
Your vocal problem would be helped greatly if you used a Condenser like mentioned above, I can't belive nobody else mentioned it though. I would suggest a AT 4033 or something along those lines. It would make the vocals sound more in your face and stronger. Good luck, cool stuff


Shakes,


Have you hugged your JoeMeek today?
 
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