vocal recording

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rusty K
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Rusty K

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Hey folks,

I'm in a hurry right now or I'd read more of the other threads to maybe find my answer but.....I was wondering if anyone uses compression/limiting when laying down vocal tracks. My voice can be harsh with spikes at certain freq.. So far I've just been going in without any processing until I start to mix.

I'd appreciate your thoughts.

Rusty K
 
Compression/limiting while recording is very commonly used and misused.....the best use for recording vocals is to set it where it is only grabbing those spikes and not doing any serious compression....this leaves you options at mixdown to get it sitting just right in the mix, as opposed to having a track so badly squashed that it is unusable......

So, in summary...a compressor/limiter used correctly is a very good idea for recording vocals, especially with a voice that creates spikes like you described....but dont count out mic technique, backing off during louder passages, coming in a bit during quieter parts, etc...also, someone riding faders for you is a big help, though often not an option when you are alone.....
 
Gidge,

Thanks I think I'll give it a try next vocal session. Is there any particular setting for limiting that would be a good starting place?

As far a mic technique is concerned. I try to keep my gain/drive on my preamp down to keep room/puter noise to minimum. As a result I have to stay pretty close into the mic whether I'm recording vocals or acoustic guitar etc.


Rusty K
 
It all depends on the equipment you are putting after the compressor and where you set your trim controll. I ussually sing at my loudest and adjust to keep me from peaking my recorder. then do a wisper test so my vocals can be brought up to an acceptable level.
 
darrin,

thanks man but could you explain a bit more. i didn't quiet understand the whisper test thing.

i'll be going from my pre to my compressor then into my puter.

thanks again,
Rusty K
 
Just whisper into the mike and make it audible with the other material.
 
what mic are you using out of interest? using a different mic may smoothen those spikes out a little.
 
LWS,

I used a shure 58 for a long time till the Marshall MXL2001 was recommended as a good mic for the price. I'm still learning to use it however. The noisy room is a problem I still haven't solved. I believe if I could get away from the mic the spikes would smooth out. Your input is appreciated.

Also I have a good voice but it's not a silky voice. It's strong and sounds harsh most of the time.

Rusty K
 
who recommended the 2001?....is it your voice thats harsh or the mic?.....
 
Well... a Nashville studio owner/musician/engineer. They are only a $160 bucks so of course I know there are better mics out there. I had also tried a Senn. 420 which sounded like crap for vocals.

Actually I know it's my voice I've always sounded pretty good, at least to my ear, in live situations with a 58 but somehow I never like the way I come offin the studio setting.I have a voice that needs studio tweaking and because of budget restraints there never was time to spend in the studio to tweak it. Now that I'm homerecording for myself I'm thinking it's about time to find the "tricks" that will best bring my voice out.

I have a spectrum analyzer but don't really know how to evaluate what I'm seeing with the plug. Also many say forget the plug and just use my ears and I'm generally finding that to be true.

This mic has been an improvement though it does seem to easily crap out, distort, but I just figured it was because I'm so close in to it.

Rusty K
 
I was gonna say the same thing about the 2001 "crapping out" if you are not careful....I had more luck with the v67.....

And I feel your pain about the noisy room.....Im trying to remedy that problem myself.......
 
Whoever told you to forget the spectrum analyzer on your voice was giving you good advice. To set up your compressor for limiting, first set the ratio to its maximum setting. That should be *at least* 10:1. Now set your attack and release controls to their fastest setting. Cue up the loudest part of the track you’re working and sing the loudest note you want to hit. Start with the threshold all the way up and adjust it until you hear the volume go down (or until you see a change on the meter). Make sure you’re set to hard knee compression and make sure there are no “auto attack and release” settings engaged. This is sometimes referred to as peak/rms. You want peak.

Don’t let the whisper thing confuse you. You want to do that when you are compressing a vocal for dynamic reasons, not for limiting to the dynamic range of the medium. The whole purpose of the high threshold is that it should not effect softer sounds… especially a whisper. Anyway, that’s very good advice if you want to go back later and smooth out the dynamics of the vocal. You could do that while you’re recording, but go easy! If you overdo it, you’re stuck with it!

Brad Gallagher
http://www.just-for-musicians.com/
 
Ok guys,

Thanks a million. I've got some stuff to work on now. I really appreciate the help.

Rusty K
 
Well I've had a great day at my PC recording.... The limiting worked like a charm and I was able to find, for the first time, my mic's "sweet spot" . I just mastered a rough mix for a friend and the vocals sound great with no processing save a little verb on the overall mix.

Thanks everyone for your help.

Rusty K
 
Good deal, Rusty...is it anything you can post in the mp3 mixing clinic?.....
 
Gidge,

Well it's not finished, there's a big blank spot where a solo needs to be, I'm not a soloist, but I'll post it anyway for other's to critique and offer tech assistance.

I'll get it up later this evening.

Oh yeah...If I used limiting while laying down the track should I stay away from any more compression till mastering?

Rusty K
 
There is no formula for using compression. Wait till you start to mix. If everything sits perfectly in place (yeah right ;-) you don’t need to do anything to it. Compression can be used to control dynamics, make a track sit better, or make an instrument punchier. Experiment and compare the results. Compression is a bit more subtle than other effects. Sometimes you will have to really listen closely to hear the effect (depending on your settings)

Brad Gallagher
http://www.just-for-musicians.com
 
Hello finally,

Had a little trouble finding a place to store my song. I could have used my webpage but I get charged for downloads over a very small limit.

So here it is. No processing on the vocal track itself but I used a verb wash over the whole mix and I couldn't resist mastering it flat with hard compression. One bad note in the vocal track and not enough personality in the spoken part so I'll probably redo the track before final mix. There is a huge blank space where my fav guitarist has promised to "burn".

Hope you like....but I want your opinions either way.

http://www.nowhereradio.com/artists/blues/royl/#

Streaming wasn't working so you have to download. oh yeah it's the only song there....Girl I've Got It Bad

Thanks,
Rusty K
 
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