Vocal recording

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HAPPEE

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OK. I know there are a million ways to record vocals, but i just wanna get some ideas on how you guys do yours.

When I listen to to a CD, the vocals seem to have a "lo-cut" sound. I have an AKG condensor mic (C3000). I've been using the "linear-cut" on the mic to cut the the lows in the the vocals. I am noticing that the vocals are still quite "bassy" compared to professional Cds. So what I've done, is switched the lo-cut on the mic back to "flat" and done the lo-cutting of the vocals on Sound Forge.

Can you guys share some techniques on recording vocals and making them sound good? Any other tips I should know? Thanks...
 
compress the sh*t out of it... but in a decent way.

the other day I recorded some "test-vocals" thru a cheap dynamic mic.

the result had some serious level differences all over the track so I started to compress like hell... and it came out surprisingly good.

but don't squeeze it. do some limiting (compress with quite a high ratio but with a tiny threshold like -4db or something), then compress with some 2:1 ratio with a big threshold (but stay above the noise-floor!)... say -20 to -30 db.

and if you can: compress slightly at the recording stage.


low cuts are always a fine thing. I did a mix some days ago where I could cut everything below 350 hz (!!!) or even more (and the vocals were quite low register). when I solo'ed them they sounded "telephone" but killer in the mix!

ok, that was more mixing- than recording-stuff, but I think it might help anyway.
 
My mic is set to the flat position for the highs and the bass roll-off is set one notch past center on the high side. I use no EQ to track it and just a bit of a cut on the mids during mixing.

I'm about 3-4" from the mic singing into it at about a 30 degree angle over the top. That eliminates the 'plosives.
 
On vocals, I like the sound of an opto compressor. For pop/rock music, I do stand on them pretty hard.
 
littledog said:
Back up 6"?
Click to expand...
I assume you're saying this to reduce proximity effect, but should we expect proximity effect from a condenser mic?
 
ummm, yes!

Krypto said:
I assume you're saying this to reduce proximity effect, but should we expect proximity effect from a condenser mic?
Click to expand...
 
More specifically, it depends on the pattern. A figure-8 will have (I believe) the most proximity effect, whereas Omni will have little-to-no proximity effect. Other patterns (Cardiod, hypercardiod) will fall in between.

I usually record my vocals ~6-8" in front of the mic (Soundelux U97 in Cardiod)
 
stand in a room with a singer. back off 10 feet. let him sing a song.

now let him sing the same right into your ear.

hear any difference? proximity effect! (if not, have your ears checked :D )

some mics may even increase the effect, but it's always there anyway.
 
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