vocals are harsh soundin and to much lows

[lifeismusic]

i have been recording for about 10 years now and i jus purchased a AKG large
condenser mic and i havnt seem to get the best vocal recordin from it like im spose to ..Im gettin alot of harsh ,bassy or even to much lows in my vocal recordins.. so my question is anyone can help me or give me some good vocal recordin techniques... or even tell me how to get rid of my harsh/bassy vocals?

THX and please be detailed .......

 

[scrubs]

What model of AKG mic? Are you using a pop filter? If not, you need to be. Also, experiment with different distances from the mic. If you are very close, you will get more bass (proximity effect) with a cardioid pattern mic. Try backing off to about 12-18" and see if things improve. Also, what other equipment are you using (preamp, etc.)?

 

[lifeismusic]

im usein a C 414 B-XLS and yes im usein a popper stopper ...
im runnin it into a tube pac compressser/preamp.....into delta 44 pc sound card.

 

[scrubs]

im usein a C 414 B-XLS and yes im usein a popper stopper ...
im runnin it into a tube pac compressser/preamp.....into delta 44 pc sound card.

Well, you have to determine if the problem is:
a) equipment related - switch out each piece, methodically, and make sure it's functioning correctly
b) performer related - if your voice is harsh and boomy, there may be things you can do to minimize it, but it's still going to sound like you
c) room related - acoustics are important, even when recording vocals up-close

I don't know much about that preamp, but it seems to get decent enough reviews for a $100 box. Too much compression can make things harsh, so you may want to try without the compression. Getting the gain staging right on your preamp is also important, so you might want to read up on that (http://www.theprojectstudiohandbook.com/directory.htm -- Click "Levels").

Try singing "off axis" into the mic -- that is, position the mic at an angle, so you're not singing directly into the diaphragm. Also, try some of the different polar patterns on that mic. Cardioid is generally good for vocals, but also has more proximity effect than wider patterns, so that might account for your bass build up.

Another thought is the acoustical properties of the room you're tracking in. Small, boxy rooms tend to have more bass build up and nasty sounding reflections.

Do you have a clip you could post?

 

[TexRoadkill]

What pattern is the mic set to? Try it in the different positions. Cardoid should sound the best.

 

[lifeismusic]

ive been usin caroid settings on mic... (still harsh recordings)
i jus got a drawmer 1960 compresser and i am now goin to try usein it

if any one has good settings for the drawmer 1960 compresser for recordin vocals help me please cause my vocals need to be fixed...

ive tried so much to fix them and no luck yet (im stuck on what to do )

thx ...

 

[AGCurry]

What mic were you using before? You seem to have come into some money to afford a C414 and a 1960!

I might suggest that perhaps you're simply hearing your vocal better than you have before, and it sounds ... different.

The C414 is a great mic but it doesn't suit everyone.

 

[chessrock]

Back the mic off 1/2 foot or so to make it less bassy.

And track a little off-axis to tame the harshies.

You're welcome.

.

 

[s_amuel]

I´m using a rode nt1000 alot for vocals and its very sensitive for angling towards or from the soundsource. i guess its what scrubs called proximity-effect. i think its pretty the same "sound" just a little less bass or more treble when angling up/down. try it with your mic. perhaps you like the sound you got with the close distance and can keep some of it.

 

[lifeismusic]

thank you i will try everything you guys said and then i will get back to here and tell u what happen . i much appreciate the help ...
this is a great forum...

and i was usin a rodes nt2 b4..

i upgraded so i can record other instruments as welll as vocals...

 

[lifeismusic]

now my vocals sound like they in a tunnel.....

any tipz?

 

[Harvey Gerst]

now my vocals sound like they in a tunnel.....

any tipz?

You may be singing into the back side of the mic; try turning it around. ("Tunnel" is usually a common way to describe the sound when you're singing into the back side of the mic.)