Vocals still pretty dark and lifeless

[CaptainStrat]

Okay, I'm using an Apex435 with the bass roll off switch on, I've also bypassed the compressor/noise gate and followed the most direct path: Mic> ART Tube MP preamp>E-Mu 0404 soundcard, monitoring through AKG K 240 headphones.

I turned off TV & AC (you can hear the wall clock tick very faintly in the background as well as a very faint bleed from the headphone mix) and located the mic far enough from the PC to avoid PC noise, and since the walls are plaster and floors are ceramic tile I was hoping for a "lively" vocal track ...

No acoustic treatment, I was standing rather close to the mic (4-5 inches) almost right against the screen filter. The Audio Technica ATM31a I also own has better presence (smaller diaphragm) but equally lacks that "open" sound I seek ...

Might be my playback system that's faulty too, who knows? I monitor through the AKG headphones - the E-MU's output is patched through my SB Live's in and my phones are connected in the SB's output ...

 

[ssscientist]

the E-MU's output is patched through my SB Live's in and my phones are connected in the SB's output ...

Have you not installed the Emu PCI card in your computer yet? I think we've found your problem. Take the SB live out and install the Emu. I think you'll find that your vocal tone improves immensely...

 

[adam_in_audio]

Have you not installed the Emu PCI card in your computer yet? I think we've found your problem. Take the SB live out and install the Emu. I think you'll find that your vocal tone improves immensely...

ouch!!

yeah dude. Sscientist got it for you. What the heck are you doing? don't you want to get your money's worth on that E-Mu card? Yes, this is an emergency....find the nearest trash can and immediately toss that SB live thing in it!

 

[NYMorningstar]

No acoustic treatment, ...

Probably your main problem. Try using a rug and hanging some blankets and don't roll off the bass while tracking at least. You can always eq it later on. I don't think it's your soundcard either because commercial cd's sound ok through it right?

 

[LRosario]

Well see, the real trick is the proper use of compression and EQ. Commercial vocals are usually really compressed, which in turn gives it more presence and "feeling".


I wouldn't turn on that low cut switch, just for the simple fact that you may need those frequencies later. Unless the room noise is too high, I'd keep it off.

 

[c7sus]

If you wanna "live" sound get about 12-18" or more away from the mic. You'll start getting a lot more room in it.

Ditch that clock! And the SB!

If you're in a typical bedroom you're prolly hearing buildup around 250-300Hz or so, and there will be harmonic resonances of the offending frequencies as well. Corner bass traps, some strategic wall treatments, and a few rugs should tone and tighten things up a bit.

 

[Fishybob]

I agree, definately back up a bit. I found that if I was at that distance with my Rode NT1000 it sounded a little too dull. Room acoustics are very important but don't crowd the mic. If you incur proximity effect you won't get a spacious sound whatever.

I had a similar room setup. Now I've made 2 1meter square acoustic foam panels and put them in the corner of the room. I stand there facing into the room and the 'room' sound has dropped massively so I can backup the mic a tad and get a great tone!

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

Looks like you have a few things to think about following some good anwers.

I would add that if you're monitoring through headphones you may be getting an exaggerated idea of what the lower frequencies are sounding like so that could be adding to the 'darkness' (depending on what you mean by 'dark') that you're hearing.

A decent pair of monitors really is important, headphones alone really don't cut it for critical listening.