Why are my vocals so weak? Is it the mic? clip inside...

[Project illicit]

Okay well here is one of our new ideas for a song but when i recorded it the vocals sound really weak... its not the final version... wanted to ask you guys before another take...

I think its because im not using a compresser.... thx for the help in advance....

if that doesnt work try this one.... under voice.3.mp3

http://homepage.mac.com/mgm7000/FileSharing3.html

 

[Project illicit]

Any one even hear it?

Any one even hear it yet?

Any replys? no?

 

[Project illicit]

okay

*fixed*

 

[tyler657recpro]

It says it won't let you because it's too big of a file.

 

[TexRoadkill]

I'm gonna use my psychic abilities to tell you it's one of 3 things.

You are using a condensor without phantom power.

You are using any mic without a proper preamp.

You are using the mic input on a soundblaster card.

Which one is it?

 

[Project illicit]

...

im not useing a preamp...

 

[Michael Jones]

...You are using any mic without a proper preamp...

Tex, could you define "proper".

 

[chessrock]

Tex, could you define "proper".

One that doesn't suck.

 

[Michael Jones]

One that doesn't suck.

Doesn't suck what?

 

[TexRoadkill]

Doesn't suck what?

Doesn't suck what C7sus is holding in his hand.


By proper I mainly meant a preamp that is the right impedance for the mic being used.

 

[participant]

pi,

could you put the link on your Geocities page? Cuz linking that from here, it says "illegal access". Maybe put a link to your .mp3 there, and see. Otherwise, can't download it.


Chad

 

[tyler657recpro]

right click and click save target as

 

[Project illicit]

okay it should work now....
and if it doesnt go to the other link thats under it...

/\ /\ /\ /\
up there

 

[TexRoadkill]

I got to actually listen to it. The level is fine but the sound is a little thin. So far we have managed to go about 15 posts without you telling us what you are using.

What is the mic, pre and recorder? Do you have a compressor to use?

 

[participant]

Wary of what the better ears on this board will hear...

...what sound are you going for? Would you like it to sound "clearer"? Or "louder"? Or both? Sounds (to me) like a satisfactory level, with some plosives which can be cured with a pop-filter. Didn't hear sibilance (not to say it's not there) -- there is not much energy above about 4 KHz, meaning you're probably using a dynamic mic. The reason you can't hear the vocals near the beginning of the song is just simply the mix -- the guitars, bass and drums cover them up!

Are you just plugging in to a sound card? Or are you plugging everything into a mixer? Or a multi-track machine of some type? Most of the newer all-in-one digital recorders have pre-amps built into them, of varying quality.

You sing pretty well, and clearly. If that's the loudest the vocals will go... you can always plan to mix everything at a lower level that would match the vocal level. Of course, I'm probably totally wrong and littledog, track rat, or TexRoadkill will tell you 180 degrees different

Here come the real experts to step in and offer the real advice, though


Chad

 

[Project illicit]

its all mixing into a akai pro 1214 (or soemthing liek that) old analog mixer... i think it sounds like shit because first we were messing around, second no pop screen, third no peak limiter/compresser, forth the whole song is kinda off and i made up the words as i went....

any other ideas?

do you think the song sounds good? if it was mixed well etc....

i mean the potential

 

[Michael Jones]

To me, the vocal level seemed fine. A little closer micing might give you a desirable proximity effect.
The whole mix does sound kinda thin though. It as if there is very little sonic or spatial separation between all the instruments. Thats not to say that everything is at the same level, it just sounds like (to me) that there is a narrow musical relationship between all of the instruments. You almost have to think 3 dimensionally when setting pans and levels.
Harvey wrote a good thread on this "spatial relation" once. You might search and see if you can find it; he explains it much better than me.

We're still waiting to hear what mic you used.

 

[heylow]

I'm not hearing ANY low end...Kick? Bass? Also, it sounds like you are not being consistent on the mic....I hear a lot of backing up and coming forward. Is this a hand held mic?

You should elaborate more on how things were recorded in detail. I have a funny feeling that whatever is making the other tracks thin is also what is making the vocal thin.



heylow

 

[Project illicit]

we didnt have a compresser so the vocalist tried to sort of compress it by moving forward and back....

 

[Project illicit]

*bump*