Recording Vocals

[Crowley5150]

Hi Folks,

Even though its only a cover, I'm just in the process of learning how to get a decent sound when recording vocals. Here is what i'm currently using/setup.....

* MBox2
* Pro Tools LE 7.4 (with regular plugins)
* Shure Beta 58 Mic
* Regular cannon/cannon cable

The recording I made is linked below. The way I recorded it was having the mic in a mic stand, but I didn't have a pop filter so I kept my mouth around 6 inches away from the mic to stop most pops etc.

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=685713&content=songinfo&songID=6276781

What I'd like to know is, what are some good tips and tricks in getting a better, more natural (less "Live recording") sound out of my gear?

Will using a pop filter (even if its just some stocking material around a bent coathanger in front of it) letting the mouth be closer to the mic make a more fuller sound?

Is the recording okay, just i'm processing/eq'ing too much and ruining it?

Any advice on this recording would be great.

Also... I have access to a Rode NT2-A. Will this make a huge difference to the quality of the recording?

(or.... is my voice just crap and.... you can't polish a turd?)

[kidthatplaysguitar91]

Your voice is pretty good actually. What song is that?!
I wont comment on the recording quality because i'm not expert at it.
But I will say the harmonies sounded pretty good :)

[Crowley5150]

What song is that?!

Thanks for that.... Its a cover of a song by Jewel called Foolish Games (a kinda folky/easy listening/contemporary piano song) which I punked up for a concept I'm working on.

[Motleyguy]

Your voice is really good. It does sound a bit dull in that recording though. I would try that RODE NT2A if I were you. Put the High Pass Filter on when you record. Another good way to stop plosives (pops) is to sing a bit off axis of the mic. It may colour the sound a bit though, but try it. But I'd say definitely try the RODE, it could add a bit of necessary brightness to your voice. Don't over EQ either, you want good micing, so you have a good signal to begin with, then you don't have to over process it. If you're going the route of EQ, I'd suggest a bit of a boost in the highs (10K +) sweep the frequency to find the sweet spot, not too much though. If you have a de esser plugin (not sure if it comes standard with LE) definitely try it out as well, especially if you boost the hi's in your vocal track.

Mic placement, and a good room is definitely the starting point to getting good recordings. Also, the reverbs (Trueverb I believe it is) that comes standard with LE really kind of blow, try Moseph's thread for some freeware VST reverbs, a good reverb plug in will definitely help... but don't over do it with the reverb. A good piece of basic advice on reverb: send to the reverb until you can just hear, then turn it down a bit. Reverb is more of a subconcious thing rather than something you want to be audible.

For some more vocal plug ins and what not try this site.

http://www.hometracked.com/2007/01/11/best-free-vocal-plugins/

oh, and one more thing... make your own pop filter. You can make it with a coat hanger and some nylons. Look around on the internet for a tutorial or something if you need some examples.

[Crowley5150]

oh, and one more thing... make your own pop filter. You can make it with a coat hanger and some nylons. Look around on the internet for a tutorial or something if you need some examples.

Thanks for the words on my voice (you are always your own worst critic so I tend to think i'm pretty average :)

anyway... one of my queries was what you answered. Making a pop filter. My friends Rode mic has the proper metal filter and clamp for his mic stand which works really well, but I was wondering what sort of (if any) quality loss, or muffling does the home made filter with the coathanger/nylons make?

And also, when you do have it, whats a good positioning for it. Should be be closer to the mouth than the mic, or about half way between?

[Motleyguy]

Thanks for the words on my voice (you are always your own worst critic so I tend to think i'm pretty average :)

anyway... one of my queries was what you answered. Making a pop filter. My friends Rode mic has the proper metal filter and clamp for his mic stand which works really well, but I was wondering what sort of (if any) quality loss, or muffling does the home made filter with the coathanger/nylons make?

And also, when you do have it, whats a good positioning for it. Should be be closer to the mouth than the mic, or about half way between?

I don't think you'd notice any loss in quality with a home made filter. It's essentially the same material, it's just finding a way to mount the coat hanger version. I like to put mine about 1 - 2" off the mic, I haven't ever noticed the pop filter placement to make a huge difference, rather it's where you stand. When recording vocals, you want a room that's as dead as possible. So use all the packing blankets/mattresses/pillows you have at your disposal to make yourself a little vocal "fort".