General Music Chat

Folks I'm just getting lyrics together for a New/Old project. I haven't got much in here and I'm using a really crappy Mic. That doesn't matter because what I'm doing requires a voice really. (Well at present anyway).

Problem..........

Levels:

I get excited.
So then I get clips while recording, or deep rumbles from the equipment. Rat suggested a mic some time ago and I do know about pulling the mic from the mouth on louder parts and the need for a muffler on the mic. I don't have either anyway. It isn't working 'real time'. Yes I can do whatever afterwards to alter it.

I've got the mixer set up pretty good I think and levels through the system are good too it's just the general volume, 'up down bit' I need help with unless I'll have to become a trained vox person?

What do other Vocalists do with minimal equipment?
Sorry this is scanty and not very well trimmed.

It's going ok frankly and I do feel good about it.

Thanks in devance.

Chippy for y home recordings, I do use a condensor mic, but I move in on the mic for lower volume vocals and move farther away for screaming parts. Recording at home I try to get the vocals hotter in my headphones than the music Im singing too, that way I can kind of feel my way thru the high and low spots and move accordingly.

The last things I did in a studio we used a Shure SM 57 for vocals and they sounded pretty good to me.

I use a pre-amp between my computer & whatever I'm recording with: Guitar, bass, my voice, or someone else's voice . . .
. . . especially great, w/ a mike.
$100.
You have an input level adjust; 2 channels, either use 1 or 2 mic inputs, or you can use 1/4" plugs . . .
Set it so it only rarely goes red light, cause there's only 3db headroom to clipping after red light.
Every 3db is double the volume.
Adjust it by singing the loudest parts of the song.
Keep the green light lit most of the time, and you're assured to keep noise to a minimum.
Adjust the output of the pre-amp so that when you're recording, your recording device STILL has 3db leeway.
With guitar or bass, - again - I play the loudest part, and then I give myself 3 - 4 db headroom.
With vocals I like to give myself 5 - 6db headroom.
.
If you won't be springing $100 for a pre-amp - then you need to learn extra good microphone technique: just accept that you have to get better, and move on. . . .
Don’t ask for it to be easier, tell yourself to get better.
Practice, practice, practice.
.
For the low volume/low notes, my lips are rubbing the mic.
For my normal singing range, I'm about 3-4 inchess away.
For louder singing, I pull to about 7-8."
Couldn't tell you about screaming - I don't like any grating raspy sounds in my music.
Just remember - double the distance is 1/4 the volume. If there's any chance of clipping - increase your distance.
If you're using software - you can always boost the volume of any given spot, afterwards - even within a word.
.
But - if you clip it - there's no saving it; just do another take, and get it right . . .
.
The Shure 57 is good for vocals or instrument.
I'm using a Shure PG-58, which is the same price, but is designed specifically for the vocal range.
Either is good; and the Shure is a tough microphone.
.
If you don't know what you're doing, be prepared for 20 takes.
. . . it's good practice, anyway.
And, besides: 20 takes is NOTHING.

RhythmMan speaks lots of truths. If you're using a REALLY bad mic, get a new one. A decent condenser is actually pretty inexpensive if you know do your research. As for Shure, if you're using a dynamic, I'd recommend an SM58 on vocals more than an SM57.

I saw a mention of what I guess is a pop filter as well. All that will really do is help you get rid of plosives, the annoying "s" and "p" sounds that often pierce through many recordings.

Thanks for the advice people. Vox aren't my strongest point of course, but needed to complete what I'm doing.

I do have a preamp, simple one but it works.

RM that was a fabulous explanation thanks for taking the time to write that up for me it makes complete sense, nice one thanks again.

RTC Yup I know I need a new mic. Perhaps after Xmas sometime I think? What I'm getting from this mic isn't that bad (I suppose?) its the bass boom more than anything. I have tweaked the EQ's in the mixer which did help considerably and I'm going in dry with no effects.

I'll have a play again later. Many thanks again people. Good sports!

Chippy

That got it folks.
Much better now.

Thank you.

One other thing, on the plosives, hard consonants . . .
.
Don't sing AT the mike. turn the mike 30 - 45 degrees away from your mouth, and sing PAST it.
Be sure that the air stream from your mouth doesn't blast the mike; or you'll hear it.
.
Enjoy.

Thanks RM.
Yeah you know I had a really good vocalist once and I always watched what he did while playing. With his Mic (Which he didn't own)
He was very good.

That bit I got sorted thanks. Just getting other pieces together now. Really enjoying this I have to admit. It's been a very long time indeed.

Many thanks for your help in all things RM.
Keep well mate.

Chippy.

One other thing, on the plosives, hard consonants . . .
.
Don't sing AT the mike. turn the mike 30 - 45 degrees away from your mouth, and sing PAST it.
Be sure that the air stream from your mouth doesn't blast the mike; or you'll hear it.
.
Enjoy.

. . . pleasure talking with you, Chip.

Likewise Mr. RM. You've been a big help. Thanks again.

. . . pleasure talking with you, Chip.