help with vocals in ableton please

Meef Chaloin · Post by **Meef Chaloin** » Fri May 09, 2008 2:41 pm

isnt recording in a cupboard gonna sound a bit ummm boxy? still get the same amount of reflections, they'll just be shorter...might even start causing phase issue

dunno about bathroom either, id rather have them as dry & clean as possible

low shelf/hi pass is usually good
de-ess either with a compresion plug in (one of the ableton comps does this in a sidechain way) or just eq (4-7Khz roughly)
generally compression is helpful
play with reverb to get it to sit in the mix right

if all else fails do some extreme eq cuts & bathe with reverb for a distant telephone effect

darkcatt · Post by **darkcatt** » Fri May 09, 2008 2:44 pm

flat surfaces create reverb/ bounce

becareful with that

Moody · Post by **Moody** » Fri May 09, 2008 2:47 pm

Meef Chaloin wrote:isnt recording in a cupboard gonna sound a bit ummm boxy? still get the same amount of reflections, they'll just be shorter...might even start causing phase issue

dunno about bathroom either, id rather have them as dry & clean as possible

I have recorded in both with no issues. All depends on the vocalist and how loud they like to get and everything. A treated closet as in master bedroom or something makes for a great space. Hell leave your clothes in there and it is treated. Just make sure the AC unit is not right above it. I had that issue before as well.

Moody · Post by **Moody** » Fri May 09, 2008 2:49 pm

I think the whole idea is to get creative and find what works for you. This is what eventually seperates the pros from the ams.

Warminstrel · Post by **Warminstrel** » Fri May 09, 2008 2:58 pm

Make a vocal booth using heavy blankets or quilts.

No reflective surfaces for sure.

Ensure that microphone is shileded/shock mounted in some way, maybe use foam rubber/stand, best not to hold it.

Use pop-filters (can be made from old nylon tights and coat hangers) in front of mic.

Loads of stuff online on how to get proffesional results with basic stuff, most of it common sense.

Basiclaly get the best results you can without processing then you wont have to tinker too much.

-----------------------------------

Could even use professional services for just the vocals if its important.

Moody · Post by **Moody** » Fri May 09, 2008 3:21 pm

Warminstrel wrote:Make a vocal booth using heavy blankets or quilts.

No reflective surfaces for sure.

Ensure that microphone is shileded/shock mounted in some way, maybe use foam rubber/stand, best not to hold it.

Use pop-filters (can be made from old nylon tights and coat hangers) in front of mic.

Loads of stuff online on how to get proffesional results with basic stuff, most of it common sense.

Basiclaly get the best results you can without processing then you wont have to tinker too much.

-----------------------------------

Could even use professional services for just the vocals if its important.

+1

glu · Post by **glu** » Fri May 09, 2008 7:02 pm

after you are done with mixing, listen to it at a very low volume and see if you can
still understand the lyrics over the rest of the music.

silverlulu · Post by **silverlulu** » Tue May 13, 2008 1:05 pm

wow thanks for all the helpful tips guys. thats great. i'm feeling more confident about getting the right sound

one more question tho... i am using a really cheap argos-type microphone, probably cost less than a tenner. my voice seems to be lacking in bass when i play back the recording, would this be the reason for that?

in general i would say my voice is reasonably bassy (and i know you sound different to how you think you do when you hear yourself) but do u think the mic is partly to blame for the lack of bass and tinnyness of the recordings?

thanks

Moody · Post by **Moody** » Tue May 13, 2008 2:33 pm

silverlulu wrote:wow thanks for all the helpful tips guys. thats great. i'm feeling more confident about getting the right sound

one more question tho... i am using a really cheap argos-type microphone, probably cost less than a tenner. my voice seems to be lacking in bass when i play back the recording, would this be the reason for that?

in general i would say my voice is reasonably bassy (and i know you sound different to how you think you do when you hear yourself) but do u think the mic is partly to blame for the lack of bass and tinnyness of the recordings?

thanks

Good chance it is. A decent mic for vocals is essential. Although, using the current one for a couple of takes then using a better one (or one that captures more of a sound you would like) for a couple of takes and panning them differently may add some interesting character to it all.

Hint: You can use Spectrum to see what frequencies the mic is picking up. Then boost what it is lacking with EQ8 or whatever. Although this may give your voice a unnatural feel or another phrase, color the sound of your voice some. That could be a good thing if it sounds how you would like to artistically represent yourself.

4.33 · Post by **4.33** » Tue May 13, 2008 3:00 pm

get a dynamic mic like shure 57/58 beta
they're inexpensive and nothing can beat them in a non-treated room

silverlulu · Post by **silverlulu** » Fri May 16, 2008 6:15 pm

hello guys!

i got a shure sm 58 mic today which i am happy about but i think i need something to plug it into which would then plug in to my computer cos i don't think my laptop will supply enough power to the mic.

i think i need a mic pre-amp? is that what it is called? my mate told me about it. i am probably gonna try and get one tomorrow from a music shop. does any one know what i should be looking for price and quality-wise. ideally i don't wanna spend a great amount but if it's a matter of getting what you pay for i think it would be a worthwhile investment.

if anyone could help me with this i would be very grateful!

thanks

Moody · Post by **Moody** » Fri May 16, 2008 6:26 pm

silverlulu wrote:hello guys!

i got a shure sm 58 mic today which i am happy about but i think i need something to plug it into which would then plug in to my computer cos i don't think my laptop will supply enough power to the mic.

i think i need a mic pre-amp? is that what it is called? my mate told me about it. i am probably gonna try and get one tomorrow from a music shop. does any one know what i should be looking for price and quality-wise. ideally i don't wanna spend a great amount but if it's a matter of getting what you pay for i think it would be a worthwhile investment.

if anyone could help me with this i would be very grateful!

thanks

Presonus makes a good inexpensive tube pre-amp.

silverlulu · Post by **silverlulu** » Fri May 16, 2008 6:32 pm

thank you moody, you seem to always be there when i need you!

Moody · Post by **Moody** » Fri May 16, 2008 6:58 pm

silverlulu wrote:thank you moody, you seem to always be there when i need you!

Did you get a stand and pop filter? Might want to pick those up with the preamp if not. You definetly need to have the mic mounted with a stand so you are not holding it (or a buddy is not holding it

) but, the pop filter could be optional since your mic already has one although pop filters are cheap and you may want to experiment by removing the stock one and using one at more of a distance form the mic. Just some ideas to help you find the right sound for you. The mic you have is a great choice all around though. It is extremely versatile for micing all sorts of things. Also try recording at different angles with it to see what you like. This can really change the dynamics in the recording. Good Luck!

silverlulu · Post by **silverlulu** » Fri May 16, 2008 7:23 pm

yeah i hadn't thought of getting a stand really but now you mention it i think that's a good idea. as for a pop filter i might just rip up some tights and get the coat hanger to make a temp one. having said that, i may as well try and pick one up while i'm there!

man i am excited about tomorrow! i am really looking forward to getting my vocals. thanks again.