Vocal track

First let me say that I did a search of all Yep's posts (he's always involved in this type of conversation) and didn’t find anything like this question, even though I remember this being discussed on this board. Anyhow...

I was listening to a mix that I quickly went through not too long ago, and then right after I listened to a Nine inch Nails song Fragile, off an album by the same name. http://www.amazon.com/gp/music/wma-pop-up/B00001P4TH001006/ref=mu_sam_wma_001_006/104-4406375-9116750 fragile
Here is a link to the song, hopefully it works. **of course this is extremely low quality** Regardless, his voice has a presence about it, that's just right in your face, and seems dry yet a little wet at the same time, if thats possible. When I compared it to my vocal track, I got a sense that there was no focus like that of the other song. Not only that, but I could sense that there was a problem with the EQing (or lack of) of the voice. All I had really done was a bit of low-end cut, and added an exciter lightly. I found that I would usually do more harm than good when making changes to the equalization of a vocal track, so I stoped trying, but now Im ready to try again. I like the volume that I had the voice at, but it just didn’t have the same punch. I could probably make the voice a little more dry, but what other tips are there for eqing a vocal, or just making it more focused, clear, or I believe the word intelligibility might have something to do with it? All advice will be much appreciated, and I thank everyone for their time. thanks guys!

Besides the links posted and the advice given above by Jonny, there are a few other key factors involved in the texture of a vocal track; besides the singer, the next important link in the chain would be the type of mic you are using, and also any other peripherals that add to the sonics of a track: pre's, dynamic processors, etc.

you didn't make mention of this in your post.

I'm not hearing much reflection at all on Reznor's voice here. It sounds as if his proximity is pretty close. Also, don't discount that being on the level he is at, that he has access to some pretty nice gear.

The use of exciters is and has been a hotly debated topic for some time now. You'll either run into people that swear by them or people that hate them. LOL.. I happen to be one of the latter, so I won't get into that topic too deeply here.

Basically, if you have an understanding of EQ/Tonal principles and dynamics, you really don't need one. Most of the time, all they do is brittle things up and make things harsh.

I'm not saying to not use it.... if it works for you and you're digging it then go for it.... But I loathe them.

Check out the links that Jonny supplied above... this is good stuff.

You might also want to look into doing some research on tonal and dynamic processing apps; how they work, what they do and what they don't do.
If you do a google search on EQ and recording technigues, and do the same for Compression, dynamics, you'll have a boatload of info returned to you.

Look to the trades for the most accurate info regarding this (Mix, SOS, Recording mags, etc)

Also, providing info on the type/model mic you are using, your position on the mic, the room you are in, the audio I/O you have, and external pre's or processing (if any) might help us help you a bit more.

FWIW

-D.

Donny, loathe is such a strong word.

LOL... perhaps you are right.

Okay.

I really really really don't care for them.

Better?

Thanks to all, its great to know that there is a knowledgeable support network here whenever I’m in need. In the last two days I read up a bit, and did some experimenting. With the tips provided here I was able to reproduce the effect I was looking for! It just took some drying up, and some boosting of the highs, and all the sudden everything just cleared up. The presence was definitely felt. My problem is I doubt myself, and I always assume that there is some special trick that only the top dollar studios have. Usually that’s not the case. I mean granted, Trent’s voice sound a bit smoother cause of his gear and whatnot, but it’s not by all that much. For those who asked, we were recording with an AT 4000 series Mic, I don’t remember which one (wasn’t my gear). And a Focusrite pre into a Mackie Onyx mixer I think, all pretty much middle of the road stuff with Waves Plugins. Thanks again guys!

ORIGINAL: DonnyAir


I was just making sure you weren't using a Radio Shack HiBall mic and a Realtek soundcard... LOL

Hey, I loved the HiBall mic. That was the poor man's SM58.

Actually, when I started recording, I used two desktop RCA cassette recorders.

I'd record a vocal and guitar on one, and then while that was playing back I would add a second guitar part and harmony.

The built in mics in those recorders gave the utmost in sonic integrity...LOL

and no, I'm not kidding.

When I finally saved up enough to by a 4 track reel to reel; I bought a Docorder (with simul-sync!!!) and an EV PL9 microphone.

I thought I was in heaven with that hiss bucket.

-D.