I don't think you'd be wise mic-ing vocals with a 214 if there's a drummer and bass player in the same room anyway :)

Glad to hear you're on the right track. I'll check out the file later.

jpetersen
Untreated dynamic vocals can sound weak compared to other instruments.
Once you use the Concrete Limiter or one of the compressors, it will rise in loudness.
 
By the way, I am curious to know if the 25Hz area thing has been solved.
If so, then this microphone will pick up this low-end area from anything playing at the back, so beware in cases where you are playing with drums or bass.

No, it's still there, and seems to have risen in level in proportion to the rest of the recorded audio.
 
Don't you find it ironic that when attempting to solve one problem, another issue is quite often revealed.

Bristol_Jonesey

jpetersen
Untreated dynamic vocals can sound weak compared to other instruments.
Once you use the Concrete Limiter or one of the compressors, it will rise in loudness.
 
By the way, I am curious to know if the 25Hz area thing has been solved.
If so, then this microphone will pick up this low-end area from anything playing at the back, so beware in cases where you are playing with drums or bass.

No, it's still there, and seems to have risen in level in proportion to the rest of the recorded audio.
 
Don't you find it ironic that when attempting to solve one problem, another issue is quite often revealed.

oh really?   Im not sure I understand.   On the 2nd vocal clip I posted, there is still that "25Hz" problem?   
 
Im not worried, vocals are being done in isolation, but is there something I still need to fix?

this is now going into the realm of proper mic technique, I think. Do you have a pop filter? if no, get or make one. ( I made one out of panty hose and an embroider hoop and some really heavy wire to act as a goose neck. coat hanger and pantyhose works great too, might have to hold it though).Set your levels where they don't quite clip at the loudest parts. Practice your part, moving in to the mic for quiet parts and stepping back 4"-6" for the louder stuff. A little practice before hitting record will help you capture a great take. As far as overall level is concerned, don't worry about it too much, that is what mixing is for. Just make sure your noise floor is low. Watch your meters in the room with the mic active. The loudest noise should be you moving around.Turn off stuff that generate noise. Sanderxpanders advice is good.If you share the space with anyone, a menacing  sign warning them that recording is in progress is good for preventing that annoying "honey/ Dad , are you down there?" artifact from creeping in to your take. Good luck!
 

Hi, I have a pop filter, reflection shield and a totally silent room (including PC fans) and using proper technique.   But I am being told there is still an issue with the way my raw vocal sounds.  I am new at recording vocals so I dont know what its supposed to sound like raw before treatment.  
 
Here is the link again (with the mic facing the right way lol) for convenience:  https://www.dropbox.com/s...05%20%2845%29.wav?dl=0

If you zoom into your waveform you can see that it doesn't cross zero (middle) very often - the higher frequencies modulate up and down as a whole. That's not supposed to happen. With one take and on smaller speakers you may not hear much of a difference but the huge amount of low energy is coming from somewhere and is a major problem later on. It has nothing to do with mic technique I don't think. It seems like a technical or electrical problem. A normal looking wave crosses through zero with every fundamental (lowest frequency oscillation). Your fundamental is around 25Hz but your actual voice doesn't get below, say, 100Hz. Look at the audio clips in this link:
https://www.cakewalk.com/..mentation?product=SONAR X2&language=3&help=Arranging.12.html

Do you see how yours look different?

Can you try a different mic cable? The second input on your interface? How many power points are in all your connected gear (speakers, computer, interface etc) and how are they hooked up (single socket with an extension, multiple wall sockets, grounded or not etc).

Sanderxpander
If you zoom into your waveform you can see that it doesn't cross zero (middle) very often - the higher frequencies modulate up and down as a whole. That's not supposed to happen. With one take and on smaller speakers you may not hear much of a difference but the huge amount of low energy is coming from somewhere and is a major problem later on. It has nothing to do with mic technique I don't think. It seems like a technical or electrical problem. A normal looking wave crosses through zero with every fundamental (lowest frequency oscillation). Your fundamental is around 25Hz but your actual voice doesn't get below, say, 100Hz. Look at the audio clips in this link:
https://www.cakewalk.com/..mentation?product=SONAR X2&language=3&help=Arranging.12.html

Do you see how yours look different?

Can you try a different mic cable? The second input on your interface? How many power points are in all your connected gear (speakers, computer, interface etc) and how are they hooked up (single socket with an extension, multiple wall sockets, grounded or not etc).

Hi Sanderxpander,
 
the link you gave is broken, I even tried copying the whole thing out and nothing.
I've tried 2 different cables and tried both inputs on the Scarlett 2i2.   I have nothing plugged into the wall... its just the Scarlett 2i2 plugged in via USB and then the mic XLR cable right from the mic to the scarlett input.  
 
this is so frustrating - it's just supposed to work :(
 
thanks for your help so far.

Ok try this then:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/zgbffy1utnxlya6/25Hz%20fix.wav?dl=0
 
I processed your second file with a heavy cut around 100dB to take out all of the excess lows. It's a bit extreme but if you put it next to your original you can see the difference in the files and your voice shouldn't sound too different. This is what a normal vocal recording is supposed to look like.

Sanderxpander
Ok try this then:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/zgbffy1utnxlya6/25Hz%20fix.wav?dl=0
 
I processed your second file with a heavy cut around 100dB to take out all of the excess lows. It's a bit extreme but if you put it next to your original you can see the difference in the files and your voice shouldn't sound too different. This is what a normal vocal recording is supposed to look like.

Hey, thanks so much for doing that for me.  I see your track is in stereo, but yea I do see the difference...   
 
i just dont know what to do about this.  Here is what they look like side by side (mine is on top, yours under it)

Is your mic stand on a wooden floor?
Are you holding the mic, bumping the stand with your foot/hand, something like that?