Mic rec tech. Help

Hi I got this Sp 33 Mic for xmas and finaly got use it.
 
Sp33 Mic from guitar center
http://www.guitarcenter.com/New-Gear.gc?internal=1&src=sp+33
 
Ok 1st gustion i got is when recording vocals How far should mic be from your mouth?
I'm doing more classical R&B type music.
When I rec. my song earlier I wasnt to happy with results of my vocals they sound tiny bit muffle.
and when i rec. i had mic up very close to my mouth. And im thinking is why i had some muffle.
Also my vocals wernt even close to -6bd when played back.
 
I was thinking of having the mic 1-2 inchs way from my mouth and 1 1/2 inch below me 
 
appreciate it
marcus

Marcus,.

if you look at most pro studio vocal sessions the mic is hung above the vocalist head on a boom, angled down as often as not.  The mic usually hangs upside down, the reason being (supposedly) so old tube mics would dissappate the heat up into the air, not the diaphram. 

6 to 12 inches or more is a good distance.  Distance equals natural compression, making the signal differential between the loudest and softest singing smaller.  And yes, that distance will rob the singer of proximity effect - bass boost for cardiod mics.  And yes, you'll get more room tone, which is not a problem for a pro studio but can be a problem in your bedroom.  The distance also requires a better preamp - 80 db or more of easy gain.  That makes it easier to set the preamp level, getting tone and level.

If you are recording yourself you can find the right mic and preamp, but more importantly the right distance/angle for your voice.  Experiment - you ain't burning studio time at home.

@

It doesn't matter how much money you have - there is never enough.

Don't worry about hanging the mic upside down - you need a large and hefty mic stand for that.  From the control room, it keeps it out of the way of the singers face.  Not an issue if you are recording yourself.

If your mic is a cartiod mic - most are - it will say in the manual or have a heart-shaped design (or logo) on the front (most sensitive side) of it.  A cartiod rejects more sound from the sides and rear.  The closer you get to the mic, the more bass it picks up - the proximity effect.  that is another reason pro studios back the singer off.  Many are used to live performance, and "play'" the mic, moving closer and farther depending upon their volume.  This will effect the tone, something you don't want in the studio.  Also small side to side movements will effect the tone, and these are minimised by distance.

What is best for you?  I can't say.  Your mic is probably cartiod patterned, check that.  Then do some tests for distance.  It is easier if you are testing someone else, but just hit record, give the distance and sing some.  Then listen back and find your favorite "sound".  It will depend not just on the tone distance, but the amount room you like, etc.  Rap and punky rock n roll usually get close to the mic, pop and R&B a little more distance, but those are guidelines.  It will depend upon what you like.  And I'd leave the bass punch off at first, then try it.

@

marcus3 what you have there is a vocal mike and a cheap one at that. Vocal mikes like the sound source to right on top of the mike. (and loud) It is the way they are designed to work. Using them in a studio situation and from a distance to the source is not the way to go. They don't perform well in that situation. Its like trying to record a vocal with a SM58 2 feet away. Does not really cut it I am afraid.

If its good quality studio vocals you are after then get a decent condenser mike with some sort of reflection filter maybe. You will get a much better result. And you don't have to spend the earth to get a mike either.

Using vocal mikes or dynamics up close does work in some studio situations eg toms/guitar cabs etc but then they are up close and the sound source is loud.

Marcus,

after looking at the mic, you will most likely need to close mic it.  At this point don't worry about a preamp.  As your teacher says, get used to the mic and singing with it and see if you like singing.  You can always get another mic later if you do and wish to step up.  And however you sing, it can't be as bad as mine ;-)