ruralrocker2010
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Vocal Resonance Or Problems With Capturing It
Guys -
I've experienced this issue again and again - I do not know how to correct it.
In capturing my vocal performances, I'm consistently told that I'm straining, or the performance sounds thin...etc etc. then, when I perform it acapella live in front of them, people will say - well, that doesn't sound like the recording.
Is there something I'm missing in capturing resonance?
I have a bluebird condenser and a few EV Dynamic mics. Is there something simple I'm over looking here? I'm looking to understand what the problem is, if it's a production issue or a signal chain issue. Can anyone relate?
Joshua Barnes Sonar Platinum / RME UCX / i5 3.2 8 GB Memory (Dell Inspiron) / Komplete 10 / Win 7 Home 64 Bit
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mattplaysguitar
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Re:Vocal Resonance Or Problems With Capturing It
2012/04/01 23:23:39
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If I recall correctly, I listened to some audio samples of a bluebird once, and it's a VERY colored mic. Probably not the ideal general purpose mic but rather something that sits in the closet till you're ready for the specific sound it gives. I have never actually used it though so your results may vary. Another more general purpose mic may help give you better results.
Though it's been a while since I listened to those samples, and I thought it had a very strong low end, not the thin sound you are getting. Interesting.
At the end of the day, it's probably not your mic. Another more suitable mic (assuming this isn't) may give you a better sound, but it's likely not going to be the bottleneck.
Without knowing more about how you're recording it, I'd guess the primary issue is the acoustic environment you're recording in. Create an iso booth with blankets and mattresses or build some acoustic absorption panels. There are plenty of DIY videos out there to build it. Something simple makes a HUGE difference in the sound of your recording. Secondly, try singing closer to the mic. If you're far away, you'll get more room sound which can make it sound thin, and you'll also lose any of the proximity effect that you get singing close. Start with the absorption, then experiement with 2", 6" 12" 24" etc from the mic and see what works for your music. Experiment with the mics you have and see if you can find some more general purpose condenser mics to play with.
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Guitarhacker
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Re:Vocal Resonance Or Problems With Capturing It
2012/04/02 08:02:15
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Distance matters with mics.
You see video of singers in studios all the time standing back anywhere from a foot to several feet on the studio mic, and behind a pop filter.
I like to sing close in even with the condenser. Normally a few inches at most. I've heard that the proximity effect is not as prevalent with a condenser, so there is no need to "eat the mic" but I get in close anyway.
I was tracking Cassie the other night and her voice became noticeably thinner when she backed off from the mic on the louder chorus. She went from 2 to 3 inches on the verses to 12-18 on the chorus and the sound quality changed.
I use the pop screen, and I sing 45 degrees to the mic. If straight in front of me is 12 o'clock.... I have it at 10 o'clock and still with the PF. This lets me get and stay close and the plosives are not traveling into the mic.... pop filters are not cure alls.
experiment to see what works best for you.
My website & music: www.herbhartley.com MC4/5/6/X1e.c, on a Custom DAW Focusrite Firewire Saffire Interface BMI/NSAI "Just as the blade chooses the warrior, so too, the song chooses the writer "
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ruralrocker2010
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Re:Vocal Resonance Or Problems With Capturing It
2012/04/02 09:12:18
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OK! This is great to hear. I'm glad I finally asked. I now believe it's room noise.
I'm going to construct a vocal booth and see what difference that makes.
Joshua Barnes Sonar Platinum / RME UCX / i5 3.2 8 GB Memory (Dell Inspiron) / Komplete 10 / Win 7 Home 64 Bit
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codamedia
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Re:Vocal Resonance Or Problems With Capturing It
2012/04/02 09:51:02
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My view is similar to the other two posts. Thin? Likely distance, but could also be mic choice. Not that the bluebird is a bad mic - it just might not be the one for you. You may also be experiencing room cancelation - which would be enhanced by distance. Straining? That would lead to vocal technique. Is it possible you are tensing, or singing differently while recording than you do when you are in front of people? This happens to a lot of singers, and musicians alike. You can perform great until you know the tape (so to speak) is rolling, then you over think it and change your approach. Try to relax and sing the same while recording as you would while performing. Another problem could be that you may be worrying to much about the recording (technical aspect) rather than your performance which is another common problem when you wear all the hats in a home studio. You need to push record - then not think about the technical side until you are done recording. If you are too busy looking at the meters it will affect your vocal performance, most likely in a negative way. Just my 2 cents!
post edited by codamedia - 2012/04/02 09:52:42
Don't fix it in the mix ... Fix it in the take!
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bitflipper
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Re:Vocal Resonance Or Problems With Capturing It
2012/04/02 10:53:34
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☄ Helpful
It's most likely the room. Comb filtering, to be specific. Acoustical absorption is the answer.
Unless you are lucky enough to have a very nice-sounding space - and few do - you're better off going for dry-as-a-bone and add ambiance artificially with reverb.
 All else is in doubt, so this is the truth I cling to. My Stuff
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notdeafyet
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Re:Vocal Resonance Or Problems With Capturing It
2012/04/02 13:47:42
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The comments above about tracking are fantastic and are probably the answer. If not, I guess the only other thing to ask is what are you doing between the mic and the disk (front-end-fever?), and what are you doing in lead vocal post-production?
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spacealf
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Re:Vocal Resonance Or Problems With Capturing It
2012/04/02 14:20:12
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Or get a reflexion filter behind the mic.
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ruralrocker2010
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Re:Vocal Resonance Or Problems With Capturing It
2012/04/02 18:48:09
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Comb filtering! The issue has been solved! Thank you!
Joshua Barnes Sonar Platinum / RME UCX / i5 3.2 8 GB Memory (Dell Inspiron) / Komplete 10 / Win 7 Home 64 Bit
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