chefmike8888
Not sure which forum category this falls into so why not post it in the busiest one?
Are any of you using a reflection filter for your vocal recording?
If so do they actually work?
I have an untreated space and was looking at a few and noticed that they range from $100-$400.
I've read some nice reviews on THIS ONE and was wondering if there really is that much of a difference to warrant spending the extra money.
Thanks.
Mike
Hi Mike,
I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say things that will probably make everyone in this thread hate me. But I just have to share the experience.
First off, before you buy anything else, you seriously need to come hang out with me. I think we can put a lot of these myths to bed once and for all.
Secondly, I've never noticed a major difference in these reflection things when you have a good enough mic to capture "the core" of your vocal tone. I mean seriously....when we are doing close mic'ing, how much room are you really getting in the mic? You've seen some of my videos and heard my voice. That mic prints exactly what you hear and there are no room issues to worry about.
We can do so many cool tricks with impules if you need a "reflective" sound or an ambience. I mean seriously bro, how screwed up could your room be to where you would need something like this? I could see if it sounded like a bathroom or something...or the little room or office had some reflective tones. But even there, at a close mic position, you are not going to hear that stuff unless you solo up the track....and even there, I sincerely do NOT believe it will be anything that will ruin a track or be heard with the rest of the music. Sure, it may be a little more direct sounding....but don't we WANT a little breathing on our vocals anyway so they don't sound like a dude with a voice like God doing radio ads?
I've recorded in so many different rooms using so many different mic's....no room I have ever used caused a problem for vocals to where the track was un-useable due to room reflections. I just personally think this is another one of those hype situations for the most part, but could really be useful in a situation where a room MAY have an impact. But still...think about what sort of room would have to be involved to do that. Mark my words...you buy this thing and the improvement will NOT be worth $300.
Use that $300 to drive up and come see me and hang for a weekend. I promise you'll get more out of it than the admission price. :) Don't get me wrong, it's awesome for up close and intimate vocals and you will hear a difference. Just not a $300 difference in my humble opinion. I like the natural sound of a room while choosing the right mic for the vocalist and allowing things to materialize as they will. But do what you think is best and try it brother. A helpful tool in certain situations, but definitely not a necessity for me. I have two of them at my studio....we rarely use them these days because we like the sound of our vocal room in all its glory better. Sometimes we even track people in the control room which gives them a different sound of course...but that's the beauty of it...the room itself....flaws and all. :)
-Danny