Getting started for too long, trying to get better sound!
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Posted on Jan 21, 2008 11:24 pm
SnsAshN216
Member Since: Jan 21, 2008
I'm recording through Cubase se with an M-Audio 2track interface. I have a decent mic (for the price). I make hip hop beats with an mpc 1000 and a cheap Casio keyboard. my question is, In order to get a warmer vocal sound to my recording should I get a mixer or mic pre or both. and also, is there a way to get a 12 or 24 track mixer and get it to control the mixer in cubase. I'm tired of changing volumes and eq's with a mouse...Some one PLLLEEEAAASSSEEE help! -P R Sensation
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Jan 22, 2008 08:44 am Welcome to HRC.
You can get a digital control surface that can connect to your computer via USB or Firewire and can be assigned to your software mixer. Going the cheap route, you can get a MIDI control, like an M-Audio Radium or something, and assign the faders and knobs to various mixer controls within Cubase and use them to control it.
As far as the warmer sound goes, try some EQing, perhaps some stereo imaging or reverb being applied to the vocal track...Steinberg's Magento or PSP's Vintage Warmer are two nice plugins that ad nice warmth to digital sound.
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jan 22, 2008 08:53 am I doubt you'll need a mixer. If you're just doing work by yourself, one-man-band kind of thing, then just get a preamp. Probably get more bang-for-the-buck than getting a mixer.
So a mic pre can be a decent upgrade, but you don't specify what mic you have, nor what your budget can/will be. Those two factors are mucho important.
So while you're getting that info, i'll turn to control surfaces. Mixers do that: mix incoming signals together, and output them on stereo.
Control surfaces are what you're looking for. These usually aren't cheap, but can really help, if you're inclined to one.
www.zzounds.com...--MACCONTROLUNI
www.zzounds.com...m--MDOPROJECTIO
www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MCcontrol/
www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MCmix/
The mackie seems to be the cheapest, though those Euphonix ones sure are SEXY. Man, I wish I had a budget to work with =).
Jan 22, 2008 08:53 am Quote:
The mackie seems to be the cheapest
wow, there is something you don't hear every day!
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jan 22, 2008 09:01 am lol !
ya made me bout spit my tea on that one =).
WaltChief Cook and Bottle WasherMember
Since: May 10, 2002
Jan 22, 2008 09:39 am That Mackie is a sharp lookin piece of equipment. I would hope it is really just re-sealed not abused and pawned off.
cooloFrisco's Most UnderratedMember
Since: Jan 28, 2003
Jan 22, 2008 01:12 pm For the warmth in the vocals, one, let us know what mic you're using. Two, have you put any effects on the vocals (compression, eq). Three, what is your budget if you're looking to upgrade gear. Four, a better mic will prolly help more than a new pre. Five, what are you currently using for a pre.
Jan 22, 2008 11:40 pm I have a MXL 990 Condenser Microphone. I got like a 800 dollar budget. I use the compressor on cubase and a lil dely or reverb but they sound kinda cheap sometimes. The eq's in cubase. oh, and I have my mic plugged in directly to my M-audio interface.
cooloFrisco's Most UnderratedMember
Since: Jan 28, 2003
Jan 23, 2008 01:22 pm First things first, if you want a "warmer" sound, you can try boosting some of the "low mids" in the eq of the vocal tracks. Try dropping off a couple db below 80Hz and boosting slightly (maybe 1 but probably less than 2 db) around 700-1.1Khz in a broad range of eq (makes it easier if you're using a parametric eq plugin).
But I will state from experience that the mxl 990 is a kind of thin/non warm mic, so my advice would be to look into other mics to get those vocals sounding warm. There are plenty of mics out there that will improve your sound with your budget, but you can probably find something for less than $800 that will help you out. I personally picked up a used Neumann TLM-103 and it sounds lovely (~$550). Hopefully some other people can give some advice on mics that they've used and how they sound.
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Jan 23, 2008 01:30 pm I have a MXL 990 and "warm" would probably be the last word I'd use to describe it.
The only way I've found to warm it up a bit is to use the proximity effect to your advantage. Sing closer to the mic and see if the added low-frequency response helps make it sound less tinny.
Or if you have one, use a budget tube preamp. Those do a lot towards rounding off those higher frequencies. Usually not in a desirable way but it does take out some high-end harshness in the process.
cooloFrisco's Most UnderratedMember
Since: Jan 28, 2003
Jan 23, 2008 01:38 pm Ooh, good point, I didn't think of cutting some of the higher eqs (I'll guess in the 4KHz - 6Khz range), in lieu of boosting the low mids. Or maybe both. Experiment with the eq first, obviously, before going out and spending that money.
