Vocal Chord Distortions
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Posted on Dec 15, 2011 09:00 am
GCT
Member Since: May 14, 2011
Hi
I have been trying to get rid of some low level distortions on a solo female voice and it turns out that the vocals chords actually distort.
Apart from working the vocalist harder what type of equipment would help to cover it up.
I'm using a Milab VIP50, Focusrite Voicemaster Pro with digital out, dbx 160a. Powercre, Waves, TRacks plugins, Cubase SL3, RME Hammerfall card.
Cheers
GCT
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Dec 15, 2011 11:18 am You'd probably get better responses in a somewhat better-related section of the forum (this is much more a tracking or mixing issue).
That said ---
If the vocal cords themselves are over-folding or have nodules that are causing some sort of "raspies" the only way to deal with it effectively is to either remove the nodes (surgically) or exercise the cords to make them less of an issue (lots of coaching).
Working the vocalist harder can cause permanent damage to the folds.
If you're trying to just cover it up some, it can be a bear. A fine FFT filter *might* be able to pull back some of the "distortion" (almost hate to call it that in this case). You'll probably find a very low (VERY low - maybe 20-40Hz) vibration and much higher "harmonic" of sorts --- Some dependency on the location of the node (whether near the base or in the middle of the cord), some dependency on the range, some dependency on the actual root frequency (which is why it's such a bear).
THAT ALL SAID (now that I've read your gear selection - which I usually don't even bother with - but in this case raises concerns) You're using a freakishly sensitive mic with a preamp that (IMO/E) isn't even worthy of being mentioned in the same paragraph - with a clock - into a clock ----
Is there even a remote possibility that this distortion (which could easily sound like nodules when I really think about it) could be a clocking error? Or can you actually hear these nodes in the same room with the vocalist?
Could you be overdriving the preamp (that preamp has just about "zero" usable headroom over line level and isn't very friendly to steady-state over-voltage)?
Could there be an imperfection or bit of matter on the diaphragm? Have you tried a different mic?
GCTMember
Since: May 14, 2011
Dec 15, 2011 01:14 pm Thanks.
We spent the morning yesterday with an experienced engineer changing preamps and converters, mics etc.Then he sang a test and we all heard the distortion - when I went inside to listen and sure enough his voice was distorting. With the soloist it was much more subtle and comes and goes. It's hardly noticable until you start mastering it.
He suggested a valve pre and I was already thinking valve mic. As he has access to gear maybe we can borrow a good pre and see the difference before we buy. Have you heard the TL Audio Valve pre?
Dec 15, 2011 01:36 pm The *last* thing you're going to want is to add tubes when you're dealing with something that's already harmonically distorted at the source...
A more vocal friendly mic? Sure. Maybe a RE20 or SM7b - Perhaps a NT1a if you're really trying to keep additional detail in a non-aggressive "instrumental" vocal -- through a very transparent preamp (perhaps a True P-Solo or Grace m101).
Quote:
It's hardly noticable until you start mastering it.
Mastering your own mixes? What's happening during mastering that isn't happening during the mix? What's bringing the distortion into light where it's not during mixing?
BleakA small pie will soon be eatenMember
Since: Aug 26, 2004
Dec 15, 2011 04:13 pm This is was really helpful!
I have this problem, It's Been doing my head in for years thinking it was dodgy gear/Mixing (Although I'm sure that contributes immensely for me).
Cheers
GCTMember
Since: May 14, 2011
Dec 15, 2011 06:02 pm Only that when you compress a slightly distorted vocal it gets more audible. I will look into the equipment you suggested.
Thanks very much.
GCT
GCTMember
Since: May 14, 2011
Dec 16, 2011 07:54 am Hey thanks for the tip about Focusrite. I tried an old dbx preamp and that's far cleaner. I'll see if we can get our hands on some other preamps to compare before we decide on buying.
Maybe I missed something. What did you mean by "clock into a clock" - (I normally use the Focusrite clock but could use the RME)
Dec 16, 2011 08:09 am You're running a digital source into a digital source -- *IF* there is a clocking error of any kind (I'm not suggesting there is, but it's certainly plausible and could easily cause a "scratchiness" in the top end) or confusion of which unit is the master clock, all sorts of nasty things can happen.
GCTMember
Since: May 14, 2011
Dec 16, 2011 05:18 pm Would it be preferable to clock them both from a separate clock?
Dec 16, 2011 05:43 pm Depends on the clock - But bad things are going to happen if there isn't ONE specific master clock and all others aren't specifically slaved to that master clock.
