How do you get hot vocals?
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Posted on May 28, 2002 02:09 am
MSHARC
Member Since: Apr 05, 2002
The other day I was listening to some music and one thing I noticed was the crispness of the voice. it was very clear and you could even hear the singer breathing. Now, I realize that they are probably using very high-quality high-priced mics, but I was wondering if there was a way to get something close to that with the At3035 that I have. I have a ballad type song that a real breathy sound would work great on. Now, I had read a post here that said using a compressor during the initial recording was ideal because of changing vocal levels, but is there a way to do that using plug-ins? Right now I have been getting an average vocal level, basically singing what I assumed was the loudest part and adjusting the trim accordingly so that I was not read lining all the time. I assume that if I could use that compressor that I could get a "hotter" signal, in other words, pick up the breathy sound more easily without distorting. It seems that the hoter you can get a mic the more warmth you can get out of it. I realizethat you'll also get more background noise, but my "studio" is pretty quiet. I am using SONAR as the multitrack adn I really only have the plug-ins available that are included. If there is no way to accomplish this, if I am on the right track, than what would be an inexpensive compressor that migght satisfy my goal? Thanks for the advice, as always, I'd be lost without this place.
Marc (da Sharc)
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May 28, 2002 05:27 am Well, by the time a plugin can be used in the chain you are already in the PC, which is a little late for a compressor to do it's main thing, whichis lower the level of clips and raise the level of weak signal. I still recommend running a compressor pre-sound card. That said though, it wasn't your question, yes, there are compression plugin that can and will even the levels and such.
Also, Antares makes a plugin called "Microphone Modeler" that will supposedly emulate different models of microphones, ya might want to look into that as well. Check it out here:
Direct X: service.bfast.com/bfast/c...mp;bfmtype=gear
Cubase VST: service.bfast.com/bfast/c...mp;bfmtype=gear
ProTools TDM: service.bfast.com/bfast/c...mp;bfmtype=gear
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
May 28, 2002 11:00 pm Ok Marc, I think you have a fast ecough PC to do this, but double check your latency first. Becuase if it is more then about 7 -10 ms, you will notice a wierd delay in your monitering of the live vocal. In Sonar, you can run your DSp effect's in real time, but this process scarf's up processing power in a big way. Like I sadi though, you should be OK, but the latency is what is going to be the deciding factor, and also if you have a good DSP compressor in your arsenal. You will need to patch the compressor into the effect's send and return of the live armed track, and then make your setting's from there. I have used several effect's live in Sonar but not a compressor, so I know it does work. But again remember it does have it's limit's.
MSHARCMember
Since: Apr 05, 2002
May 30, 2002 11:25 am Ok Noise, I feel dumb, but could you give me a little bit of an explanation on how to accomplish what you were talking about? You said to apply the compressor to the send and return, but those are only used for the bus, so does that mean I should run the compressor on the bus? But if I do that, will that affect the signal as its being recorded? I was able to use an input monitor while recording a vocal, but that didn't affect how the signal was recorded, it just allowed me to see what was going to happen if I were running a compressor on it. Sorry for having to ask, but I just didn't see what you were talking about. Thanks.
Marc (da Sharc)
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
May 30, 2002 11:11 pm Ok Marc, I am a putz this time. You need to patch the effect directly inot the channel('s) you are recording live to. That is the only way to use it live. I was up working late and not thinking clearly. I am glad you are not afraid to call me on these thing's. And yes if it is patched into the send/return it is only effecting the output, but it can be made to effect the track, but only after it is recorded, not live. So anyway patch it into the channel and you should be good to go.
