Johnny Cash

Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 7:42 am

How would I go about trying to recreate the Vocal sound that Johnny Cash has on those American Recordings songs (the last few albums he released). You know the kind of really warm but upclose sound, kinda like he is singing in the same room as you ?

I know that having that amazing voice would be a great starting point !! But what kind of Mics, positioning, outboard gear, reverb, mixing techniques etc should I be looking at ?

thanks peoples

Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 8:05 am

You may want to do a search on Rick Rubin? I believe he's the producer on those sessions. If someone hasn't yet done a big interview with him, they will, sooner or later. And for the geeks in us, I'm sure it'll include what mics he used.

My guess it as a vintage Neumann U47, 87, or one of the RCA Ribbons; perhaps a 77. More than anything else, it was Johnny's voice.

Have you heard any of Marty Stuart's Badland's CD? (it's the one about the SD Lakota indian tribe & wounded knee). Marty's voice is big and full, with a really serious bottom end, just like Johnny's, esp during the narrations between songs. I'm sure it's no accident, esp being in the band with Johnny all those years.

Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 8:54 am

You know what I've noticed on the track "Hurt"? His vocals distort or clip or something.

Anyone have any idea why Rubin wanted this? I can only think that it adds to the content of the song and how Johnny was nearing the end ...

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