R&B vocals suggestions any one?

Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 8:07 pm

I just started recording R&B vovals using a Digi 003 and a AKG 200 mic. I like how the vocals sound but wondered if any one had any suggestions going forward as to artisit position to the mic, equing in the mix, reverb etc, etc...i know, a real newb question..forgive me..lol

Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 10:16 pm

If you like how they sound, then you, ah, like how they sound.

Don't get in the habit of doing something "just because."

(Good suggestion for life, too!)

Let the NEED to change the sound drive the process of changing the sound.

Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 5:59 am

Here is a quick trick on learning to use your EQ. Take a short sample of your vocals - a short phrase. Play it in a loop. Insert a single parametric EQ, turn the input level down 10 dB , boost the EQ 9 dB and narrow the q. You don't want a notch, just a little narrower than usual. (These are typical labels on a parametric EQ. Yours may be different. Just make sure you compensate for the big boost so that you you don't clip and/or blow up your speakers.) Now slowly sweep through the frequency band as the selection loops. Do it again with a smaller boosts - say 6 dB and 3 dB. Now do the same thing with cuts of -9 dB, -6 dB, and -3 dB. Same exercise on bass, drums, etc., with teach you a lot.

Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 11:11 am

Thanks, I'm going to ty it out..

Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 12:26 pm

The saying "If it sounds good, then it is good" only goes so far. If that were true, then the crappy recordings I made 15 years ago (that at the time sounded great, all saturated with reverb and everything!) would still sound good today. It is impressive that just because your vocals sound OK, you are not willing to leave it at that and want to learn more.
There are basic principles that should be adhered to that I am still learning, so I won't presume to pass myself off as a teacher. I have heard that what often separates the men from the boys is the ability to use compression correctly. The best advice I ever heard was "If you can hear the compressor working, it's not right" I know it sounds stupid to use an effect that you can't even hear, but if you want to hear all of the subtle qualities of your vioce, compression is key!

MarkG

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