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I have a home studio, as I'm sure many of you do. I want to take my vocals to the next level. First, a list of my toys:

--Neumann TLM 103 mic

--Aphex 230 Master Voice Channel Tube Mic Pre

--Panasonic RAMSA 26 channel board

--Digital Audio Labs CDX01 Sound Card

--ETC...

Now, question...Would adding a graphic eq to the mix be helpful, a sound enhancer/exciter, another compressor/limiter, etc?

I want that glossy/shiny/sheen I "hear" so much about.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! --(notice the exclamation mark, I'm excited)

Thanks,

--Stephen
voice@haylanstudios.com

Comments

bent Sun, 12/23/2007 - 10:42

To tell you the truth, I'm not impressed with the 103 on vox.
I'll throw it on an acoustic, and use it as a room mic, but it's hard to get a good vocal sound with it.

I suggest looking at the [="http://www.audio-technica.com/cgi-bin/product_search/wired_mics/mics_by_line.pl?product_line=Microphones%3A+40+Series"]AT 40[/]="http://www.audio-te…"]AT 40[/] series, [[url=http://="http://recording.or…"]Blue[/]="http://recording.or…"]Blue[/], hell even a cheap Oktava for that matter.

I offer this because if you've got money to burn you can never have too many mics!
:D

anonymous Sun, 12/23/2007 - 12:23

I agree. And I think some of it has to do with matching the mic and the performer. I noticed quite a difference in my own vocals when I switched over to a [[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.seelectr…"]Z5600a[/]="http://www.seelectr…"]Z5600a[/].

(I was using a cheap Oktava before -- the MK219 that Ben linked to.) :D

I mean, if you aren't getting what you need out of your Aphex, then maybe try some different microphones. Even a "cheap" mic is better if it sounds better with your voice.

Just my opinion of course.

Cucco Sun, 12/23/2007 - 13:08

First things first -

NO.

Do not get a graphic EQ. Graphic equalizers have NO place in recording chains. They are for live sound reinforcement or PA. The exceptions to this rule are SO few and far between that it's not even worth mentioning - period.

In fact, avoid EQs in general. If you need an EQ, be prepared to shell out big bucks. Big Bucks.

Accomplish EVERYTHING you can using microphone and microphone placement instead of EQs.

Similarly, don't get aural exciters, or other effects. They won't get you that sheen.

What will is a properly voiced microphone and a nice preamp (which, BTW, the ones in the Ramsa are pretty darned good.)

I have found the Blue Bluebird to provide a very nice sheen on many vocals. For a mic with huge body and sound, go for a Soundelux u195. These are two different price points, but there are plenty of similar options out there.

Sell the TLM 103 (a mic that I find has such limited use, it's not worth owning) and get a couple lesser priced mics and have fun. Don't worry - when clients call and ask if you use Neumann mics, you can say "We did, but we've found better stuff now..."

Cheers-

Jeremy

RemyRAD Sun, 12/23/2007 - 13:12

The sound that you describing I was able to accomplish with a Shure KSM32 into a TASCAM M2600 piece of crap without a problem. I stuck on a little DBX166 to the tune of 20-30 DB at 20: 1. Right, not much, LOL! The vocal sounded great so you should be able to accomplish this with far less effort.

Cheap but good
Ms. Remy Ann David

anonymous Sun, 12/23/2007 - 20:15

bent wrote: Hey, Vander!

When I said the Oktava was cheap, I was talking about the price.
I have a pair, and though they are both as different as night and day, I still like to throw them up on occasion - just not as a stereo pair, grrr!

8-)

I hear ya! I still use mine all the time. I just prefer the Z5600a for my vocals these days. A friend of mine turned me on to it via his Gemini. They are actually really nice sounding mics for the price. (I just wish I would have waited a bit and got the Z5600aII that has a pad switch -- No pad on my model.)

Talking about this, it will probably be time for me to add to my mic collection soon. :roll:

Davedog Sun, 12/23/2007 - 21:23

The only GRAPHIC EQ I would ever use in a recording chain would be the ones made by White. And they're cut only.

That isnt where the 'sheen' comes from.

I agree with Cucco. No TLM103 for vocals except on a certain voice. Other than that, they are decent mics. There are many mics at half the price that sound as good.....some twice as good.

I will say that with those pres in the Ramsa, you should be getting something CLOSE to the 'sheen'....

RemyRAD Tue, 12/25/2007 - 22:21

Actually, API made them for MCI. Along with the 500 series microphone preamp for smart people who made a mistake by buying MCI consoles. I was always underwhelmed by the sound that came out of those boards and Criteria, but then they always sounded like the Bee Gee's.

Fort Lauderdale Music Centers Inc. may Jeep RIP
MS. REMY ANN DAVID

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