Looking for comments on gating/expanding
while tracking vocals?

Thanks in advance for the input! - jrmixman :D

I'm always a little unsure about applying compression while tracking vocals. I know different vocalist call for different approaches, so i'm looking for some general guidlines to get started. Generally i'm pretty conservative on the front end. I use an Avalon or universal audio running through an AMEK 9098 compressor.

What's the rule of thumb when it comes to recording vocals. Is there anything that's the standard? How many inches or feet for that matter does the mic need be set with it's pad activated or with the bass roll-off kicked in? I usually set my pop filter about 2 or 3 inches from the mic. Is this Ok? Then I'd have the vocalist stand about a foot from the filter. This has always been an issue.

Hi guys, this is my first post here...

Hey gang . . .

Talk to me about double tracking vocals.
What is your approach?
How do the big boys handle this?

Most of the songs I've written and recorded are done featuring instrumentation in mind
(since I can't sing to save my own mothers life). I play mostly Jazz/funk, R&B etc and my recordings consist heavily of 4 piece horn section keys,gits,drums with a horn usually playing the melodic portion of the jam.