I am working with an excellent singer/songwriter with a harsh vocal quality. Something in the signal chain sounds like it is clipping when she opens up, even though the meters and waveforms look fine.
I'm looking for help finding a solution in terms of a mic/preamp/mic placement, etc, that will help me get a fuller yet still detailed sound on her.
I've tried 5 mics on her. At a pro studio, we used an M 49/Neve/PTs. That was excellent when she sang light to moderate, but razory when she sang high or loud.
At home I run into the Apogee Ensemble pre/converters to Logic. I've tried the Nuemann TLM 49, Shure KSM44, At 4047, and SM57. I've never heard anyone overload a 57, but that is how it sounded. The darker mics helped up high, lost detail on softer passages. And vice versa.
I've posted soundclips on this site at this thread:
Shootout Neumann TLM 49, Shure KSM44, Octava 012, SM57
Would a tube pre help this issue? Tube mic? U87?
I recorded her about 9" to 12" from the mics, through a metal screen. Is there a pattern or placement that would help?
I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks in advance.
John