what to put behind a vocalist?

[A M Kelly]

Hi guys.. Wondering about improving my acoustics in my room. I basicially have a small "studio" set up in my spare bedroom. The sound aint bad and i am pretty happy with my gear(until i get my next paycheck). Just wondering what would be the best thing to put behind my head if i am singing. I already have a reflection filter but am worried about noise behind me...

Any ideas of what to use behind me other than a duvet? Dont think the missus would be too happy dragging the bed linen across the house. Cheers guys

[Iron Man]

Originally Posted by A M Kelly

Any ideas of what to use behind me other than a duvet? Dont think the missus would be too happy dragging the bed linen across the house. Cheers guys

Mattress, couch, pillows, instrument amps and cases to break up reflections, people...

[AlexK]

Originally Posted by Iron Man

people...

The quiet variety work best, you know, signal to noise ratio and all that...

[Iron Man]

Originally Posted by AlexK

The quiet variety work best, you know, signal to noise ratio and all that...

Quiet ones with big green furry suits!

[WP-]

if you have the $ the GIK screen panel (or 2) works well as a kind of portable vocal booth. And it can double as a bass trap. The problem with duvets and blankets and all is that while they will absorb some highs, they won't absorb low which will most likely leave you with less than desirable results. You may want to take a look on GIK's website or the Real Traps website for a more thorough explanation.

[Glenn Kuras]

Originally Posted by willwillp

if you have the $ the GIK screen panel (or 2) works well as a kind of portable vocal booth. And it can double as a bass trap. The problem with duvets and blankets and all is that while they will absorb some highs, they won't absorb low which will most likely leave you with less than desirable results. You may want to take a look on GIK's website or the Real Traps website for a more thorough explanation.

If you invest in the screen panels I would put them in front of the singer, it will work much better and should be enough. But if you want to make me REALLLLLLLLLLLLY happy buy enough to go all around the singer. lol lol (I KID)

[WP-]

Glenn,
if you are in a small-ish room and you put the screen panels in front of the singer will you get some reflections coming in from behind, or are they pretty much blocked by the singer's head/body?

[mdjice]

Originally Posted by Glenn Kuras

If you invest in the screen panels I would put them in front of the singer, it will work much better and should be enough. But if you want to make me REALLLLLLLLLLLLY happy buy enough to go all around the singer. lol lol (I KID)

in front?? Or put the singer between the screen and the mic?

[Glenn Kuras]

Originally Posted by mdjice

in front?? Or put the singer between the screen and the mic?

It is best to have the singer face into the panel. You can flip them around and try it (like the following video). There is no "wrong way" but what sounds best to you.

[Glenn Kuras]

Here is a picture I found of facing the screen panel.

We just did some tracking last week with them in the GIK lobby!

[mdjice]

Originally Posted by Glenn Kuras

It is best to have the singer face into the panel. You can flip them around and try it (like the following video). There is no "wrong way" but what sounds best to you.

LOOOOL did you Know that I shot this video...this is My studio

the reason I placed the screens like that is because (and if my theory is flawed please let me know) The room is already entirely treated, The mic is set to cardioid so it doesnt pick up anything "behind" it so why would I place screens where the sound doesn't get picked up anyways. Also I use the screens to cut the room size down which of course affects the sound.
I ve been using this technic for years, along with many engineers I know
Here is an example where in a treated live room, Jay z is recording with screens like treatment behind him and nothing in front , now If i could benefit from doing things differently I would love to know, I will try to place the screen in front of the vocalist but could explain the reasons why it would sound better?
I'm trying to get the best sound with what I got and I have no problem changing the way I work for the better
PS: I love the screens!!

[Glenn Kuras]

Originally Posted by mdjice

LOOOOL did you Know that I shot this video...this is My studio

the reason I placed the screens like that is because (and if my theory is flawed please let me know) The room is already entirely treated, The mic is set to cardioid so it doesnt pick up anything "behind" it so why would I place screens where the sound doesn't get picked up anyways. Also I use the screens to cut the room size down which of course affects the sound.
I ve been using this technic for years, along with many engineers I know
Here is an example where in a treated live room, Jay z is recording with screens like treatment behind him and nothing in front , now If i could benefit from doing things differently I would love to know, I will try to place the screen in front of the vocalist but could explain the reasons why it would sound better?
I'm trying to get the best sound with what I got and I have no problem changing the way I work for the better
PS: I love the screens!!

I must admit when I first saw the video I was like "sure do wish she as turned around" but then I did understand you had a good reason for it. That is the reason I said it the way I did. The reason I "generally" recommend singing into the screen is to take away from the room "more", but if you find it better to have it the other way then it is correct (your the person making the recording/sound).
BTW I want to thank you personally for sending us the clip. It totally rocks!! She is one hell of a singer!

[mdjice]

Originally Posted by Glenn Kuras

I must admit when I first saw the video I was like "sure do wish she as turned around" but then I did understand you had a good reason for it. That is the reason I said it the way I did. The reason I "generally" recommend singing into the screen is to take away from the room "more", but if you find it better to have it the other way then it is correct (your the person making the recording/sound).
BTW I want to thank you personally for sending us the clip. It totally rocks!! She is one hell of a singer!

No problem for the clip! her name is Paula Deanda she is signed to Arista Records (sony), Clive davis personally auditioned and signed her, she is DOPE
as far as the way I was using the screens, I used to record in a vocal booth so The screen thing is kind of new for my studio, I just used it the way it made more sense to me and as I have seen it used by other engineers however YOU designed these screens so if you recommend to use them in front of the singer I will definitely try that ! I can't tell which way sounds better as I havn't tried them in front of the mic yet, I will do that tomorrow.
PS: I also have some of your corner traps in this room and some more in the drum room,
Thanks for making great products !thumbsupthumbsupthumbsup

[Glenn Kuras]

Yep I did design it but what sounds good to your hears is really up to you. But yes let let me know which way works best for you.
BTW if you get a moment email a few pictures of the other room with the products. Always nice to see our stuff in action. thumbsup

[mdjice]

Originally Posted by Glenn Kuras

Yep I did design it but what sounds good to your hears is really up to you. But yes let let me know which way works best for you.
BTW if you get a moment email a few pictures of the other room with the products. Always nice to see our stuff in action. thumbsup

cool, will do!