Vocal test: TLM 49, UA 2 610S, Apogee converters

[triton92]

hello!! ok guys this is a raw vocal take from a session I am working on but I am not satisfied with the raw sound, whenever I start to eq it and compress it it just sounds worse, I am really struggling on getting a good raw vocal that I can process without it falling apart. I really don't know what's going on, I am thinking that there is an issue somewhere but don't have a clue where :( anyways, if someone has some suggestions please let me know. THanks!

[Kumbari]

Sounds like too much highs. Stand back form the mic another 6-12".
Man tough to know what to say when I did not see it being recorded.

[Mark D.]

Your vocal sounds well recorded actually. Moving away from the mic as he suggests will reduce proximity effect, which increases low end thickness & would actually make your voice thinner. I'd heard a "pop" so you should use a pop sheild. But other than that, I think you have a nice raw recording. I don't recommend changing the mic distance at all. That TLM 49 is a midrangey mic without excessive highs. Yet it's got smooth and even sound on your voice (well balanced). The key is this, NEVER make a recording decision based on what you hear in solo. In solo you will notice the sibilance and high end more. But just put that in the track with the rest of your song and listen. That's what matters. People won't hear your voice in solo but in the song. Having ideal high end in a recording means you don't have to add it later with an EQ.

Vocals tend to lose some of the highs in a typical mix because other instruments/cymbals will cover some of that. So an ideal vocal sound is balanced and not excessively warm. If it sounds really warm chances are unless it's a simple song (vocal over an acoustic guitar, poetry, or radio-announcer voice) it's not going to work in a mix & you'll probably be adding highs then and cutting lows. Lets hear it in your mix, post that. It should sit well. If you want less high end, and you want to compress it, just don't compress too aggressively. Try 2:1 or 4:1, with about 2-4 db gain reduction. Set it to a short attack time, and medium release, which will smooth the transients. Short being about 2 ms. Any less will be too dulling for most vocal tracks. But honestly, to keep it clear in your mix I'd say 2-3 ms would be best on this recording here.

[triton92]

Originally Posted by Mark D.

Your vocal sounds well recorded actually. Moving away from the mic as he suggests will reduce proximity effect, which increases low end thickness & would actually make your voice thinner. I'd heard a "pop" so you should use a pop sheild. But other than that, I think you have a nice raw recording. I don't recommend changing the mic distance at all. That TLM 49 is a midrangey mic without excessive highs. Yet it's got smooth and even sound on your voice (well balanced). The key is this, NEVER make a recording decision based on what you hear in solo. In solo you will notice the sibilance and high end more. But just put that in the track with the rest of your song and listen. That's what matters. People won't hear your voice in solo but in the song. Having ideal high end in a recording means you don't have to add it later with an EQ.

Vocals tend to lose some of the highs in a typical mix because other instruments/cymbals will cover some of that. So an ideal vocal sound is balanced and not excessively warm. If it sounds really warm chances are unless it's a simple song (vocal over an acoustic guitar, poetry, or radio-announcer voice) it's not going to work in a mix & you'll probably be adding highs then and cutting lows. Lets hear it in your mix, post that. It should sit well. If you want less high end, and you want to compress it, just don't compress too aggressively. Try 2:1 or 4:1, with about 2-4 db gain reduction. Set it to a short attack time, and medium release, which will smooth the transients. Short being about 2 ms. Any less will be too dulling for most vocal tracks. But honestly, to keep it clear in your mix I'd say 2-3 ms would be best on this recording here.

hey guys thanks for the recomendations! I have uploaded the same vocal take, now processed and in the context of the mix, let se what u guys think!