Metal Vox Chain

[liferdrums]

Greetings all,

Hope all are well. I have a session coming up where I will be tracking some vocals. The material is mainstream hard rock/metal. We need a mic, a pre and comp for the job. I had been considering the sm7 for the aggressive vocals and a vintage 87 for the melodic stuff. The vocalist is a bit toppy and harsh. I am just getting into the world of purchasing high end gear. I will have around $4k to drop on the chain and would really like to have some suggestions.

Thank you for any help given in advance.

[in the red]

for screamo vocals i tend to use sm7 - api - distressor 6:1. for melodic stuff the mic choice depends on the voice. could be anything. u87 could be nice, or not. you´ll have to try and listen. sm7 might work as well.

[jamroom]

I use a daking pre/eq for metal vox.I use a distressor sometimes but after using it a while I went back to a langevin elop compressor.I sometimes use a germanium but for most heavy vocals either sung or screamed the daking gets most of the action.As far as mics go my usual is a 414 but I do use an sm7 some too.Either one of those work well with the daking.The germanium doesn't do so well with the sm7 though.

[camerondye]

I would think if the vocalist is toppy and harsh you might like using the SM7B throughout the song because it seems to deal with highs pretty well. Just because it is a $325 mic doesn't mean it isn't an amazing mic. Depending on which LDC you get it might make it worse. Spend the money on the pre and the comp because the SM7B will probably be great for the job. It seems like the 2 big compressors people like are the MC77 (1176 copy) and the Distressor which leaves about 2 grand to spend on the pre. Around here it seems the Pacifica is an amazing choice and is stereo. That would definitely get you under $4000 and should leave a little left over. Peluso has a try out policy and there U47 copy is supposed to be amazing and would give you the results you are probably looking for. I have the 22 251 and the R14 and they are both awesome. If you decide on a mic and can't afford a high end compressor, get a RNC. It will give good results and you probably will keep it forever because it gives great results. Good luck on your purchase...
Cameron

[Doc Mixwell]

I have tried many things for this application and have found that the 2-mic setup works the best for me.

I will use a Telefunken M16 to capture the bright, clear detail of the vocals and add a SM7B or any dynamic with some grit right under the capsule.

I will then run the M16 through a slightly less aggressive, smoother preamp such as the Little Labs LMNO PRE, which allows me to then dial in either LOW FREQ RESONANCE or HIGH FREQ RESONANCE, depending on the source. For the M16, I will usually dial in the HF RESONANCE to get more "cut-through" presence and clarity. Also, with this 2 mic setup, I will not run the M16's pre as hot because I can bring the "girth" into the picture with the dynamic.

Telefunken USA | Telefunken R-F-T M16 Mk II

Lmnopre limited edition microphone preamplifier

I will usually run the SM7 through the API 3124 so as to dial in a more of an aggressive feel. This means TONS of GAIN!!! After the API, I will run into the Chandler Zener Limter or the TG-1 in limit, to really control the "punishment"!!! With the Zener, you can shave off upwards of 20dB without the gain reduction cell crapping out. I find the Zener adds some nice warmth to the source as well as the TG-1.

If God asked me to record him preforming death metal vocals, I would run him through the Zener!!!!

Chandler Limited | Products: TG1 Compressor -

Chandler Limited | Products: TG12413 Zener Limiter -

peace
mixwell

[barryjohns]

There is only 1 thing God would ever ask you for, and that is Your Heart

[drundall]

That's basically what I do, but I don't use an 87. Same idea though. Works well. I use API usually, sometimes Neve 1272's.

[Allen Wrench]

I’m doing more of a screaming and high dynamics type of thing… and have a PILE of the high priced stuff… But I’m amazed at how little of a difference the higher priced stuff makes... to an extent. FIRST OF ALL… every mic and chain will sound different per individual.

The API 512 is a good move, and if the SM7 sounds great… you’re there! For the amount of money you’re talking about, check out a Royer r-121 and a Langevin DVC. Don’t forget to try a few 57’s on vocals.

The vocal set up that won out on my last project was…
57 -> API 512 -> 1176

During some recent vocal overdubs it was a 121 to a DVC.

One of the things I realized after buying a pile of stuff was that spending an extra $ 6k on my vocal chain DIDN’T get me $ 6k more in sound. But then again I’m a drunk guy recording in my living room.


- AW

[Mosby]

Originally Posted by barryjohns

There is only 1 thing God would ever ask you for, and that is Your Heart

Sure, but I mean, this is all hypothetical - like the imagine you're on an island with Cindy Crawford, Monica Belucci, and Gary Shandling. Who do you eat first, kind of question.


On-topic, it might be worth checking out the Chandler Germanium mic pre - I haven't had a chance to use one, but it sounds like it could be right up your alley.

[blackcom]

Originally Posted by barryjohns

There is only 1 thing God would ever ask you for, and that is Your Heart

Yeah, and if you don't worship him he'll send you to hell and you'll burn for all eternety....fuc*ing sadist asshole.

That's why many prefer Satan instead, he is honest an no hypocrit.

God is a sadist and the true sum of all evil! He is also the biggest lier among us.

Burning people is not about love....it's about being sick....and I fu*king hate the fuc*er.

dfegad God

...sorry...