Please Help with Live Vocal Sound

[Jim vanBergen]

Might I suggest you really need a relationship with a good live sound guy who you trust to work with? You have many separate issues/concerns in your post, which is probably why no one has repsonded....

hope this helps!

[HRVOX]

Thanks...yeah i hear ya, but I am looking for above that that extra punch an presence that can be hard to get even with good sound guy and PA system...

Looking at these option to bring added presence, clarity, and maybe some thickening and boost to just get the best sound possible:

BBE: Acoustimax Pedal or 882i Sonic Maximizer
Aphex: Aural Exciter 204 or Acoustic Exciter Pedal
TC: Voice Tone Correct and Create Pedals

Perhaps if anyone cares to comment here on this approach. A vocal coach who also endorses the pedals recommended the TC units, though after he did I did some thinking and think actually the use of some form of "exciter/maximizer/enahncer" would be even more optimal

Again any feedback is appreciated so i can maybe know what might be best to start to audition to actually see what will i hope do what i want

TIA!!!!!

[Rockinrob]

Try not to get too techie with your live vox. A good singer with a good sound man will translate well. You should be able to get a great vocal sound from an SM58 and maybe a little reverb. Don't get too wrapped up into effects you'll be missing the boat. It's all about your voice in it's organic form Use what you have and don't over think it. Getting a good soundman is paramount as well.

[loujudson]

Rockinrob is prety much right on, but I disagree with the 58. You might want to audition various vocal mics and find one that complements your voice and brings out the tone you have and the tone you seek. I work with a lot of vocalists live, and the mic choice is the biggest factor in having them sound their best. I don't know the singers you mention, but what kind of music is it?

You also need to check yourself and see if what you want to hear is suitable for you actual voice - and work with a vocal coach to get closer to what you think you want.

For live vocals, I have in my kit several mics to choose among:
Sennheiser 835 and 421
Beyer M69 and M600
Telefunken M80
AKG 535
Rode NT3 and M3
and Neumann KMS105
and various LDCs too.

There are lots of others to choose among!
I only have 58s because some people insist on them, but I have to compensate with EQ for their sound. Beta 58s are preferred by some, and I hate them but work with them when they bring their own.

Try various mics in a realistic situation and see how different they can be. I have never used any kind of enhancer or pedal and been doing live sound for over 40 years. Best luck!

[GZsound]

The advice to find the right microphone is the best advice.

When you start adding vocal processors you are asking for trouble. The BBE, Aphex, etc. enhancers won't do what you want. They may make your vocals brighter, but a decent mic will do that much better.

Try as many vocal mics as possible. If you want a bright dynamic mic, try a Sennheiser E835, for a bright condenser vocal mic, try a Shure Beta 87A or an AKG 535..

Some of the top end EV mics are very clear and clean and the top end Audix mics are very present too.

Get a good mic and learn how to use it and forget adding too much electronic enhancement.