Recording Screaming!?

jamiered · 26th September 2007, 02:39 AM

For those of you who have recorded screaming vocalists what seems to work out the best? Using a preamp for distortion or a specific plug in and if so what? Thanks for your help. Andreas I know you're out there somewhere and can answer this one :)

Rufuss Sewell · 26th September 2007, 02:45 AM

Depends a lot on the vocalist. I like to use a dynamic... SM57 or MD421. I track it through an 1176. Fast attack and release can give it a nice crunch... but if you let it clip too much you can't go back, so I generally keep it on the clean side. A weak vocalist will need some distortion to sound right. But some people just sound demonic on their own and don't need distortion at all. If they do need it, use an amp sim plug or re-amp.

ToddF · 26th September 2007, 02:48 AM

I have recorded many a heavy singer/screamer/cookie monster vocals and I usually never distort a whole track. It isn't needed for a good heavy singer.

Sometimes in a mix a production call for distortion is needed and then everything from overloading a console channel to plugins to gtr pedals.

Peace, Todd

dbbubba · 26th September 2007, 02:49 AM

Do you want distorted screaming vocals or clean screaming vocals?

For a clean vocal I treat them the same as any other vocals, but I stress that the "vocalisit" needs to move back from the mic when it is a condenser.
I had a few large diaphragm ruined this way.

For distorted vocals I have had good results and praise from even Gearslutz people when I used a cassette recording of a vocal track sung through a hi-Z mic and a tube Echoplex.
I have used a RATT pedal.
I have used 2" 24 track cut as hard as possible (this is a great sound!)
Two 1176s...
One console channel overdriven feeding the next for level control.
Through a 1971 Marshall Superlead II

Whatever makes for an interesting effect.

All of the above and in tandem or any combination.

John Suitcase · 26th September 2007, 03:01 AM

Just an aside, I really like to have a room mic when I record screaming vocalisits.

Sensual Ears · 26th September 2007, 03:09 AM

reamp through a JCM800 and bring it up in parallel under the original track and comp'd.

dbbubba · 26th September 2007, 03:09 AM

With the proper mic and a good sounding room you WILL get room when the vocalist moves back off mic.

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26th September 2007, 02:39 AM	#1
jamiered Gear interested Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 3	Recording Screaming!? For those of you who have recorded screaming vocalists what seems to work out the best? Using a preamp for distortion or a specific plug in and if so what? Thanks for your help. Andreas I know you're out there somewhere and can answer this one :)

26th September 2007, 02:45 AM	#2
Rufuss Sewell Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,313	Depends a lot on the vocalist. I like to use a dynamic... SM57 or MD421. I track it through an 1176. Fast attack and release can give it a nice crunch... but if you let it clip too much you can't go back, so I generally keep it on the clean side. A weak vocalist will need some distortion to sound right. But some people just sound demonic on their own and don't need distortion at all. If they do need it, use an amp sim plug or re-amp. __________________ FOR SALE: 32ch DAKING 1112 console Check the classifieds!!! www.MySpace.com/NebulostProductions

26th September 2007, 02:48 AM	#3
ToddF Lives for gear Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 585	I have recorded many a heavy singer/screamer/cookie monster vocals and I usually never distort a whole track. It isn't needed for a good heavy singer. Sometimes in a mix a production call for distortion is needed and then everything from overloading a console channel to plugins to gtr pedals. Peace, Todd __________________ Todd Fitzgerald Producer/Engineer Winterland Studios Minneapolis API Legacy + http://www.winterlandstudios.com

26th September 2007, 02:49 AM	#4
dbbubba Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 3,899	Do you want distorted screaming vocals or clean screaming vocals? For a clean vocal I treat them the same as any other vocals, but I stress that the "vocalisit" needs to move back from the mic when it is a condenser. I had a few large diaphragm ruined this way. For distorted vocals I have had good results and praise from even Gearslutz people when I used a cassette recording of a vocal track sung through a hi-Z mic and a tube Echoplex. I have used a RATT pedal. I have used 2" 24 track cut as hard as possible (this is a great sound!) Two 1176s... One console channel overdriven feeding the next for level control. Through a 1971 Marshall Superlead II Whatever makes for an interesting effect. All of the above and in tandem or any combination. __________________ Danny Brown

26th September 2007, 03:01 AM	#5
John Suitcase Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,260	Just an aside, I really like to have a room mic when I record screaming vocalisits. __________________ --------------------------------- Suitcase Recordings Indie, Punk, Garage - On Location Recording

26th September 2007, 03:09 AM	#6
Sensual Ears Gear maniac Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 273	reamp through a JCM800 and bring it up in parallel under the original track and comp'd.

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