Mic technique question

[CK9]

I have been recording a demo at home using a RODE NTK for vocals and also tried an SM58. My Preamp is an Avalon AD2022. I unfortunately don't have good converters yet.

On both mics I have noticed my volume level varies too much when I am singing. Is this a mic technique problem, or a vocal technique problem, or both? Do I simply need to turn everything up and stand back a bit?

[ARIEL]

you need to get a compressor ;) that will take care of your loud vocal lines

[CK9]

but the variations are quite severe and frequent, its not like one line is soft and another loud, its more like I start soft and get louder etc on almost every line.

The more I talk about it the sillier it sounds

[dbbubba]

Patient: "Doctor, it hurts when I do this."
Doctor: "Stop doing that."

[CK9]

so it is vocal technique?

[_Morph_]

It's actually quite simple: the louder you sing, the louder the signal.

Try to set the preamp level so that it gets a hot but non-clipped signal on your louder passages. The quieter passages will have a lower signal but that's exactly what they are: quiet passages.

In your case, if the gear and all the variables (distance to mic, preamp gain, etc.) are the same, then the problem is your singing. Work on that before recording.

[danbronson]

Sounds to me like a vocal technique thing, but to a certain extent, volume difference is to be expected, hence why compressors exist.

So when you sing, try to focus on getting a consistent take. Don't back away from the mic during the louder parts, that'll awkwardly change the way your voice sounds and allow lots of 'room sound' in on certain parts. Just try to sing consistently. Then control everything with a compressor after that.

[lunale]

A compressor can be what you need.
And BTW since your talking about a good converter.
A good converter is what you want to buy last imo. First learn your stuff with what you got.

[Weasel9992]

I agree that it's a technique thing. Most vocal takes have some inconsistencies in them, but as long as the track as whole is decent you can smooth things out easily with automation or fader moves for the most part. Compression comes in at this point if necessary, unless I'm going for something specific that requires a different chain.

Frank

[rcm]

Yep, great studio singers are really good at pulling away from the mic on the really loud passages and getting up a little closer on the quite ones. Its best to get it right at the sources when you can. Combine good mic technique with a bit of compression and you should start to see some nice improvements.

[doncaparker]

While we are pointing out basics, keep in mind that, the closer you are to the mic when you sing, the more of an impact both your vocal dynamics, and your position relative to the mic, will have on the final product. If you are eating the mic, then really small changes in how you sing and where your mouth is will have dramatic effects on the resulting sound that is recorded.

If you want a more consistent volume and tone, then yes, learn better singing technique and get a compressor, but also think about backing away from the mic a bit just in general. I think that will help with the specific problem you have mentioned.

[edcampos]

Originally Posted by ARIEL

you need to get a compressor ;) that will take care of your loud vocal lines

I can't believe my eyes. Someone actually considered practicing their instrument only to be shot down one post into the thread...

No, don't buy a compressor. Do exactly as you said, work on your singing and mic technique. That will do a lot more than a compressor (or any piece of gear) can. I commend you on being brave enough to admit the fact the flaw may be at the source.

There are lots of good vocal coaches around, especially in the big music markets (Nashville, LA, NYC, etc). Go see one for a few lessons. Practice a lot, it will do you wonders!

Ed

[under the fridge]

Technique might be an issue. Coming from a classical background, I know that it's easy to have certain notes pop out, especially when changing registers or getting into the high range, especially with woodwinds. I have no reason to believe that this isn't fundamental to good vocal technique as well. Also, try backing up from the microphone. Two inches off axis is more degrees offset at one inch from the capsule than would be a two inch offset at 5 inches from the capsule.

[CK9]

thanks everyone, I'll move away from the mic and try to control volume variations in my voice. I think I need to experiment a bit more with monitoring as well, less guitar, more vocals etc.

under the fridge, I think I know what you're saying and I'll give the 'off axis' thing a try.

doncaparker, I was very close to the mic, or 'eating the mic' as you put it. I cant remember why I did that, I think it was partly because I didnt have enough of my vocals in my headphones but it may have also been because everytime I see other singers playing live they are always eating the mic. Is that what you have to do when playing live?

Also, have any of you heard a RODE NTK? I know they are not the best and I plan to get a better mic one day but I was just wondering if you guys know of any traps related to NTKs, do they suit certain voice types, are they transparent or coloured in your opinion, etc?

[_Morph_]

Originally Posted by CK9

thanks everyone, I'll move away from the mic and try to control volume variations in my voice. I think I need to experiment a bit more with monitoring as well, less guitar, more vocals etc.

That's the key: experiment!

Originally Posted by CK9

Also, have any of you heard a RODE NTK? I know they are not the best and I plan to get a better mic one day but I was just wondering if you guys know of any traps related to NTKs, do they suit certain voice types, are they transparent or coloured in your opinion, etc?

Every mic has its uses, as long as it exhibits some quality. I do not know about the NTK, but I'm afraid you're not going to get the answer you need in a forum. If you want to record your voice, you have to try some mics with your gear. Only then will you have a clue about what serves your voice best.