how to remedy this compression problem.

[sadworld]

while tracking vocals i try to compress on the way in with as much compression as i can get away with without the bad artifacts.... i only have distressors at the moment and can get a nice airy sound when the vocals aren't screaming but you really get those bad artifacts when the singer really screams, almost sounds like the mic is nearing distortion. what's a remedy for this...besides no compression? thanks.

[djui5]

Do the loud passes on a new track with different compression settings,


or (VERY UNRECOMMENDED by me) ride the compressor while recording to adjust for the loud passages.

[shady656]

back off the overall compression a bit.....If it sounds like there is too much compression, there probably is....

[djui5]

Originally Posted by shady656

back off the overall compression a bit.....If it sounds like there is too much compression, there probably is....

Sorry but that's not the solution. I've had this problem before too, get a track sounding great and the singer sings loud as hell at the end, then you have to adjust the compression settings and it dosen't sound as good as you had it. It's frustrating.

Another idea is for the singer to back off the mic when he/she sings loud. That helps. They learn to "work the mic" that way.

[natpub]

Originally Posted by djui5

Another idea is for the singer to back off the mic when he/she sings loud. That helps. They learn to "work the mic" that way.

To do what you are wanting, short of getting a compressor like the GML, the above is the proper solution--the singer needs to work the mic properly. In addition, if you have the singer crammed in a vocal booth or surrounded by gobos, try putting them in a more open space.

[Mike Caffrey]

Turn down the pre for the loud sections.

[Soundpad]

I recorded vocals yesterday and had the same problem...first minute whispering and after a minute BAM ! If the singer worked the mic when he was singing loud it changed the vocal sound competely...IMO it is better to adjust the gain differently and retain the sound of the voice...

[James Lugo]

Your problem is common. It maybe the singer blowing out the mic. If the singer has bad vocal technique they will sometimes kill the mic. And when I say bad technique I'm not talking about mic technique, I'm talking about pushing to much air. Honestly, the solution is a tough one, if you back the singer off the mic to far you lose mojo. Try setting the mic diaphragm above the singers nose and point it down slightly.