I'm taking an RnB singer to a different studio than the one I normally work at - their was a falling out with my normal studio.

Anyway, the singer sounds a lot like beyonce .. good singer, but I'm not sure how she is going to sound with the gear at this new studio.

They have a Lawson L47MP for vocals, and then these pres:
John Hardy M1 Mic Preamp
Langevin Dual Mono Mic Preamps
Trident S20 Mic Preamps
Universal Audio 2-610 Tube Mic Preamps

We have limited time to track, so I won't be trying all the pres - I was thinking I would use the Hardy but didn't know if it would be too clean for RnB? what about the Langevin?

They also have a pair of distressors, a UREU 7110, an Aphex Compellor.

I might track with a tad of compression from a Distressor..

So what would recommend for a pre?

Thanks!

John Hardy with Lawson for RnB (beyonce-like) vocals?

Yay? thumbsup

Nay? tutt


OR

Langevin..


Yay? thumbsup

Nay? tutt

Use the UA 2-610 into the distressor....low gain on the pre, high gain on the distressor...

If that sounds funny for some reason, then use the Trident pres

Thanks - those are the 2 I don't have experience with, so for the sake of saving time I was going to go straight to the hardy, and then to the distressor for a bit of color.

But I could try your suggestion, as well.

Yeah, you can't really go wrong with the Hardy..it's pretty clean...

I think I'll go with Hardy -> Distressor for lead vox, and then try your idea (more colored) for BG vox.. She's really good at doubling (tripling, even) so maybe I'll also try more color on the doubles/harmonies, while keeping the lead a little cleaner.