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Joined: Aug 2008
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Merry xmas to all of you.
I have tried and tested a plethora of plugins in the attempt to enhance the sound of my vocal (Maybe it’s Mission Impossible ;-)). Nevertheless, after my opinion the software plugins of compressors and other enhancers are limited – that is, one has to listen very carefully to hear any difference at all. So, I wondered if one should look into hardware solutions. I realize that quality and price is related, however, could one have more value for money by go for a hardware solution? Any ideas.
Thanks
Jan
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Joined: Apr 2008
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That depends on what kind of enhancement you are looking for. Equalizer and a little reverb can take you most of the way. You could also experiment with Magnus & Smartelectronix's wonderful Ambience plug-in (free demo version). Otherwise, it is practice, practice and a good mic, of course.  I'm not into hardware solutions, but I'm sure the good people here will give good advice. Oh, and merry xmas to you, too! Jepster
Last edited by JEP; 12/26/08 08:17 AM.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Check out the UAD 1 or 2 if 1 is no longer available. If you are after a cheap solutions Universal Audio is not it.But their software sounds very much like their hardware which has no betters. Check em out at http://www.uaudio.com/Ron
`15 Audiophile, Toshiba17", 3Mhz, 4gig ram, 500gig HD, Win7, Tascam 122mkII interface, Tascam 16 track 8 buss recording mixer, 2 Avalon747sps,CAD VX2 mic, AKG C1000s, mac and Digital Performer.
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I use both, soft and hardware. I think that on the software side of things, there are MANY good "plugs", but if you don't have enough computer power, I'd go with hardware... plenty of options out there, but some of the better ones are obviously pricey.
Cheers, Mike My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
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Joined: May 2000
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Quote:
Nevertheless, after my opinion the software plugins of compressors and other enhancers are limited – that is, one has to listen very carefully to hear any difference at all.
Something else must be out of whack if that is the case.
Many host programs use "inserts" for plugins, meaning that the amount of Wet to Dry signal may be "watering down" what you hear. This is often adjustable. Full Wet should be certainly very easily audible in the vast majority of plugins.
--Mac
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Joined: Aug 2008
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Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 301 |
Hi Jan,
you should definately hear a perceivable difference after applying software plugins. Hardware options in my opinion may offer certain benefits but the convenience and cost of software versions has my vote. As Jeepster said, equalizer and a little reverb will be beneficial and carefully used compression will bring your vocal nicely up front!
The thing to bear in mind is that "less is more" A stupid analogy but true none the less. Many a good vocal track has been slaughtered by over processing.
Just as a rule of thumb;
A good quality microphone,
A good strong (not clipping) signal
Just a little high frequency eq to enhance presence
A little reverb with lo frequency cut
Careful compression ( I add post record, many add during record)
Hope this helps a little,
Dave.
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Joined: Aug 2008
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 148 |
Thanks all for your advice. Ron , checked the UAD site, their plugins are rather impressive. Conclude that software solutions can do the 'trick' as good as hardware solutions.
Jan
JROM
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Tell us what you want to "fix" ?
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
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I have the Alesis NanoVerb hardware (18 bit digital Effects Processor) for live situations and several other singers I know here swear by it. For recording though, I just use a good mic (Rode NT1-A) and the 'Male Vocal FX' included in RB. Select the track, make it Audio Mono with a <right click> and then from the pop-up menu select 'Track Category' > Vocal > Vocals - Male (+FX) and I find that usually suffices. I don't normally even need to tweak it, just take the default settings.
HTH
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
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Joined: Aug 2008
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Sam et al
Gotta read the manual one of these days :-). Was'nt aware of those - right click - default settings you mentioned: 'male vocal +fx' etc etc. Thanks, good to have you forum friends around.
Jan
JROM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 177
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Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 177 |
Jan - I'd like to hear your voice and exactly check out what you're going for. You have a link?
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18 |
I use the tc helicon it is great. To make it great you have be in perfect time with the midi melody or it sounds robotic. If I were you I would spend a couple of days or a week learning how to use TC helicon. I'm not kidding if you are on time with the melody it makes flawless vocals.
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812 |
Hey,
If you are really serious about getting the kind of vocal ¨Sounds of the Pro´s¨, you will need 3 things:
1. A great mic (If you low on Budget, Rode makes some fantastic mics. Also check out CAD)
2. A great front end; i.e. Mic Preamp. There are many available, and price can be reasonable or high end, but if you want what many pros are using, Check out Universal Audio 610 MK II. it is pricey (Around $1500 at Sweetwater) But, you just cannot beat the sound. Many studios like it more than Apogee, which is REALLY great in its own right. Another alternative would be the Avalon 737.
3. The last thing I am going to mention is D/A and A/D Conversion. Don´t skimp of this, it makes a MAJOR difference. The right combination of these items will show you why software is good, but the extra effort and cost of the right Hardware will pay off in a totally professional project.
My humble opinion, based on many frustrating years using just about every software out there. Also, foolishly buying alot of Prosumer gear, looking for the sound the major studios come out with. I suggest you go to Sweetwater Sounds website, and read the Customer reviews carefully before buying. Also, make sure you buy from a vendor that provides a good return policy ( and NO Restocking fee!)
Ed
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 11
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 11 |
I'm going to reiterate, a great microphone is the starting point...As mentioned above, there are other factors to consider, but if your mic is no good, then compression probably won't help much. Remember VST plug ins are everywhere, if you don't like your compressor, there's tons out there, but really, software or hardware, it doesn't take much. Consider the input first, I'm sure your voice is fine, you just have to get it into the computer differently
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Expert
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Expert
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812 |
+1 for UAD plugins. And they have a really great Express card setup. You should check out the videos on their website. I've never heard plugin effects that sound as pure as UAD. Now if you have $7000 and want to buy a Bricasti Audio Reverb, it may be slightly better. But for most projects, the UAD stuff is magic!
Ed
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Check out Yamaha's "Vocal Rack" plug in. Made for vocals and comes with many presets. It will definitely give you quality vocals, if they are recorded clean  Trax
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