|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 48
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 48 |
I have been trying to improve the vocals sound quality on my recordings. I record the vocals in a spare bedroom, but the vocals come out not as crisp as I would like. I am thinking I need to buy a sound proof booth. Would that help or do I need to sound proof the whole room. The room also has a window. I would appreciate any advice I could get
Ken Mattox
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,684
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,684 |
"crisp" vocals have more to do with your equipment than room treatment.
What mic are you using?
What is your interface? Are you going through a mixer?
Do you run through anything (pre-amp? hardware compressor?) before hitting the recording platform? Is that your computer? or a hard-disk recorder?
How are you processing the vocal in your mix?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,282
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,282 |
What mic are you using? What is your interface? Are you going through a mixer? How are you processing the vocal in your mix? All are important to consider. The BOLD would have been my first question. Too many immediately add FX/signal processing to vocals. I'd suggest experiment on you next vocal track. Track it DRY....that will tell much about your performance deliverance, staying on pitch, making sure no proximity effect is occurring, etc. That experiment may also tell you how the mic actually works with your voice. You may discover that just a slight bit of EQing will work best in most cases. Also, some instruments may be stepping on or crowding out the vocal frequencies you associate with 'crispness'...just a thought. Hope that helps....
Last edited by chulaivet1966; 05/24/17 07:53 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 48
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 48 |
I use a blue snowball direct USB into my laptop. I record into Sonar X3 software
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,684
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,684 |
Since you are using a USB mic directly into a laptop, you can easily "test" whether or not buying a vocal booth or room treatment will change anything for you....
Sit in a closet full of clothes (pushed to either side of you).
Or drape a heavy quilt or a couple of blankets over something to make a "tent".
Record something in there. It will be just as effective as an isolation booth.
See if it makes a difference.
From what I've read about your microphone, it doesn't pick up much other than what is RIGHT in front of it. The reviews I read said you have to be pretty close to it to get a full sound. And, not many of the reviews seemed to be from people recording vocals for music. More for podcasts and gaming narratives. (Though there were some who thought it worked well for vocals).
If you are serious about recording music, I'd investigate microphones and spend your money there instead of room treatment or isolation booths. You also might consider the smallest Focusrite interface - which includes nice preamps - though that would mean a different mic - since it won't take a USB mic (I don't think).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
FYI the capsule in Blue Snowball mics is an electret condenser.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,072
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 14,072 |
FWIW, we receive a lot of positive comments regarding Janice's consistent vocal sound. Other than that she is a fine singer (I admit to bias) our setup is a decent condenser mic direct to our iMac based DAW via a USB interface. The room is a small workout/computer/music room that is a bit live with four windows...but curtained. We have a slightly quilted table runner hanging down a file cabinet with her mic about a foot from it. That's it. She sings facing the file cabinet  Point being (glad you got there Bud) is that everything floyd pointed about about effects we ditto big time. I think from having recorded vocals off and on since the 60's that the room has become less and less of a factor and processing more and more so. By processing I'm referring specifically to the "right" amount of compression, eq, reverb and delay for the voice and the style song. The plug-ins are a lot cheaper than a room remodel. Bud
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,633
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,633 |
If you are hearing a 'room' effect (often a certain boxy or reflected sound), then room treatments may help.
Even then, experiment first.
While recording my daughter and a friend one night in her room I picked up on this.
I moved the mic from the room it was in and put it in the hallway outside instead (which opens to a stairwell).
The issue was instantly resolved .. plus I discovered that if I open the other doors beside where the mic sat I got an even clearer signal. These were likely direct side reflections.
Anyway, if this is the case I suggest experimenting a little first, as I found a nice spot for the mic just 8 feet away. And less effort. I've recorded many other tracks there since discovering this.
/The wife needs to be notified in some instances, as answering her phone could ruin a take!
Otherwise if it is actually just 'crispness', a compressor and EQ may indeed help quite a bit.
Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,326
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,326 |
In addition to the equipment, and the signal chain, the room itself may be a dead room with lots of high end absorption from carpet, and drapes. Your singing technique can also play a huge factor. You can get crisp and clear recordings i some pretty unlikely places if you know what you're doing and have reasonably decent gear. You don't need top of the line stuff to get decent recordings. But, you do have to know what you're doing.
But enough with the guessing. Post a sample of what you're talking about in this thread. That way we can hear and that can possibly help with some advice that's more targeted to the problem.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
In addition to the equipment, and the signal chain, the room itself may be a dead room with lots of high end absorption from carpet, and drapes. Your singing technique can also play at huge factor. You can get crisp and clear recordings i some pretty unlikely places if you know what you're doing and have reasonably decent gear. You don't need top of the line stuff to get decent recordings. But, you do have to know what you're doing.
But enough with the guessing. Post a sample of what you're talking about in this thread. That way we can hear and that can possibly help with some advice that's more targeted to the problem. Yes please post a sample of what you don't like and a link of what you wished it sounded like
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 880
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 880 |
I use a blue snowball direct USB into my laptop. I record into Sonar X3 software
I don't know what you mean by crisp ut if you use a USB mic you will tend to get a lot of noise.
Computer: Macbook Pro, 16 inch 2021
DAWs: Pro Tools, Logic, and Maschine
plays drums, percussion, bass, steel pan, keyboard,
music producer/engineer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Scarlet2i2SG2Buy a good pop filter, and Bob's your uncle. Regards, Bob
Last edited by 90 dB; 05/25/17 08:25 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,583
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,583 |
Buy a good pop filter, and Bob's your uncle.
Regards,
Bob But, wait, you're Bob. We used to have a chain self storage storage units here called Uncle Bob's. They rebranded as Life Storage, but I liked the name Uncle Bob's better, because, well, easily store your stuff (they even offered a free truck with a unit rental) and Bob's your uncle. Okay, back to on topic now... What they said!
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA BB2024/UMC404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/MixBus/Notion/Finale/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
That package also includes a cool software bundle and the 2nd Generation Scarlett drivers, that reportedly have really low latency. That interface alone sells for $150. With the package you get a condenser mic, phones, 2 DAWS, and some sweet plugs. A no-brainer.  Regards, Uncle Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,633
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,633 |
I'm stealing your link for another thread.
^^That was your credit/citation for using it. Thanks
Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 48
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 48 |
Thanks, I am going to use your ideas.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
There is still risk that your lack of crispness is not equipment related but environment, technique, or signal processing related. Can you post a sample of your non crisp vocals?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Can't listen right now. Will try later with nice earphones.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,633
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,633 |
IMHO, the vocals need attention to EQ and compression.
They should stand out and be clear.Use EQ to define them, then Compression to create the focus.
If you need to adjust the EQ on other tracks to accommodate this, do it.
Then re-evaluate.
Like I said; this is just my impression/opinion on first listen. The vocals need their space, and definition.
Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,753
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,753 |
I listened to a few of your songs on SoundCloud. To me it sound more like singing technique. Sounds like he does not open his mouth nice and wide when singing. Kind of like this guy; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZipm9Ae1nI
Does the noise in your head bother me ?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,574
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,574 |
Try getting him to sing harder and without headphones covering his ears fully. (I don't mean yelling or straining his voice of course!) He probably thinks it sounds sweeter and more in tune if he doesn't sing too hard. Actually, he will sound dull and will be in danger of singing flat. You hear it all the time with nervous karaoke singers. My guess is that if he pushes it a bit harder it will still be in tune (as he's obviously musical - unlike my wife) and brighter more interesting. I have the same problem especially with headphones when streaming. As said previously, opening the mouth is all part of it. I've had the benefit of several classically trained professional music singers as teachers and lots of singing lessons, so I do have some experience in this area. (I remember one Opera Diva yelling at me "Sing Neil, Sing - Be a man not a mouse!") But boy, up in front of a thousand people singing "Bless This House", there's no choice.
Last edited by lambada; 06/02/17 06:59 PM.
Windows 10 Home 20H2 Build 19042.487
BIAB 2021 (Build 818)
Intel(R) Core(TM), i3-4160, CPU @3.60 GHz RAM 16 GB, 64 Bit X64-based processor
Zoom UAC-2 (USB 3 interface-built in midi)
VoiceLive 3 Extreme, Sputnik Valve Condenser Mic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Good news is you don't need a new mic. In addition to what rharv suggests there are two other issues; the multiple voices are contributing to the mud as they are not exactly precisely hitting consonants at the same time. That is one. Second is that the vocals are not high enough from a level perspective in your mix.
Before doing rharv's suggestion for compression, I would do two things: 1. try mixing the song with only one of the vocal tracks. Mute all others. When you do this, also cut out all of the reverb and delay effects. Mix that one vocal track so it feels like it's uncomfortably loud. Then print that mix and post it back to soundcloud and put the link here. As you do that then you can assess if EQ will help, perhaps starting first by high passing the single vocal track at 100-150hz. Move the filter frequency through that range and even higher than that until it starts to sound 'thin', then leave it there and boost that tracks level by 1-3 dB and perhaps more. I think you will find that the clarity improves significantly.
If you haven't applied either reverb or delay on your vocal tracks then you have a recording environment issue to deal with, because it certainly sounds like these have been applied either to the vocals or the whole mix and if not then your recording space has too much mid and high frequency reflection tendencies.
Last edited by rockstar_not; 06/03/17 08:20 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,326
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,326 |
First, you have too much reverb on the vocals in particular and the mix as a while. That makes for a weaker sounding mix.
Getting a good vocal takes a bit of experimenting. Record them dry. Set the EQ flat or use none on the incoming signal.
On the mix, you have too much reverb and the guitar solo was way too low.
Folks tend to try to hide behind reverb when they think they don't sound good singing. They think it makes them better.... I know, because I used to do it too. But when you take the time to work on the vocals by themselves.... and ditch the FX.... try to get a good sounding vocal track with nothing but the input signal.... suddenly, you are forced to confront the problems head on and with a bit of time and effort, you will be able to find that place where the vocals sound good. Same thing applies to everything else in the mix.
Don't shotgun it, and don't throw it all in the mix hoping something magically works and sounds good. Take the time to work on one thing at a time.....make it good without FX and then you will have nice sounding mixes.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Herb, we should work together!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!
The Newest RealBand 2024 Update is Here!
The newest RealBand 2024 Build 5 update is now available!
Download and install this to your RealBand 2024 for updated print options, streamlined loading and saving of .SGU & MGU (BB) files, and to add a number of program adjustments that address user-reported bugs and concerns.
This free update is available to all RealBand 2024 users. To learn more about this update and download it, head to www.pgmusic.com/support.realband.htm#20245
The Band-in-a-Box® Flash Drive Backup Option
Today (April 5) is National Flash Drive Day!
Did you know... not only can you download your Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK purchase - you can also choose to add a flash drive backup copy with the installation files for only $15? It even comes with a Band-in-a-Box® keychain!
For the larger Band-in-a-Box® packages (UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition), the hard drive backup copy is available for only $25. This will include a preinstalled and ready to use program, along with your installation files.
Backup copies are offered during the checkout process on our website.
Already purchased your e-delivery version, and now you wish you had a backup copy? It's not too late! If your purchase was for the current version of Band-in-a-Box®, you can still reach out to our team directly to place your backup copy order!
Note: the Band-in-a-Box® keychain is only included with flash drive backup copies, and cannot be purchased separately.
Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows® Today!
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows for free with build 1111!
With this update, there's more control when saving images from the Print Preview window, we've added defaults to the MultiPicker for sorting and font size, updated printing options, updated RealTracks and other content, and addressed user-reported issues with the StylePicker, MIDI Soloists, key signature changes, and more!
Learn more about this free update for Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows at www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1111
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 Review: 4.75 out of 5 Stars!
If you're looking for a in-depth review of the newest Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows version, you'll definitely find it with Sound-Guy's latest review, Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows Review: Incredible new capabilities to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs.
A few excerpts:
"The Tracks view is possibly the single most powerful addition in 2024 and opens up a new way to edit and generate accompaniments. Combined with the new MultiPicker Library Window, it makes BIAB nearly perfect as an 'intelligent' composer/arranger program."
"MIDI SuperTracks partial generation showing six variations – each time the section is generated it can be instantly auditioned, re-generated or backed out to a previous generation – and you can do this with any track type. This is MAJOR! This takes musical experimentation and honing an arrangement to a new level, and faster than ever."
"Band in a Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is huge, with hundreds of functions, more than any one person is likely to ever use. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. BIAB can do some things that no DAW does, and this year BIAB has more DAW-like functions than ever."
Convenient Ways to Listen to Band-in-a-Box® Songs Created by Program Users!
The User Showcase Forum is an excellent place to share your Band-in-a-Box® songs and listen to songs other program users are creating!
There are other places you can listen to these songs too! Visit our User Showcase page to sort by genre, artist (forum name), song title, and date - each listing will direct you to the forum post for that song.
If you'd rather listen to these songs in one place, head to our Band-in-a-Box® Radio, where you'll have the option to select the genre playlist for your listening pleasure. This page has SoundCloud built in, so it won't redirect you. We've also added the link to the Artists SoundCloud page here, and a link to their forum post.
We hope you find some inspiration from this amazing collection of User Showcase Songs!
Congratulations to the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!
We've just announced the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!
There are 45 winners, each receiving a Band-in-a-Box 2024 UltraPAK! Read the official announcement to see if you've won.
Our User Showcase Forum receives more than 50 posts per day, with people sharing their Band-in-a-Box songs and providing feedback for other songs posted.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums66
Topics81,612
Posts735,097
Members38,515
| |
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean