Recording vocals advice.

[Raheem]

As many of you guys know, I started recording my vocals a while back. Since then, I've gain a tad bit of knowledge on how to mix and master vocals efficiently, but I feel that is not up to quality. I also still feel a bit ignorant on what I need to buy or do to get better sound quality. (Like recording volume and other extra stuff)

Now that I got a job, I'm looking forward on saving up and spending a little bit more of cash upgrading my equipment. Possibly replacing my microphone and getting studio monitors will be the first thing that I would want to buy. The rest like getting a stand, a pop filter, more soundproof foam etc. are not really important but I am considering on buying some. (Also if anyone can recommend some studio monitors please)

But I know that's not all I will need.
If anyone can shed a light on what else is needed to have great quality sound it will be greatly appreciated.

The equipment that I have right now is the following:

Samson c01u Condenser Microphone
Laptop: Acer 5742
I record in Audacity because it's much easier for me.
But I master my vocals in Cool Edit Pro 2.1
and also have Adobe Audition CS5.5 Available for me to use.

[Notorious1994]

Most of the better microphones have a 6.3 mm jack, and normal equipment doesn't have that so unless you already have a connector you're going to need one. I recommend Cubase, my friend has it in his studio. Look through their products and find a good priced one to suit your needs. It also comes with a professional mixing and production program (I don't like it, but that's because I didn't put the time in to learn it fully + you need the cubase hardware for it to work well. I know a lot of studios use their products, so my opinion here is a bit void)

So that'll get your recording quality up right away, plus a better recorder and editing than Audacity/cool edit.

For recording headphones (if you're looking) I recommend

http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/headph...index.html

http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH...B000P62ND6

(Holy shit, I bought them when they were like $220)

I have a pair of these, and they are among the absolute best studio/monitor headphones on the market. None of that beats extra low-end noise crap, whatever was recorded is EXACTLY what you'll hear with these headphones. I'd also recommend taking a look over their mics, they are some of the best in the industry

Overall, not cheap. I'm not saying buy all that stuff, but pick and choose and all of them will definitely increase your music and recording quality. It's all professional level products

[Raheem]

Thanks man, I'll be digging a bit more.


Would it be the same if I bought the headphones instead of the studio monitors? I'm in a tight space that's why I'm asking.

[Raheem]

Bump, anyone want to throw in their two cents?

[Joe M]

(07-31-2012 11:20 PM)Raheem Wrote:  Now that I got a job, I'm looking forward on saving up and spending a little bit more of cash upgrading my equipment. Possibly replacing my microphone and getting studio monitors will be the first thing that I would want to buy.

If you want to improve the quality of your recordings, an audio interface is a must. The stock sound card on your pc isn't going to cut it. Remember that the quality of your audio is always determined by the weakest link in the chain.

I've never used that Samson mic, or any USB mic for that matter, but you'll want to get a good vocal condenser mic that has an XLR connector, as they're the highest quality. If you do, you'll need an interface that can provide Phantom power. (Condenser microphones need an additional 48v of power to operate, called Phantom Power)

(07-31-2012 11:20 PM)Raheem Wrote:  The rest like getting a stand, a pop filter, more soundproof foam etc. are not really important but I am considering on buying some. (Also if anyone can recommend some studio monitors please)

A stand and pop filter are absolutely essential, and a cradle for the mic is a wise addition too. Depending on the acoustic space you're recording in (I assume its your bedroom or something similar) then soundproofing can make a huge difference. Even cheap acoustic foam can help.

Also, dedicating a lot of time to learning to mix properly goes without saying.

(07-31-2012 11:20 PM)Raheem Wrote:  The equipment that I have right now is the following:

Samson c01u Condenser Microphone
Laptop: Acer 5742
I record in Audacity because it's much easier for me.
But I master my vocals in Cool Edit Pro 2.1
and also have Adobe Audition CS5.5 Available for me to use.

I would highly recommend just ditching CEP 2.1 and move to Adobe Audition CS5. I've never used it, but I did use Adobe Audition 3, the newer version released after cool edit. CEP is really old now, and anything released after it will have a lot more/better mixing and recording capabilities. I actually started with Cool edit myself, and when I moved on to AA3, it made a big difference.

(08-01-2012 06:37 AM)Raheem Wrote:  Would it be the same if I bought the headphones instead of the studio monitors? I'm in a tight space that's why I'm asking.

Headphones are a greater priority than monitors, but you'll need a pair of monitors eventually.




Im studying Sound Engineering and Music Production at college, and I've recorded, produced and mixed many, many different tracks. If you need any help or advice with anything, just let me know.

[1871]

What is your mic like ? Ive been looking at these and saw this review of a yeti mic.

Any opinions on mics?



dunno. looks good but prefer old style



^ Neumann valve mic........NOT cheap !

has anyone used one of these;







?

[Notorious1994]

(08-01-2012 06:37 AM)Raheem Wrote:  Would it be the same if I bought the headphones instead of the studio monitors? I'm in a tight space that's why I'm asking.

Yes, but you need studio headphones that are flat so they don't distort sound. The ATH's are, so are many others

Also it really helps since you can listen to the beat while you do your vocals but it won't get recorded by your mic like it would with speakers

[Raheem]

Can you recommend a audio interface?




I was actually looking at the AT2020 USB or the Studio version.

[1871]

Yes - ^ good mic. This also had good reviews. Pushing to spend extra on a good mic is never wasted. Funnily enough reading this thread because Ive been searching for mics and exactly the things people are talking about here. So many options for home studio recording wheredyou start?

http://www.buildthestudio.com/audio-tech...eview.html

http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT2...B002T45X1G



The valve tube mics are the best - the clarity is brilliant - but they cost thousands - but audio technica do good mics.

[Raheem]

So I'm looking forward on buying AT2020USB But I want to move up and maybe get the XLR version. Plus is cheaper. But my question is, what else do I need with XLR Microphones?
Also, I was looking into the Avid Recording Studio but it had a few bad reviews. If anyone can guide me a bit further into this it'll be greatly appreciated.

[CMC]

(08-11-2012 08:56 PM)Raheem Wrote:  So I'm looking forward on buying AT2020USB But I want to move up and maybe get the XLR version. Plus is cheaper. But my question is, what else do I need with XLR Microphones?
Also, I was looking into the Avid Recording Studio but it had a few bad reviews. If anyone can guide me a bit further into this it'll be greatly appreciated.

If you were to buy the XLR version instead of the USB mic, you'd need an audio interface with "Phantom Power". Most condenser mics need this. The M-Audio interface you linked has Phantom Power if I remember correctly. I can't say much about how good it is, but I do remember that it has Phantom Power (My friend had one, but sold it).