Hey, so I'm going over my book 'the producers manual' but it isn't covering everything i have questions to, i am recording a family member who is particularly good at 'big' vocals on hopefully friday, this is the first time i have recorded vocals so i just have a few questions.

My setup is SE Electronics X1 condenser mic into Apogee Duet 2, into logic pro 9, my room is fairly treated.

Ok my questions are, I'm aiming for something like this : (1.25) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4DK6AFNQao

I am guessing due to my previous attempts at recording my own voice in that i record in MONO in to logic, is there any techniques for getting the vocal to fit like this, is that vocal in mono, should i layer the vocal up?

Sorry to ask some newb Q's just its my first time doing it so, are there any other vocal techniques (aside from EQ/ comp etc,) that i should be aware of, e.g harmonising etc.

Also i have 4 GIK 244 bass acoustic panels, which also tackle high and mid range, should i take these off their stands and put them around my family member as they are singing (like on the desk to enclose the microphone so she is basically singing at the panels) - to keep the vocal as dry as possible?

One last question : My microphone is at the end of my desk, about 1 and a half feet away from where i sit 10 hours a day, i have an XLR coming from it, at the moment i have the XLR cable plugged in all the time on phantom power, so i can always see a signal going in to my interface (even know when I'm typing and no music is playing) - is this right or can i cause damage somewhere? Should i unplug the XLR cable and only plug it in when needed or just leave it as it is?

Thank you in advance!!

Mike

For vocals like this, mono is standard operating procedure, you can always add stereo effects later to spread it out some.

If the singer can do it easily, having some "stacks" of the chorus vocals will sound bigger and better than doublers and chorus effects that replicate a real 2nd (or more) recording of the part.

The problem you'll most likely run into with "big" vocalists is distortion AT the mic. Singers who work full-voice can generate HUGE volumes that overwhelm large diaphragm condenser mics. Moving them further from the mic will lower the level, but the room itself starts to get into things. So yes, use as much diffusion and absorption as possible to get a dry sound, you can add any room you want after!

Luckily, the X1 has a -10db pad on it, which will give you some more headroom before you hit your (VERY nice) mic pre. IF you need it, that is. Some mics sound VERY different with the pad in, so use it as plan B. If you do switch it in, mute the mic at the pre, and have everyone remove their headphones, since the "thump" when you do can damage preamps, speakers and eardrums with frightening ease.

Full-out laughter is VERY dynamic, and you can use it as a starting point in setting levels for dynamic singers before they even arrive.

Remember to leave healthy headroom on your DAW too. I like peaks of -6db to -10db. Something tracked a little low is MUCH easier to work with than something that's distorted. That's forever!

Remember to have all your tech issues worked out (signal hitting the recorder, headphone mixes set up and sounding good) before the talent gets there. NOTHING kills a singer's vibe like poking around troubleshooting your gear while they tense up waiting to track.

Lastly, it doesn't hurt anything to leave the mic on all the time, but turn off the phantom power and wait about a minute if you DO unplug it. Otherwise, the same things that switching the pad or bass rolloff in apply. BOOM!

Good luck!

KVR/eSoundz: Xenobt

Thanks a lot for your reply it was VERY helpful,

Some great tips there and answered all my questions thanks!

Mike

You're welcome Mike! I've been tracking vocals for about 20 years now, and some of those gospel and metal singers can REALLY bring the noise!

Another thought about your mic, many manufacturers recommend taking the mic down and storing it in its case when not in use for long periods, to keep dust and humidity from affecting the capsule.

Since there's a small amount of electricity suspending the diaphragm, it makes a static charge that attracts random things floating around. So maybe turn the phantom power off when it's not needed.

Also, don't forget the parallel ceiling and floor are just as bad as walls and corners for early reflections, so don't overlook them when setting up your room for tracking!

KVR/eSoundz: Xenobt

Ahh perfect, yeah it struck me about the ceiling and rear wall as well, i should have that covered though as i can put the vocalist in a good spot where there is already some trapping then use the other panels to cover all reflection points

Thanks again!

Mike