Hi,

Up until now I've only recorded jazz instrumentals and I don't sing, so your opinion on the vocal chain would be greatly appreciated.

I used a U87 on Vox to a Dav preamp and used the internal processing of the Korg 32xd for mixing and comp-eq-effects. I know the vocalist is a little pitchy so I will have her re-due the take next session.

Need some input on the vocal compression eq and effects, please.



http://iacmusic.com/artist.aspx?ID=94280

Thanks for the feedback.
-jim

Last edited by Abbeyville on Tue May 13, 2008 12:03 pm, edited 1 time in total

Hi Jim,

I visited the link you provided and found 2 songs. I listened to the first one, "no greater love."

As it will soon become apparent... I'm just getting started with pro recording... but I wanted to toss some thoughts your way anyway. Maybe learn something by being a stupid newb.

1. I think some volume automation would be effective. There is a build-up in the song where the music gets louder... but her vocal level stays the same. I think this is the biggest item I noticed. The vox volume doesn't move with the song. (in my less-than-rookie opinion)

2. In regards to vocals, I know the song is meant to be soft and expressive (again, newb opinion) but I feel the vocals lack body, or fullness. I think I know what you were going for in regards to the delicate vocal tone (I think?) you were going for... but feel that *something* could be done to thicken them up. (not sure what... maybe light doubling? duplicate track, toss on some heavier compression, mix w/ dry? i dunno... i'm an idiot lol)

3. Regarding vocals, for the last time hehe, I wonder if some low harmonies would compliment the song? I say wonder because I'm not sure... One part of me says yes (again, low volume, even if only to thicken lead vox). The other says... don't take away from her vocals. Like the artist Sia. Delicate vox... no backup vox to take away from it.

But... I like vocal layering... but just a personal preference.

4. The instrumental mix was great. I liked every part of it. I'm a sucker for a crisp high end and definitely got it with this piece.

Overall I really enjoyed the songs production and would just revisit the vocals again. I think you said you were anyway next session... so... I just wrote a lot to tell you nothing I guess?

All comments based on representation of an mp3, so they may not be totally acurate.

No Greater Love,
I like the idea, the music sounds pretty good, but there is some distortion and it is a little thin. To me it sounds like you pushed the tracks a little too hard. Hopefully they were pushed and
There is distortion in the vocs as well. As far as being pitchy, yes but that can be smoothed out. There are parts where they distort. That is the hardest part for me to get past.

If you want me to,
There are distortion issues here as well. The instruments seem thin again.
The vox could be more solid as well.

This is one I would love to have the tracks on. It has a lot of potiential.

I hope this helps, but before I give technical critiques of individual aspects, I would need to here a cleaner, more solid, less distorted mix.
_________________
Rob
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