Vocal Recording Techniques, What makes for good technical vocal Options

[sonickid23]

So I've been doing some reading in this forum and have learned that, yes a large part of a good vocal involves the talent of the singer. However, technically what makes a good vocal recording?...after recording some of my own vocals and comparing to some CD's of mine I realize they need some sprucing up. I've heard about limiters and compressers and equalizers, yet I have NO CLUE what these do. I have fiddled with them a bit and can definitely hear a difference in the sound, but I guess my question is"What is the desirable vocal sound/quality?" and "How is it achieved?"...I'm sure this will spur a multitude of different answers...so I guest every just give your two cents. Thanks

[allears]

Hello,

You are correct that a good vocal recording starts with the person on the mic... it then follows the signal chain all the way down the line:

In an ideal world you would match the right mic and Preamp with the vocalist... all of these items will determine the quality of your recording

the quality of the vocal mic > quality of the Preamp/compressor > quality of the A/D on your audio interface > compression and EQ applied the vocal once it is placed in the mix.

Please post your mic/Preamp/ audio interface/ and compressor you are using.

Otto