Logic, Best way to record vocals Options

[snudge]

Can anyone tell me the best way to record `vocals` so I do not over record-go in the red...Thought maybe through a limiter?
HELP!!!!

[manchoa]

forget the limiter ! You kill the dynamics only. Only place to use limiter is in the final mix,s you can get more volume without clipping.

How can Your vocals go to red ?

First thing to do (if you record anything) is to set the correct input levelt, so the singnal is not too low, but also not too loud and leave you enough headroom.
The level of microphone depends on the level you set on your soundcard or mixing board and also on the "input sensitivity" level - different mics hve different singnal strength, so first you have to set the input sensitivity and then the overall level.

Golden rule in digital recording is to record as loud as you can without clipping. In mix you set Vocal levels to 0dB.
Record without any FX. Best way is, if you hear some reverb while recording, but record a dry signal. This way you can fine tune all the FX-s and levels later.

Only add reverb (plate is best, also hall) and a slight compression (ratio 1.5:1 - 3:1; attack between 5-20 and decay about 100-250)

Mic is very important, also the placement of the mic. Good mic hardly need any EQ. If, then only to slightly "fine tune" the sound.

Prefere a cardioid condenser mic positioned 22,5 cm from the singer.
• A pop shield will reduce explosive ‘p’ and ‘t’ sounds.
• If sibilance is a problem, change to a dynamic mic or move the singer back


Tommy

[snudge]

forget the limiter ! You kill the dynamics only. Only place to use limiter is in the final mix,s you can get more volume without clipping.

How can Your vocals go to red ?

First thing to do (if you record anything) is to set the correct input levelt, so the singnal is not too low, but also not too loud and leave you enough headroom.
The level of microphone depends on the level you set on your soundcard or mixing board and also on the "input sensitivity" level - different mics hve different singnal strength, so first you have to set the input sensitivity and then the overall level.

Golden rule in digital recording is to record as loud as you can without clipping. In mix you set Vocal levels to 0dB.
Record without any FX. Best way is, if you hear some reverb while recording, but record a dry signal. This way you can fine tune all the FX-s and levels later.

Only add reverb (plate is best, also hall) and a slight compression (ratio 1.5:1 - 3:1; attack between 5-20 and decay about 100-250)

Mic is very important, also the placement of the mic. Good mic hardly need any EQ. If, then only to slightly "fine tune" the sound.

Prefere a cardioid condenser mic positioned 22,5 cm from the singer.
• A pop shield will reduce explosive ‘p’ and ‘t’ sounds.
• If sibilance is a problem, change to a dynamic mic or move the singer back


Tommy

Thanks...really informative.

you've opened big topic. there's tons of discussions on the web about this, but here's my quick two cents, based on the assumption that you're new to this process.
set your input level low. so low that you're not going to go into the red. digital recording is forgiving, and if you're considering using a compressor or limiter to bring the level up, use it as you mix, not as you track.
do multiple takes. you may want to do a take with a hotter level, or even lower. you've got plenty of hard disk space, so go for it.
piece together an ideal vocal take from the multiple takes. that's 'comping' the track. if one phrase is distorted because it's too hot, replace it with the same phrase from another take.
i've said enough for now.
good vocal recording is a lifelong pursuit. good luck.

Can anyone tell me the best way to record `vocals` so I do not over record-go in the red...Thought maybe through a limiter?
HELP!!!!

Thanks really helpful.

Sorry. Ive been gone for a while damn Army and the deployments! Anyways, its kids of hard to know how to answer without knowing exactly what your working with equipment wise? But in general, I think you have your EQ set to high, you need to limit the volume control on the channels that are busting into the red. But again, without knowing what you working with I can't get specific at all, sorry!

PEACE!

Thanks for your input.