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]

While I do agree that it is critcal for every user to get to know all of their gear inside and out, trying to get an SM58 to sound like a (U47,U87,C12, or Blue Bottle) is not going to happpen for most people.

I have however been doing a demo and writing a review of M-Audios new Sputnik mic (Large diaphagm/Tube) and for $470 street price this thing is very impressive.

I am in the process of doing direct A/B comparisons with the above mentioned mics into some vlery nice preamps by Neve, Summit, Avalon, and even M-Audios very own Tampa.

After the first two days of testing I am very confident that for $470 for the Sputnik Mic, and about $330 for the Tampa Preamp you would be taking a very large step toward getting that sound you desire, and for a relatively small amount of money.

Just my 2 cents

PS - And no, I dont work for or have any affiliation to M-Audio, I just firmly believe that they are truely the leading company in trying to put high level gear in the hands of the bedroom musician... and at the same time a lot of "Pro" users are picking up their stuff as well. Nothing but good things to say about what they are trying to do