VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Ditto to what Bob Souer said. I have had two pre-amps with all the EQ, compression gizmos, etc. but good mics and the right acoustics have made the most difference. I never use the EQ and may add a little compression on auditions, but that's it. Keep it simple and clean is my philosophy.

msand · Guest

Thanks all, this has been most helpful.

I think I'm going with the AT2020 USB. I'll let you all know how it goes. I'll probably also post my demo soon for critique.

Best,
Mason

Mike Sommer · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 10:44 pm Post subject:

Mason,

As most everyone suggested, it's best to start slow. Though I'm not a fan of a USB mic they are a good value for the beginner- unless you have money to burn.

May I suggest "Sound Studio" an inexpensive audio recording software for your Mac, not a bad value for $79.99. http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/audio/soundstudio.html

For $199.00 you can jump up to Logic Express 8:
http://www.apple.com/logicexpress/

Though Sound Studio only offers a few choices in EQ, and compressors, Logic supplies all the professional options you will ever need including a 31 band EQ and some very nice compressors.

If you decide to go with one of these programs or take the big plunge into outbaord gear be sure to run the cahin in proper order; Mic-Preamp- Mixer- EQ- Compressor. Most importantly Equalizer then compressor.

Beside rolling off the base below 80Hz (in some cases this can be provided via a low-frequency 'cut' filter on a mixer) so the Compressor wont pump. Other then that you won't really need a lot of EQ other then maybe a 3 dB bump at 1.5 KHz. A good mic should need very little in the EQ department.

Compressor setting (start modiste):
Ratio 2:1 or crank up if you're screaming into the mic
Threshold - 21 dB
Release - about 100 ms & Attack - 0.1 ms ( I like on auto)
Hard Knee (if you have it)
(all other setting usually on auto)

Good Luck!
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Acoustics are counter-intuitive. If one thing is certain about acoustics, it is that if anything seems obvious it is probably wrong.