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Title: Vocalist micing techniques question
Post by: Jamin Lynch on May 16, 2014, 11:15:59 AM
Will some of you share the techniques you use to get vocals up in the mix for those singers who just can't seem to get close to the mic?

I'm sure it's a common problem. I've tried various things that work OK, but would like to hear what you use so I can make my vocal mixes better.

Thanks
Title: Re: Vocalist micing techniques question
Post by: Chuck Simon on May 16, 2014, 11:53:28 AM
Please share the things you have done.  I have not had much success with quiet vocalist.  The mic always picks up the loudest sound if front of it, and with a quiet singer that can be the snare drum, guitar, bass, etc.  I especially have problems with a singing drummer that slams the snare.
Title: Re: Vocalist micing techniques question
Post by: Ned Ward on May 16, 2014, 11:56:53 AM
Talking to them or gaff tape. Talking's easier on the hair after the show...
Title: Re: Vocalist micing techniques question
Post by: Hanno Meingast on May 16, 2014, 12:08:00 PM
Turn them down in the monitor. :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk.    Hanno
Title: Re: Vocalist micing techniques question
Post by: Art Welter on May 16, 2014, 12:13:15 PM
Will some of you share the techniques you use to get vocals up in the mix for those singers who just can't seem to get close to the mic?
As already mentioned, loudest sounds at the mic are what gets amplified loudest.
Band passing (cutting out highs and lows) can reduce some of those unwanted sounds.
Title: Re: Vocalist micing techniques question
Post by: Jamin Lynch on May 16, 2014, 12:21:10 PM
Turn them down in the monitor. :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk.    Hanno

Funny you would mention that. It's one of the techniques I use. Often singers ask for more monitor which only makes them back away more.

 "It's all the way up, you'll have to get closer to the mic."

Ned...Gaff tape. I like it.
Title: Re: Vocalist micing techniques question
Post by: Joseph D. Macry on May 16, 2014, 03:02:43 PM
Headworn mic.
Title: Re: Vocalist micing techniques question
Post by: Kevin Lake on May 16, 2014, 04:54:16 PM
Will some of you share the techniques you use to get vocals up in the mix for those singers who just can't seem to get close to the mic?

I'm sure it's a common problem. I've tried various things that work OK, but would like to hear what you use so I can make my vocal mixes better.

Thanks

 If you're running a stereo mix, bringing the vocalist center stage with the other instruments panned left and right can have the effect of highlighting the vocals.
Title: Re: Vocalist micing techniques question
Post by: Tim Perry on May 16, 2014, 05:21:18 PM
Will some of you share the techniques you use to get vocals up in the mix for those singers who just can't seem to get close to the mic?

I'm sure it's a common problem. I've tried various things that work OK, but would like to hear what you use so I can make my vocal mixes better.

Thanks

http://www.crownaudio.com/media/pdf/mics/136368.pdf  (Difroid mic)tm

But they still have get close to it. 

Some artist have powerful voices, know how to work the mic, and some don't have to compete with loud backing bands.  These can back off the mic and still be heard.
Title: Re: Vocalist micing techniques question
Post by: Steve Garris on May 16, 2014, 05:58:52 PM
I always tell quiet singers - Kiss the mic! Seriously, I want your lips touching it!
Title: Re: Vocalist micing techniques question
Post by: Bob Leonard on May 16, 2014, 09:06:11 PM
I always tell quiet singers - Kiss the mic! Seriously, I want your lips touching it!

Which is a technique I use as well, but you'll still need to deal with those that cup, those that hold the mic sideways, sing 2' from the mic, point the mic at the monitors,etc. One thing I do has already been mentioned, turn down the monitor.
 
One other thing I do that has worked very well on a noisey stage is to use a mic with good side and back rejection (PR-35 or equal), and turn/move the monitor(s) more to the side of the vocalist. Even a slight change from a straight back position will help.
Title: Posting Rules
Post by: Mac Kerr on May 17, 2014, 03:03:54 PM
If you're running a stereo mix, bringing the vocalist center stage with the other instruments panned left and right can have the effect of highlighting the vocals.

Please go to your profile and change the "Name" field to your real first and last name as required by the posting rules displayed in the header at the top of the section, and in the Site Rules and Suggestions (http://forums.prosoundweb.com/index.php/board,36.0.html) in the Forum Announcements section, and on the registration page when you registered.

Mac