Condenser mic and pre noob help needed.

[thefyn]

I'm a guitarist that just started singing/recording, so I just bought a condenser mic:

AKG Perception 200

I will be phantom powering it with a Studio Projects VTB1

I'm going to be honest, I have no clue about the on mic switches, the options on the VTB1 etc are used for. I need to know how to use it for different applications.

My vocal style is like a mix between Alice in Chains and Mike Patton (not as good obviously but that is what peeps tell me style wise)

So I sing mellow, spokenword/rap, and belt it out now and then. There is also some crossover thrash style vocals too.

For mellow vocals where I need a lot of nuances/warmth what do I set the mic and the pre to settings wise?

For aggressive vocals, am I better off using my SM58 or SM57?

Or both?

here are some examples of my vocals:

http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10305205

Guits are being re-recorded for this one and only a verse and chorus are recorded vocally:
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10058853

Then there is the thrash stuff:
http://www.myspace.com/automatonrocks/music

So I have 3 mics. When a band rolls in, what do you reach for for certain vocalists, and what settings do you use on the condensor/pre.

 

[BLUElightCory]

On the mic:

Keep the left switch in the "flat" position - the "/--" position rolls off the lower frequencies.

Keep the right switch in the "0" position (unless you overload the mic pre when you're singing loud, then switch it to -10). The -10 position reduces the signal coming out of the mic for loud sources.

On the mic pre:

Make sure "48v" is turned on (this is the phantom power switch).

Make sure "Line In" is turned off if you're using a microphone.

Turn the "Input Gain" knob up just enough so that you've got signal but the signal never goes into the red on meter when you sing your loudest. You just need a bit of level with 24 bit digital recording, so don't use too much gain or you risk distortion.

The "HPF" switch is the same function as the left switch on the mic, it rolls off low end. I usually wouldn't engage it for vocals.

"Tube Blend" is up to you, but I'd leave it completely counter-clockwise (in the SS position) to keep the signal as clean as possible.

I'd keep the "Meter" button to "In" while getting your levels - again, keep the level out of the yellow/red area. Once you have it set, double-check the level in the "Out" position as well, and check it in your recording program.

I'd keep "Output Level" maxed out for the cleanest possible signal - just turn up the input gain knob to adjust the level. If it's too loud, then engage the pad on the mic or turn down the output level knob.

Keep the polarity reverse switch turned off for vocals.

 

[thefyn]

Thanks!!!!

Props...