Vocal Recording Technique Questions

[Alexchapel]

Hey guys, I am tracking vocals for a metal band tomorrow and I was wondering if anyone could lend me some tips? The reason I ask is I know I have the right gear and could be getting better results than i have in the past. I just want very clear, articulate, and "in your face" style vocals. It will be all screaming.

I use an SM7B into a PreSonus Studio Channel pre, into a PreSonus Firestudio project.

Should I be compressing and EQing from the studio channel before it goes into the Firestudio project? I've just always been scared to do that because when it comes time to mix if I fucked anything up recording the vocals, it will be printed that way and I won't be able to change them.

Also any post processing tips would be great as well. Obviously compression, EQ, maybe a bit of saturation, any other tips?

 

[Erratic]

Full compression is normally what I do and by full i mean like 20db reduction no shit, on growl it's just perfect for me, I use Rvox.

 

[Trevoire520]

On the way in I'd just be going for a little compression, not too much as if you get it wrong then you're stuck with it.

 

[JeffTD]

I'd just be doing light comp on the way in, 2:1 or 4:1 and moderate gain reduction. On the eq font, highpass and some top-end boost can usually help out.

 

[Skinny Viking]

compress on the way in so that you have a nice strong signal but your peaks are hitting no higher than like -8 or so. For EQ I would suggest nothing more than a high pass somewhere around 80 just in case the dude has a deeper or more resonant voice. Anything more comp & EQ-wise should then be done later in additional stages of mixing

 

[luismars]

If there's a very non-uniform level you can always do a vocal riding

 

[AEL89]

That presonus channel strip isn't exactly going to be a 1176 or a Distressor so I'd keep it simple. Fast attack, fastest release, 3-5dB GR. Job done. I wouldn't bother with EQ - just use the presence bump and HPF on the SM7.

 

[Alexchapel]

Thanks for the tips guys, will be trying all of these today!