Into The Lair #7 Part 1/2 - Tracking Vocals

TL;DR

In this video, the Red Zone team discusses mic selection, gain structure, and room acoustics for recording vocals.

Transcript

hey welcome to this week's into the lair like I said last week we're going to do several shows on vocals and so this show we're at the Boom Boom Room Will Smith Studio we're talking with uh Andrew Whooper and Brian Be Love Thomas and uh a part of the Red Zone team they are that sounded like uh like Yoda didn't it a part of the Red Zone team they ar... Read More

Key Insights

• 🫀 Different genres and vocal characteristics require different mic selection and setup.
• 🫀 The u87 is a versatile mic that can handle powerful voices well.
• ❓ The KN 1073 and 1081 preamps are preferred for vocals due to their color and characteristics.
• 👂 Gain structure should be adjusted during recording to ensure optimal sound quality.
• 😂 Trusting your ears and instincts is essential in vocal recording.
• 🖐️ Room acoustics play a significant role in capturing quality vocals.
• 🫦 Starting with a conservative level into Protools is beneficial in a 24-bit recording world.

Questions & Answers

Q: Do you have different mic setups for different genres and genders?

Yes, mic selection can vary depending on the genre and vocal characteristics. The team uses a range of mics, including vintage ones, to suit different needs.

Q: Is there a shock-factor microphone that you use?

The team often uses the u87 for rap vocals, which may surprise some people. They explain that it withstands powerful voices without compromising sound quality.

Q: What preamp do you prefer?

The team favors the KN 1073 or 1081 preamps, finding that they provide the right color and characteristics for vocals. They occasionally use the Crane Song Flamingo as well.

Q: What is gain structure, and how do you manipulate it for the desired sound?

Gain structure refers to setting the input levels of the mic and adjusting it during recording. The team emphasizes the need to trust your ears, adjusting levels on the fly to capture the best vocal performance.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Andrew and Brian from the Red Zone team discuss their mic selection process, which ranges from vintage mics to modern ones like the C800 Sony and the u87.

• They emphasize the importance of choosing a mic that can handle powerful voices and provide good sound quality, such as the u87.

• The team also discusses their preferred preamps, with the KN 1073 or 1081 being their favorite for vocals.