RECORDING VOCALS

[soulivar]

Hi, i'm fairly new to protools LE and a brand new DUC member. I have more experience mixing with LE than recording with it. I recently purchased a 002 rack and a TLM-103 mic. I've read previous posts regarding preamps but if anybody can tell me more about these built-in focusrite mic preamps that would be great. I'm wondering if it's really worth the extra $$ to buy a better mic pre for vocals. I essentially want the most professional sounding vocals possible, and i don't mind a certain amount of grit or coloration. Also, i am doing hip hop so if somebody could advise me if it's better to add compression as you're recording or after (is there a difference?? how much compression and what compression plug in is the best? ), that would also be cool!! Thanks in advance...

[SuperScott]

yes it's worth the extra money. while it's probably not worth $200 dollars, it's worth about $500 and up. A TLM-103 while sounds pretty damn good, having it go thru those PRE's on the 002R would kinda knock it down a little bit. You for sure wouldnt be getting the full sound of that mic.

I recently got a Focusrite Twin Track Pro and i've been using that for vocals and i love it.

And if you're using compression going into PT i'd recommend none - to very little.

[punker]

unless you are clipping when recording vocals I wouldn't use compression, I would use it after, I like that free compressor that came with the bomb factory plugins, it really makes the vocals stick out.

[soulivar]

thanks guys, for now, i'll use the digi002 and then see if the plugs can make the vocals happen for me. any other advice or suggested preamps for that mic (TLM 103)? i was looking at the avalon stuff such as the 737 or the m5, but again, i'm not sure if it's worth the money...
cheers

[where02190]

Unless the performer has amazing dynamic control a bit of comression on the way in yields much better headroom. I typiucally like to use either an HHB Radius valve pre with a Distressor, or a TL Audio C-1, which is a vale pre and compressor. Just a bit of compression, 2:1 with no more than 3db of reduction, with a medium attack and fast release, can really inrease your headroom, and yield a wonderful sound.

I agree, you'll need to drop $500+ to get a pre that's any improvement over the 002's. You might check out FMR audios RNP(really nice preamp) and RNC(really nice compressor). For their price they are tough to beat.