Logic, Best way to record vocals Options

[snudge]

Can anyone tell me the best way to record `vocals` so I do not over record-go in the red...Thought maybe through a limiter?
HELP!!!!

[mortalengines]

I don't know of a single engineer worth his salt who doesn't compress on the way in while recording vocals. Having said that, vocals are a tricky thing to compress. The voice is EXTREMELY dynamic and just using a plug in on them in your virtual recording chain is NOT recommended. You want to do it right? Break down and spend a little money on a good mic pre-amp, a good mic, and a GOOD transparent compressor. There are several to choose from. Universal Audio's LA 610 is a GREAT channel strip with both a preamp, eq and compressor. It runs around 1400 bucks. Focusrite makes good preamps and Presonus even makes a decent channel strip. Your interfaces preamp is probably alright and hopefully it has an INSERT point to put a compressor in your signal chain. If that is the case, find a compressor/limiter. I had FANTASTIC results with a Distressor at one point. THAT is about 1100 bucks. However, you can get good results with a DBX 160a which is MUCH, MUCH less expensive...maybe around 200 to 250 bucks. The trick is to set your attack and release times correctly as well as ratio. You want the compression to be transparent and it takes a bit of practice (actually, many good engineers spend years refining their vocal and instrument compression techniques so don't get discouraged but, don't let it intimidate you either). You really have to do a bit of trial and error. Also, Googling may help with some hard and fast rules regarding compression in a vocal/instrument chain. Another good resource is www.gearslutz.com. There are many professional engineers who sit up on that forum regularly. Good luck... and most of all, HAVE FUN!

This post has been edited by mortalengines: Sat 12 May 2012, 22:57