ELIMINATING MUDDY VOCALS
A large percentage of my business is mixing and mastering tapes that were
recorded at other studios. Many of my clients come to me because they are not happy
with the mix and especially the muddy vocal sound.
First, how do the vocals sound solo? How do they sound in the final mix?
I'm assuming you're using the best microphones your budget allows.
If the microphone has a choice of patterns, set the mike to the omni position.
Every microphone has a unique sound all its own. Try using a variety of mikes and see
which one sounds the best solo and which one breaks through the mix the best.
These might be two different microphones entirely.
If the vocals sound muddy solo, then you could be using too much compression.
In my opinion the compressor is the most overused tool in today's recording world.
Try different settings on the compressor, and also do a vocal take using no compressor at all. If the vocals sound fine solo, but muddy in the mix, other instruments are probably using the same frequency range. A great way to give vocals and instruments their own space is to give them a unique frequency range. Use equalization to reduce the level of frequencies on the instruments that overlap with the same frequencies of the vocal. every microphone has a unique sound all its own. Try using a variety of mikes and see which one breaks through the mix the best.
Los Angeles recording studios Van Nuys music producer audio cd mastering