The Beans Song

Nutty · #1 March 16th, 2008

Here's another collaboration. Carol M. posted these lyrics a while ago for a nice campfire song. I've been wanting to work on it for a while and finally got it done today. Nice and simple. Just me, the guitar and some Travis picking.

Great lyrics Carol and thanks again for letting me do this.

Nutty

P.S. Here's the link to the original post. The Beans Song

carol m · #2 March 16th, 2008

I am very happy that Nutty has honoured me with putting some of my lyrics into song. I think its great, Thanks again Nutty.

I did some noise reduction on her original. Not sure if it improves it or not, but anyway, at least it gives a choice.

X4StringDrive · #3 March 17th, 2008

Nice job Ladies

knight46 · #4 March 17th, 2008

Way to go Carol and Nutty

starsailor · #5 March 17th, 2008

Nice one Nutty and Carol that blew me away

Nutty · #6 March 17th, 2008

Thanks X4String, Knight and starsailor. I'm glad you liked it. I thought it was a fun song. I know it played through my head all night last evening. Who needs sleep

I'll probably do another recording. My husband said I had too much reverb on my voice and there's lots of "Paah's and Baahs" in it

I still need to make or buy one of those pop filters, especially when singing about beans!

We're pretty happy with it, but no harm in making it better!

Nutty

X4StringDrive · #7 March 17th, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nutty

I still need to make or buy one of those pop filters, especially when singing about beans!

Remember the filter goes between your mouth and the microphone

I liked the reverb..gave it a nice touch...just my opi.

Nutty · #8 March 17th, 2008

Good one X4String! I'll keep that in mind. I'm afraid if I make the pop filter, the panty hose will confuse me even more though

I'm glad you mentioned that about the reverb. I didn't use much and I liked my voice the best in that song. Probably because I was having fun with it too! Also, I have to use dynamics and reverb to get volume on my voice in the mix. I haven't figured out why yet, so I just use the effects.

Nutty

eddiez152 · #9 March 18th, 2008

Nutty,

When you record vocals, record them without the effects. Watch your
recording level meter and take it up as far as you can without going into the red zone. Listen to the take and then add the effects to the track if you wish. Then you will be able to bring them down if they are too high for the other tracks. Always bring each track up to max without going over into the red zone.
After mixing, check the entire take for volume make your adjustments and your done.
When I recorded the guitar part on your other tune, I played to max, listened to the levels and kept bringing it down as not to cover the vocals.
Good luck with your adventure.

Nutty · #10 March 18th, 2008

Thanks Eddie,

I'll give it a try. I don't know why I have volume problems. I seem to have to use the gain feature in the dynamics effects to get any volume. I must be missing something. I have Firebox, which has great ratings. The control panel allows me to add 12dB, but that doesn't seem to be enough

Nutty

eddiez152 · #11 March 18th, 2008

Nutty,
What mic are you using ?

Nutty · #12 March 19th, 2008

I'm using the Audio Technica ATM 610. I think it's a pretty good mic. It was over $200.

Audio-Technica ATM-610 (GAK)

Nutty

carol m · #13 March 19th, 2008

Hi Nutty, I find on my system that if I add a small amount of compression, it brings the volume of the track up. I haven't tried it on a vocal track though.

eddiez152 · #14 March 19th, 2008

Nutty,

Ah! This is a non-powered Dynamic mic. Unlike condenser mic which have phantom power, these need to be cranked up to the max to get the results you need or you will have to have an additional preamp to get the volume up.

Audio-Technica ATM610 Hypercardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone and more Dynamic at GuitarCenter.com.

Here is the Dynamic mic I use that has the same issues.
Shure SM7B Microphone with Switchable Response and more Condenser at GuitarCenter.com.

And here is the condenser mic I use that does not have the problem as it is a phantom powered mic.
Sterling Audio ST55 Large Diaphragm FET Condenser Microphone and more Condenser at GuitarCenter.com.

Nutty · #15 March 19th, 2008

I also read somewhere that the pre-amp on the Firebox isn't as high (if that's the right word) as other pre-amps. I can't remember the reason.

I just found the FAQ on this issue. Don't understand it well.

PreSonus FAQ - Why can't I get enough gain from my FireBox pre's with my SM58?

So, what do I do? Am I better off buying another pre-amp or use the effects that allow me to add gain (dynamics, which I think is another word for compression)?

I'm disappointed because the mic and Firebox were not cheap. I thought I'd be set.

Nutty

Edit: Just found the specs for my mic....Frequency Response: 40-16,000 Hz
Open Circuit Sensitivity: –55 dB (1.7 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa