Voice plugin like a tube fx compressor

[Arthurx]

Hi,
I am using also for life, for my voice a mic. First it goes through a parametric eq to compensate for the frequency response. Then i use a compressor i think from guitarix SC1 , and that is it.

I was wondering if some one here has better plugins for voice channels?
Thanks in advance!

[sadko4u]

There are also compressors in Calf, Invada and linuxDSP/overtoneDSP packages. If you want tube saturation, you may try Calf Saturator.

[sysrqer]

I've yet to find a good saturation plugin, I'm not keen on calf's. There is a tube warmth plugin by TAP I think which can do tape or tube saturation but it's a bit simple and far from perfect, adds gain so it's hard to level match and a/b. I think it's an area which is seriously lacking in Linux.

[sadko4u]

I think it's an area which is seriously lacking in Linux.

Alright-alright, I know what you're alluding.
Added Saturator to long TODO list...

[GMaq]

Hi,
I am using also for life, for my voice a mic. First it goes through a parametric eq to compensate for the frequency response. Then i use a compressor i think from guitarix SC1 , and that is it.

I was wondering if some one here has better plugins for voice channels?
Thanks in advance!

Hi,

My personal opinion/experience is that if you have to EQ a vocal you've either got the wrong kind of mic or you need to work harder on mic placement. You will definitely want a Large Diaphragm Condenser mic but it doesn't have to be expensive, most Apex, Blue, ART and similar entry level LD mics are capable of good results..

As far as tube simulation I've personally had good luck with the linuxDSP/overToneDSP DYN500 compressor, if you push the ratio a bit it gives a very nice and subtle realistic impression of tube character, the next step to getting things to sound a bit 'brown' without overcooking is the TAP TubeWarmth at a setting of 7.5-8.0. Next if you really want it to sound overdriven (like the Black Keys as an example) then the Calf Saturator at very low settings is probably the best FLOSS selection, the Calf Saturator is very sensitive to input level so if your vocal track has a lot of volume variation and spikes then you may find it is a little too subtle in quiet sections and bites a little too hard in louder sections, anyway at the end of the day it's up to you but these are some options in my opinion.

[sadko4u]

My personal opinion/experience is that if you have to EQ a vocal you've either got the wrong kind of mic or you need to work harder on mic placement.

It's normal practice, especially for dynamic microphones with their proximity effect. The only rule is not to overdo with equalization.

[sadko4u]

And not every voice is the same, so almost each vocal can use some freq editing for the better result.
By extension, it is also depending on what your goal song is. Sinatra style quickly can use some more low while Arianne Grande style faster needs more high.

Like i said, i almost always use eq. On vocals and (analog) instruments. Seperate set up on each track.

True said. Each instrument in mix has to be timbral mached to other tracks. If not, your vocal will sink under screaming distortion guitars (for example). But if you add some amount of decibels to it, you'll notice that now it delivers too much enegry in low frequency range and conflicts with bass and drums.
Also mics are not ideal and have their resonance frequencies that should be lowered. So each instrument has to be carefully equalized.

[GMaq]

hehe, I'm not criticizing anyone who's had successful results, "nothing succeeds like success"

Each to their own, at most I'll use a high pass filter (which Mixbus has right in the strip). On something already recorded you have to do what you have to do, and of course if your mic (or your room) introduces some colorization of it's own (which many dynamic mics do) then it will need to be corrected. I'm just saying as a general rule the better it comes in, the better it will turn out.

[sysrqer]

I think it's an area which is seriously lacking in Linux.

Alright-alright, I know what you're alluding.
Added Saturator to long TODO list...

YES!

[Arthurx]

Hi Everybody,

Thanks for the quick and multiple responses!!
I have to try them all!

I have to explain more about my setup:
For recording at home I have two large diameter condensers:
One with tube and one without.
And they sound great.
But now i am trying to make the sound for a l live performance,
i cannot use the condenser,
So i don't like the sound.
So at home i want to try out and use for a few weeks a live set up.
With a small condenser.

And i want the sound to be as enjoyable to sing as with the tube condenser.
So i need to find some tweaks.
And thanks to all your tips,
I will try it out in the next week
And give then feedback.
Hey thanks a lot!

Arthur

[Norlick]

I'll throw my hat in with the Invada Tube Distortion plugin. I'm not sure how close it is to a real tube, but whenever I've needed tube sat, it's done the trick.
KXStudio repositories have the whole Invada plugin bundle in the repositories... as well as just about every other plugin, ever.

[sysrqer]

I'll throw my hat in with the Invada Tube Distortion plugin. I'm not sure how close it is to a real tube, but whenever I've needed tube sat, it's done the trick..

Yeah I like that one as well but I don't like how much louder it makes the signal, it does do the trick though.

[Arthurx]

Yes,

I have a real guitar fx a digitech. I really like it.
But now i use the guitarix fx.
It also good.

A real amp is too heavy, i use public transport or a bike, i live in Holland.
I started watching new youtube mixing tutorials.
Have a nice weekend!

[ssj71]

The distortion you are talking about. To use for a real guitar??

This conversation has revolved around distorting vocals. That seems counterintuitive to many. Don't you want vocals clean and clear? Well, yes, but a light distortion can make the vocals brighter or add warmth or other character while still sounding clear in the mix. Its pretty common practice. Works a lot better than trying to add brightness with EQ (since eq can't add harmonics that aren't there, while distortions can). Tube mics and tube preamps were fairly standard at one time which induced some slight distortions here and there. Not distortion levels like we think of with guitar though.

[sysrqer]

Saturation doesn't give you distorted sounding vocals, it acts as a soft compressor or limiter, peaks get clipped and this process generates pleasing harmonics. Try some of the suggestions in this thread on your own vocals, you will see that it is different to distortion.