Hi Folks, just have a quick question regarding vocal recording. When you record a vocalist do you use a channel strip setting insert such as "male ambient lead vocal" and all of its associated effects or do you simply use an aux channel with some reverb or compression? Is it better to record a vocalist dry and then add effects during the mixing process or is it OK to have all the effects pre-installed on the channel strip? I would just like to get some feedback on how you all handle the process to get the best recording out of your vocalist. Thanks.

Hi tumeninotes I think there are different techniques out there on this one. It often depends on the final effect you're trying to achieve on the voice and making the vocalist feel as comfortable as possible in order to get the best performance possible. This might mean working on a channel strip setting just for this vocalist with just some compression and light reverb. If the final part is to have a lot of effects - try with the effects and without - see which you and the vocalist is more comfortable with. Personally, I'd usually go with less is more. Remember that when recording in Logic, regardless of the number of effects placed on a channel strip, Logic records the audio signal dry - none of the effects are recorded. You need to bounce or export a track with effects on it to create a true wet track. Cheers Rounik

Hi Rounik, Thanks for the rapid response and advice. I do recall that logic records dry regardless of the effects plugins, thanks to the Logic Pro 101 tutorial video, however I noticed that when recording with vocal plugins such as compression the level meter peaks quite easily. Prior to adding the effect to the channel I set the recording input level on the interface so that it sits at about -6db on the meter as instructed in the logic 101 tutorial, but once I insert the vocal effects it tends to peak on the logic meter. At this point do I turn down the channel gain on the interface to compensate or leave that as I had it and just turn down the fader in logic? What I would like to know is does the dry recorded signal get affected by the peak caused by the insert effects and what is the best way to handle this? Thanks.

Hi tumeninotes, If you're sure that your signal is not clipping - you should be fine. If you''re recording at 24bit you don't need to worry too much about having a quiet signal as the extra bit depth over 16bit recording does afford you the option to increase the level post recording more. If you're going to be using these plugins during and after recording and the level is peaking then consider turning down the fader in Logic. Cheers Rounik

Should I use the prefader metering button to check the level of the incoming vocals as I adjust the gain on the interface to get the levels set for optimum recording. And then turn off the prefader metering button, apply the channel insert effects and adjust the fader on the channel? Thanks.

Hi Guys, When customizing the transport bar I see there is a Pre Fader Metering icon, I am trying to find out exactly what this is for and when it might be advantageous to use it. Thanks.

Hi Using Pre fader metering you can see what's really happening (the level of the audio signal) to your channels before using the fader. This was how the analogue systems used to work I believe. There's a school of mixing that feels that pre fader metering should be ON and then you use your ears to mix from there.... (interesting idea ;) Try it out. see what works better for you. I'm not going to add my personal preference to this though! Cheers Rounik