vocals sound harsh - SOLVED

[greg54]

All of a sudden my vocals sound harsh.  I replaced cables, tried different mics, and even tried a new mic preamp.   Nothing helps.  I'm out of ideas.  Anyone have a suggestion of what could cause this?

Edited October 10, 2024 by greg54

[Terry Kelley]

What mic and preamp are you using?

It's probably something as simple as you have the gain cranked up too high but the mic could be failing too.

And define “harsh.”

Edited October 10, 2024 by Terry Kelley

[greg54]

I've been using a Stam SA87 and a Dachman 87, both very good mics.

Mic preamps are Warm Audio.  The other thing I forgot to mention is that the signal isn't as hot.

I've had to turn the gain up a bit more.  However, the harshness is there at any level.

I'm not sure I can accurately describe harshness.  But the vocal track, which is usually darker without eq, is now brighter and not smooth or warm.

Adding eq makes the harshness worse.  

[msmcleod]

Have you inadvertently turned on high pass (either on the mic or the pre-amp) ?

[greg54]

Ah, yes.  I realized that the high pass filter is on with the mic.

Not sure, though, if it would create the issues I'm having.

 

I will turn it off and record vocals and see.

[greg54]

It helped a little, but the output isn't as loud as it should be.  Something is wrong, but I don't know what.

[greg54]

The other problem is excessive sibilance all of a sudden.  That's part of the harshness.  A de-esser doesn't solve it.

[msmcleod]

Do your microphones have switchable patterns? 

If you're used to using cardioid, you'll be used to getting a proximity effect which boosts bass frequencies giving a fuller sound.

If you've switched it to something else, like omni or figure of 8, that could explain the difference in sound.
 

[greg54]

I've checked it and it's set to cardioid.  Thanks 

[greg54]

I think I may have found the issue.  I've been hearing some noise lately that's been coming through both the monitors and headphones.

I don't know why, but I ignored it, thinking it was the house's electrical static.

I've had a cable plugged into input 1 for guitar.  I decided to unplug it...dead quiet.  And the vocals sound good with a higher output.

Thanks for the help!