Perfect Preamp Settings for Recording Vocals

[@ctld5266]

it doesn't hurt, to also compress on the way in with an hardware 1176 CLA bluey 3-5db @4/1 fast release. It clips the high end fast transient which prevent from digital clipping and provide a first level of compression.

[@stephenpeacock7990]

Sean - Many thanks for all of your excellent videos! I'm learning a LOT! Much appreciated. Steve (UK)

[@SeanDivine]

My pleasure!

[@kayleebaginski]

Awesome video! I definitely learned a lot. I also totally dig the rosary there.

[@SeanDivine]

glad to hear it Kaylee 🙏

[@primee5730]

This was highly needed!!! Thanks a MILLION!!!

[@shawnmelody8346]

Always try to get it at its best from the get go.. I learned the hard way that plugins can't fix everything...lol .. great video!

[@TomerChentckingofficial]

Great tutorial. Im using 18i20 as my interface And the quality is awesome as i keep the gain nice and healthy.

[@eugenecanady5452]

God is everywhere. Thanks for putting up the rosary! Also, I matched up my PreSonus Eureka and waves plugins to your video tutorial. Brilliant sir!

[@dxphase6294]

You are my man Sean!!! Every time i watch your videos i learn something new. Anyway i tried you preamp settings with mine and now my recordings sound much smoother. Big ups

[@SeanDivine]

glad to hear it Dx :)

[@von_Apa]

My man Mr. Divine! Everything you show me is making me doing fine!

[@SeanDivine]

🙌

[@_lfab]

This video will prevent thousands of microphones from flying across the room

[@BabyWavv]

Bruhh yes , I just bought a preamp and it came in yesterday I've been playing around with it and I'm on the verge of throwing everything lmaoo ... im like this is supposed to make me sound clearer instead I sound like a radio DJ at 4 a.m. 😂😂😂 so glad I stumbled by this lol

[@_lfab]

@@BabyWavv Right on man, had similar experience, this channel is gold!

[@YFEmaxi]

gotta get that WLM plug

[@StevenSoto]

Or getting A-Town stomped 😂

[@schipbreukeling3]

haha

[@ABurgessMusic]

Sean, forever dropping jewels for us.. we appreciate you man! 👊🏻

[@SeanDivine]

🙌🙏

[@taylalemieux]

So helpful 🙌🏻 Thank you.

[@KeenApollo]

Another dope video would be you showing a mix after using your channel strip. Haven’t seen many videos on using the effects of a channel strip then mixing from there.

[@SeanDivine]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmixYp6qmZuqkM0 / kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqOugqqgodWanNk

[@Jessie88ITA]

Another really helpful video! Got always asked from my clients coming to record "please can i have more gain in my headphones? can t hear myself clearly!!"... On the other hand, was worry to kinda damage the recording adding a compressor...But now i m not anymore! thanks a lot Sean ;)

[@SeanDivine]

glad to hear it was helpful Luca!

[@riktascale4]

Very very pertinent information. Thks Sean👍👍

[@AMVTBC]

My dawg be sendin sauce blessings to ya future my brudda

[@SeanDivine]

🙏

[@uriel-heavensguardian8949]

Awesome video!! Thanks for this!!!

[@LuffyAkAMaDGuY]

Planning on copping a preamp soon so this is perfect

[@ShowtimeBtc]

Was literally getting on yt to search this and I’m subscribed💡💯

[@FerrelFrequency]

One of my fav logic teachers. Almost like he can hear all my music prod problems running round my head since I ever started. Crazy. But logical.

[@vauki5431]

FerrelFrequency Same 😂😂

[@SeanDivine]

really glad to hear it's helpful Ferrel!

[@onesufi]

Bro please keep sharing these gems with us . I own all this expensive gear and yet overlooked such basic practices resulting in crap. What is the equivalent of Waves WLM in Logic pro x ? Thanks

[@cornaboiche]

Thanks bro U gave me the right idea on how to start recording. Used different settings cuz they worked better for me. But I very much approve this video as helpful

[@SeanDivine]

Glad I could help

[@moneyman9159]

thanks I appreciate this video I actually have this same preamp I haven't really found someone who did a video with the same preamp

[@raymondlooi]

Appreciate Sean for always impacting us with such an awesome ideas! Yes, this was my "monitoring input" practice. In fact , no matter how low the noise picked up during recording (low prramp level), when proceeding to the mixing or processing stage, it might bring up the vocal and noise equally as it already printed, wasn't it? I mean, it still doesn't solve the noise (ambient or floor noise) captured during recording. Unfortunately, "expander" plug-in is what could help a little bit so far. Hope to hear from your perspective 🙏😁

[@JacobWildrick]

Good demonstration of principle

[@shubhshinde4438]

A trillion thanks to you man

[@Jandrix_bb]

This was so helpful in figuring out what I need to do to record a video. Do you have any tips for setting the pre-amp for live streams? I often use my mic to jump into video chat, zoom meetings and twitch livestreams, where I think I have to commit to a specific mic level during the live session.

[@SeanDivine]

glad to hear it Meagan! As far as the preamp, the approach would be the same (aim for a healthy signal, no distortion). You would then likely want to boost the output level or turn up the volume inside your streaming software so you can be heard clearly :)

[@kaveka333]

Love the video thank you. I have the presonus studio channel pre amp. What would be ideal for the compressor and eq setting for vocals and do you use it while live recording thank you

[@shyemmusic5985]

Nice workflow 🙂

[@seancharles8461]

Fantastic tutorial as always Sean! Would you be able to do something similar for recording hardware synthesizers?

[@coreys1114]

THANK YOU

[@lourf]

Thks for all the great stuff that you share with us 🙌🙌

[@probl3ms]

Thanks for this big bro!

[@navispictures]

Nice to see the Rosary!

[@jorgeneri]

That's the good thing about owning a RME interface.

[@rapreactionaries5249]

great info I will be trying this next time I record. I just bought a new tml 103 and a warm audio wa12 mkii preamp that's just running thru a scarlett solo interface. somewhat new to this and was kinda confused setting up the preamp and why things seemed so quiet with the gain set at 46 right in the middle. I have the output knob right about what would be level 50 if it had numbers like the gain knob, roughly about 60% turned up. honestly i thought the sound i got was incredible with the new setup, very smooth and everything but i keep thinking with the output knob that high i might be missing something so i'm definitely going to apply this and see how it compares to my current set up. i'd like to dial everything in as best as possible

[@SeanDivine]

you're not :) typically, when using an instrumental at commercial levels, you'll need a lot more gain to get the vocals competing

[@rapreactionaries5249]

@@SeanDivine thank you for the info!

[@sly0g]

thank you very much Sean! Helped me out. Love from Switzerland

[@officialhekri8962]

COD: Cybertonic Bisch us de schwizz? chunsch druf mit so sache chentsch mer helfe?

[@seanchatmon3880]

This is gold!!!

[@CometaMusic]

Pro tip: The rosary adds a heavenly brightness to the vocals

[@theblazedbro]

Lol so having the gain up on my Preamp explains my problems. Thanks dude 🙏

[@johnharvey1693]

Is the "Euro-ace 2000 suitable for good voice recording? great vid by the way..John.

[@Ss-qm3fs]

Nice ! Thanks

[@giuseppearcelo]

Hey Sean, love your videos! I just wanted to know if it is okay to use two preamps at the same time?? For example: condenser mic -> dbx 286s -> art pro mpa ii -> vox di box -> behringer um2 interface -> computer Please let me know your thoughts! 🤣 Cheers.

[@SeanDivine]

if it sounds good, there's nothing wrong with it! Although, I wouldn't typically recommend it. You'll be introducing more noise into the signal, depending on the preamps and in terms of gain staging, it will be a bit more tricky!

[@JSteph]

Love the accent, great vids every time !

[@SeanDivine]

Thanks! 😃

[@EHall-zj9zy]

Yo Sean. Speaking of the beat, where do you typically have your beat peaking at when you’re recording vocals?

[@miablack]

Hi, I have a question wonder could you help, we have a vocal track which was recorded via ProTools, an SE RNT mic & a Apogee Quartet interface. Is there any easy way we can print this back in but through our new Analoge Addicts 1960 preamp? Kind regards Paul

[@nfmusicdesigner154]

TY so much !!! 👍

[@DreErdna]

😂 my guy, Sean .... u are for da culture !!!!! ✊❤️😎 I Never know when i will get a couple bars off da dome haha #Awesome

[@gabsauvage]

But i thought that the optimal level for plugins to work great nowadays were -18db? And recording around -18db is supposed to give you the best "signal to noise ratio" right???

[@SeanDivine]

-18 is a peak reading (a bit different than LUFS short term). The suggestion I share here isn't a rule, simply what works best for me in most cases. Try it for yourself :)

[@gabsauvage]

@@SeanDivine oh ok my bad, forgot that you were talking about LUFS measures. But it takes longer to "set up/fix" in a vocal session right? I mean, since LUFS is based on average loudness and so that it needs a bit of time to measure the signal?

[@h4ndrix]

Hey Sean, so you're saying you'd up the gain/volume in logic later and not clip any of the outboard gear yeah?

[@SeanDivine]

Correct!

[@LOUDPACG]

🤦🏾‍♂️I knew I should've came to you 1st..😂

[@jordonstephenson109]

question, as to i am new with a lot of this as well! i noticed on your meter in logic, you were actually peaking and i realize that is due to your gain plug in and that is not the level you are actually printing. But when you turned gain off your levels were still high, my question is, that is the metering I use to check my gain stage with just the mic and empty plug ins. Is the meter used on the channel strip not what I should be reading for gain staging? I hope that makes sense and i dont look like an idiot! love the videos been major help

[@aidannbrownn]

this is insane

[@hnstlywhtevr]

I downloaded the Devine vocal chains, is there a tutorial for how to set them up in the mix?

[@jossuecastaneda8135]

Sam Open StudioRack go to the load icon. Load from your recent downloads and save preset. It doesn’t take long and the results are amazing. Need more help? Let me know. 🤓🤓

[@danielkang7789]

correct me if I'm wrong sean. mic - preamp - rme interface (Input, not mic/line) - a/d converter ? or mic - preamp - a/d converter - rme interface (Input, not mic/line) ? thanks.

[@MrComptonguy123]

Yo I keep hearing that - 25 db is low as hell and - 18db is low asf too. Shouldn't my db be at around - 12? Or something

[@neomind7568]

Hey there, your explanation is one of the best I’ve heard. But I’m still lost, coz I’m just a beginner, I’m trying to set up a basic home recording infrastructure. is there a way you can do a video consultantion for my setup ? Thank you.

[@mihaliprefti2507]

Hi. How can i connect my WA73 preamp to my D1600 mkII? Thanks

[@willynordboe5853]

You cant be called Shawn Divine and say you hope we do well, you must start up by saying: " Im Shawn Devine and i hope you'r doing FIINE" 😉 Your welcome ❤

[@kingblack6965]

fact lol

[@kingdomofkushproductions]

Bro i thought I was the only one...

[@djmode4327]

hey can you do a video about good professional mics that won't break the bank

[@SeanDivine]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipW2ooaflruBqMU

[@SK-zh8bi]

hey sean. so my dry signal @-25db on the wlm short term requires my input gain control to be at 75% ... isnt that way too much? am i overlooking something? thanks!

[@SeanDivine]

if you're using a dynamic mic like the sm7b, it requires a lot of gain - that's normal. just make sure you're using a solid preamp with CLEAN gain, not introducing a lot of noise or distortion

[@milanolejnik3063]

Sean I have an art pro mpa preamp and a motu m2 interface Would I plug my mic into the input of the preamp and then come out of the preamp to the mic input of the interface ?

[@todtstevens6123]

Hey Sean. Very good Chanel. Question. If I plug my condenser microphone into the pre-amp, switch on the 48 Volt voltage, and from there into my computer interface , do I also have to switch on the 48 Volt voltage?

[@SeanDivine]

no, you would want to go from your preamp to a balanced input on your interface (you don't want to use 2 pres)

[@mellaytheghost]

Saved my ass again, thank you!

[@jameswhitaker4357]

Thanks bro gonna pick up the UAD 737, is it okay to use this while tracking in the box or just apply it after recording?

[@SeanDivine]

You can use it while tracking. I would suggest tracking with very light compression / EQ only (no more than 2-3 dB) and if you need to get more heavy handed, do so post recording.

[@jameswhitaker4357]

@@SeanDivine how can I avoid the lag that might come w/ tracking with plugins in logic? sure but maintain input levels/etc. awesome thank you Sean! Been watching you forever dude

[@drumswagger1]

Question what do you prefer mixing a 2 track or a session

[@SeanDivine]

if I have the session for the instrumental, that gives you more flexibility... using a 2-track at some point helps free up resources. I'll use whatever I'm given :)

[@eternalglow6483]

Hey sean I have an audio problem and I was hoping you could help. I recently bought a subwoofer for my studio and they are taking the only 2 outputs in my audio interface. But my problem is that I want to upgrade to the Yamaha hs5 studio monitors and they need 2 more output slots but I don’t have any extra slots in my audio interface. How do I fix this? Someone told me to buy a mixer and use that instead of an audio interface because I don’t do any recording, just producing. Is that the solution to my problem? Or is there any output extension hubs/splitters I can buy for more outputs? Thanks

[@jacklewis1472]

You just take 2 channels out of your interface like before and run those cables into your subwoofer. Then you take another two cables out of your subwoofer and connect them to your monitors. So rather than interface to speakers, you instead go interface to subwoofer to speakers :) Hope that helps

[@eternalglow6483]

@@jacklewis1472 I'm already doing exacly that with my old moniters, my subwoofer is currently connected through my interface and my old moniters are connected to the sub with red speaker wire. My problem is that my new moniters (yamaha hs5) require an Xlr to Trs connection and my subwoofer doesnt support that cable, so my only option is to either buy a bigger interface or an audio mixer. But i dont know anything about mixers so i need help knowing whether or not a mixer like the "yamaha mg06" will solve my problem

[@SeanDivine]

Hey steez, I route a separate output from my audio interface to the sub, so I have more control over the level / crossover with my monitors. As long as you have an extra output, this gives you more flexibility and the clarity, not having to route your monitors directly through the sub

[@eternalglow6483]

@@SeanDivine Thank for the reply! Where do i get a seperate output from? Im currently using a Scarlett solo interface. it only has 2 outputs on the back but i need 4.. 2 for my sub and 2 for my Yamaha hs5 moniters.. I'm so confused on what to do

[@ewillo723]

Hey I had a question I see you got the rme ufx I dont got the money for that rightnow but I was thinking of getting an rme babyface pro I was wondering if you knew anything about that interface. I wanna make rap music and ill get me a preamp after I get a good interface my budget is under 1000. I'd appreciate your advice and of course I'm subscribing lol

[@SeanDivine]

Babyface is a great interface... can’t go wrong with rme

[@ewillo723]

@@SeanDivinethanks for the reply but I heard you cant bypass the preamps to add an external preamp so I might get the audient id22 or apollo twin with digital preamps

[@mixedbyrg5481]

Hoi, Sean i am u beginner. I work with Ableton were can i find the gain to set the volume of your vocals? ✌🏻🙏🏻

[@miguellombana9847]

Sean but wouldn't adding a plug-in on the input chain cause it to print with said plugin? I typically track 2 channels when I record, one dry and one with inserts and plugins, I think you said it was non-destructive to have the plugin on the insert but that would not be the case if you record that way or am I doing something wrong???

[@MEANMAXXX]

can i use De compresión de Nicki settings On My Microphone Preamp o July Record Without using my preamp settings?

[@dcoverzsessions]

but how much do you put the backing track in order to sing like a cover?..i mean how much should the master fader should reach?

[@RockBoyEntertainment]

what compressor setting your using on your NT1

[@jakethegamer64]

I have the Shure sm7b and I use the PreSonus Audio Box iTwo and a cloud lifter but the gain is still low. Should I upgrade to the Apollo Twin would that make a difference?

[@t.r.e4482]

That's a huge leap. There's plenty of interfaces in between that would do the job

[@billie8156]

I recommend getting the MOTU M4 . I'm getting it soon as well. I have the SM7b with a cloudlifter too, but i runs it into a Focusrite Scarlett Octopre preamp, that then goes into my behringer mixer. The mixer is fucking terrible btw, it's bottlenecking my whole audio signal which is why i'm getting a new audio interface. The noise-floor is insanley loud and the signal is so quiet that i have to boost it like +13dB in my DAW. Behringer is fine, just don't get their cheap stuff, the prices may seem to good to be true, and there is a reason for that.

[@ScopeMR1]

Do I have to used a direct box in between the preamp and the interface

[@AraVids]

My trs cable makes me need to boost the pre amp volume nobs like crazy just to even hear it since I have my interface vol nob on 0. So what do I do? What’s a healthy amount of volume for preamp mean exactly?

[@Boly917]

Hey Sean thank you for the videos i have a question i have a UA 6176 and Apollo 8 for interface and bluebird mic and seem to have a tuff time in getting a clean vocal chain or setting on my rack

[@beatprocess]

you tested any Klark analog gear?

[@SeanDivine]

Have not!

[@C-Wiggz-859]

Is that RME the first UFX? what do u think about their octapre 8 channel preamp?? which one of their products has the best sounding preamp circuit?

[@SeanDivine]

It is the original UFX. Honestly, the preamps on the RME are more utilitarian - nothing wrong with them but they're not outstanding either. I have other preamps for vocals, guitars, etc. The main reason I have the RME is for the converters and the interface itself. It's rock solid reliable and sounds great!

[@C-Wiggz-859]

@@SeanDivine thanks for the info, which audio intterface do you think has the best preamps? and what do you think about MOTU? is there 8pre interface very good ?

[@davidevitturini5837]

Is there any specific reason why you like to feed analog emulation plugins signals at -25 lufs rather than -18dBVu? Or is it just a rule of thumb?

[@SeanDivine]

just a preference... no definite rules there and those numbers aren't all that different in practice :)

[@hewertonfoliveira]

Hello Sean, I'd like to ask your help. I bought a Behringer Xenyx Q1202USB Mixer and a MXL 770 mic. So, what's the problem? Everytime I try to record something, there's a noise there. I set up my gain properly, I even turned off the mic volume and started to record and the "shhhhhhhhhh" was there. I thought that could be some electric signal but I don't think it's. I tried to touch the metal parts to see if something changes. It isn't a 60hz noise. I don't know what to do, this mic and mixer are good enough for what I'm going to do (podcast) but I can't even remove this "shhhhh" in post production. Could you help me? Thank you, I appreciate your job.

[@YXNGNESS]

I got a isa one with a tlm 103. what's the setting you reccomnd I have it on z impedance High as well to my Apollo twin x duo

[@antgod2724]

I’m confused..Are we using the gain plugin to hear ourselves or to bring up the lufs?

[@SeanDivine]

just for monitoring :)

[@ceogriffsta1]

How do we bring up lufs if we're not at -25? Do we turn the knobs up on the preamp?

[@trinityaikens6191]

Why is it so important to have the LUSF at 25?

[@eelam_hiphops]

bro make beat makeing video like end of this video music

[@koszoruposta]

Hello Sean Divine! I have a problem. Can you help?

[@raulgomez8523]

great tutorial, congratulations. I have two questions, would it work with a virtual preamp (vst)? -25 lufs in mono or stereo? thanks for your time.

[@sabrinabahss6580]

Hi ! I bought drawmer mx60 preamp, do u know if i can plug mic and piano on the same time ?

[@czarnicholas_]

How did you get it so that you can have active plugins while recording

[@SeanDivine]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2LYc35tg99sd68

[@ProperCBM]

why you using lufs to measure level and not just level?

[@SeanDivine]

it's preference, lufs is the more common "standard" now

[@royalinvasionproductionstv6370]

So if I'm trying to record with a preamp plugin with a USB mic(for the sound of the preamp), should I still the mic level coming in the daw at -18 like usual and leave the gain knob in the plugin at 0?

[@SeanDivine]

Generally speaking, yes

[@royalinvasionproductionstv6370]

@@SeanDivine thank you. I appreciate the timely responses....

[@MrFSxGaston]

Which camera you use?

[@traylonra-von1443]

Do you turn the gate all they way up when your record and do you turn the aural exiter on when you record?

[@SeanDivine]

I use the gate on my interface (rme ufx) and depending on which mic I'm recording with, will sometimes add mids with the aural exciter

[@michmography]

I have a Presonus Studio channel should I not use the compressor and EQ when I’m running my signal through it

[@SeanDivine]

it depends. I wouldn't recommend tracking with compression / EQ unless you're completely comfortable with the gear and aware of the sound you're after. Leaving it as clean as possible will give you more flexibility in the mixing process.

[@LuffyAkAMaDGuY]

@@SeanDivine Woah!!! I was gonna cop this one soon as well.

[@strangejawa1374]

so why -25 lufs short term instead of dbs?

[@SeanDivine]

LUFS is an average measurement across a period of time, rather than just a momentary peak reading. In a vocal performance, an average measurement of perceived loudness is more accurate for this purpose.

[@officialhekri8962]

I have a Question, Im using fl studio as a daw, i have a normal interface (ur 22 mk2) while im recording i hear my self to quiet so i can´t perform right but if i get higher with the input gain i have clipping, i did the same thing like you but addet on the master a limiter just to get more gain. but also it records with more gain -.- i have all waves plugins.. sorry for my english.

[@primee5730]

Can I increase the gain on my interface if the level on the preamp isn't hitting -25 without air?

[@SeanDivine]

yes, you can turn up the interface output if needed (not the preamp gain)

[@primee5730]

@@SeanDivine I have a fethead being sent. I kept losing the cloudlifter bids 🤦🏿‍♂️

[@EHall-zj9zy]

Yo Divine....So I hear people say that-18db is the peak Gain that I should be looking for when recording vocals. Is that the same as the -25 short term LUFS?

[@SeanDivine]

different measurement types but... they're close :)

[@EHall-zj9zy]

Sean Divine I think I’m going to try it your way and see what we get!!!

[@EHall-zj9zy]

Sean Divine Yo you are a life saver!!!!!!!!!

[@primee5730]

However, my preamp doesn't get up to -25 without air 🤦🏿‍♂️

[@SeanDivine]

check out the cloudlifter

[@primee5730]

@@SeanDivine I have the studio v3

[@primee5730]

@@SeanDivine can I lower the output on the preamp and increase the gain on the interface a little bit? Or should I just be content with it peaking at 38 without air?

[@primee5730]

@@SeanDivine I used to use audacity noise remover after mastering, to cancel air previously.

[@norre9ify]

How many db of gain reduction should you aim for with the compressor on the way in?

[@SeanDivine]

it will vary depending on the vocalist, performance, mic, etc. I like to keep it relatively light during tracking, only a few dBs typically taming peaks. There is more GR in the video - it's set this way for tutorials :)

[@norre9ify]

@@SeanDivine Thanks ☺️

[@Warmwinterz]

I find that my golden age premiere sounds too wooly...like 200hz-600hz(ish) can you recommened a pro level preamp that can combat this? Looking for something more transparent, but top notch. Maybe this aphex is a good choice?