Phone recordings
bentk
Moderator, Pro, 2.0 PRO, 3.0 Streaming Posts: 1,650
Hi all!
There is something i noticed the other day that i wanted to share.
Sometimes i make a quick recording on my phone (iphone 6S) to check my pitch, tone etc. but it was not representing my voice that well at all. I thought i sounded pretty weak on those recordings, almost 'whimpy' to my own ears. However, this was not the case when i did a quick recording through the Shure SM58 i use for rehearsals and my Focusrite Scarlett i2. It sounded fuller, more powerful, and not 'whimpy' at all.
I wanted to share this because those phone recordings were disheartening for me, but weren't fair. My wife already told me that those recordings did not sound like me at all, but i had to 'check' with a better microphone.
Of course i have sung through a microphone many times, and i know how i sound, but those phone recordings just got the better of me. I started to doubt myself. It's silly, but i felt the need to share this.
It might also partially be the app that i used (voice memos or something, standard on an iphone) that makes it worse, but i can't really recommend anyone using a phone mic anymore. Unless you have a better mic, because my phone is also almost 4 years old now.
Thanks for reading.
All the best,
Ben
There is something i noticed the other day that i wanted to share.
Sometimes i make a quick recording on my phone (iphone 6S) to check my pitch, tone etc. but it was not representing my voice that well at all. I thought i sounded pretty weak on those recordings, almost 'whimpy' to my own ears. However, this was not the case when i did a quick recording through the Shure SM58 i use for rehearsals and my Focusrite Scarlett i2. It sounded fuller, more powerful, and not 'whimpy' at all.
I wanted to share this because those phone recordings were disheartening for me, but weren't fair. My wife already told me that those recordings did not sound like me at all, but i had to 'check' with a better microphone.
Of course i have sung through a microphone many times, and i know how i sound, but those phone recordings just got the better of me. I started to doubt myself. It's silly, but i felt the need to share this.
It might also partially be the app that i used (voice memos or something, standard on an iphone) that makes it worse, but i can't really recommend anyone using a phone mic anymore. Unless you have a better mic, because my phone is also almost 4 years old now.
Thanks for reading.
All the best,
Ben
Comments
I found that an open mic session is much better, because at least there, they WANT you to sound great!
Similar effect is also present when listening to your own recording. May sound good blasting on good speakers or headphones, but try some crappy speakers and play really quiet. Makes you humble when you realize every small nuance of the volume and pitch. Good way to test your recording.
End of the day i think it's all about experience, and we need to sing in all kinds of places (and setups) to feel more comfortable.
I think you are right. But since I noticed the difference, it's pretty significant. And i am talking about no EQ or effects etc. I Compared both the phone and mic setup 'naked'. The phone recording seems to lack 'power' or sound a bit more shrill/weak, when actually it's not.
What phone do you use? and which app? Just curious.
So since the difference is significant in MY case, i am using my mic to check my voice. But without EQ and effects as i said, to hear everything clearly and to be fair.
Now what also doesn't help, is being my own worst critic. But i guess most of you can relate to that.
All the best,
Ben
I have been recording some more examples and i'm becoming more satisfied with both type of recordings actually, phone and mic. I thought you made a good point, so i worked on it and listened more carefully to the recordings, which has been a good process for me. So i guess i'm happy i started this thread!
I would however not say that the phone recording is like other people would hear you in my case. Of course, for the most part it is, but it's just too 'tinny' sounding on a mic like my phone has. And it overdrives the sound quite quickly, depending on proximity.
Thanks!
I'm also a little quick with some of my threads and replies, so i understand.
I don't think you were coming of as challenging (even if you were, it can be a good thing), you really had something to add to this thread. Like i said, i exaggerated my initial post a little, but things are not that bad. They improved a lot actually. It somehow made me review my small recordings more thoroughly, and appreciate them.
Thinking about mic recordings again, I still think you are right that they can alter the sound to be 'nicer'. Even without EQ and effects. It's probably best to let more people judge the difference. Never have any complaints during my rehearsals, but it's also insecurity rearing its ugly head now and then.
Thanks!
When it comes to mics, even slight proximity and/or angle differences can radically affect tone, so it is never cut and dried. An iPhone mic is an omni-directional type (i am pretty sure) and as such picks up allot of the room ambience. I am sure the frequency range leaves a little to be desired as well.
While good for capturing ideas in the moment, I'd never base how I sound on one.
At one point I was looking for some sort of an adapter to be able to hook up a decent mic to my phone, but I decided to just run through my Zoom R8 for recording quick drafts.
The zoom is also a great idea. It's probably also good to ask some people to listen to you live and the recording to give feedback. I like to have a good idea of how it compares!
Thanks!