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My vocals sound muddy - should I buy a mixer? What do you recommend for beginners?

jmstanlejmstanle 2.0 ENROLLED Posts: 141
in Recording Techniques and Gear
Hi, I have been recording in Smule and my vocals sound so muddy and no matter what I do, turn off any effect like reverb, ...etc. It still sounds bad. Everybody complains about it as I have been recently competing in the Collaborative Demos competitions. So I'm now recording using my phone and "Voice Recorder" and playing the karaoke on youtube off my Samsung TabA. It is much clearer but now I wonder if it is time to purchase a mixer or something? I also play keyboards some (trained in classical piano as a child for 4 years and was showcased in Young Musician recitals at the University of Colorado twice!) so would like to mix that as well. Any ideas for someone who is a bit technical (I have a degree in Computer Science) although hardware has always scared me. However, once I overcome my fear I do great. I'm more of a languages person and creative person. LOL and I hate reading technical stuff.

So any suggestions?
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Comments

  • RandyBRandyB 2.0 PRO Posts: 450
    Judy, what comprises your current Smule setup?
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  • RandyBRandyB 2.0 PRO Posts: 450
    This is the advice I followed to arrive at my setup. I’ve been pleased with my sound quality for only investing ~$300. I’m using a Shure SM58 because my recording space isn’t very sound isolated.

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7A_ZF90EQ3k
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  • jmstanlejmstanle 2.0 ENROLLED Posts: 141
    Thanks @RandyB This is exactly what I needed!
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  • RandyBRandyB 2.0 PRO Posts: 450
    edited February 2021
    @jmstanle You’re welcome! And I don’t know if you live close to a Guitar Center, but I was able to buy everything there. I like instant gratification. 🤣
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  • jmstanlejmstanle 2.0 ENROLLED Posts: 141
    edited February 2021
    @RandyB Well actually I'm talking with my husband who had bought me a really nice microphone for Christmas 2019 - Sennheiser 845-S and also a voice processor - TC Helicon Voice Live Touch 2 - so now that he knows my dilemma we are looking for a way to line-in to my laptop (actually now I need to buy a new laptop because I can't download Smule on my work one) so that I can have "stereo" input. Oh and also a webcam for the video input so I get it where I want it. He thinks it's a better investment because I also want to mix keyboards at some point as well.

    We do have a Guitar Center in Sacramento about 45 min drive. But I think they are going out of business because I got something in the mail to that effect. I love Guitar Center! I guess I should go and support them somehow...
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  • RandyBRandyB 2.0 PRO Posts: 450
    Sounds good! Hope you get it sorted out.
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  • sjonrokz4usjonrokz4u 2.0 PRO Posts: 1,287
    a small mixer and a usb mic interface to get it in to the laptop
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