Microphone cliping problem

yo what up family. i need some tips on keeping my mic levels from clipping when ever i record. i like to really give my all in my performance behind the the mic!!! but i dont yell, i just like to pronouce every word clean and profound. ive tried to use the pad switch, but it seems make the vocals real dull. yes i have a pre amp(on my mixer) and i have the audio technica at 3035 and a dynamic mic called atm27he. also i need tips on how to get nice clean vocals, in general.

What is the Preamp Input level set to?
If it isn't already set to Unity Gain, set it there and see how it sounds.
If it doesn't have a 0 or u next to the knob it might have a slight D tint, you'll feel the knob kinda click maybe.
It might have a -10 and +4 there too, My Behringer has that on the preamps.
Experiment with that kind of stuff until you get what you want, also maybe place the mic further away see what that does for the sound.


Pe@cE

compressor and stand back.

i have a compressor in sonar, the program im using to track with, but i dont understand how to use it.(or noe how to compress). could someone explain this for me? ( i also have a berhinger mixer, with the invisilbe mic pre amps)

Here are a couple of links:

http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/howto/compressor.html

http://www.looperman.com/tutorials_prod ... lained.php

That might help.

When you use a plug-in compressor (or any other plug-in for that matter), it doesn't effect the signal being recorded, only what you hear back. So if your singnal is too hot going in, then it still will be recorded with distortion. You need to invest in a hardware compressor. All a compressor does is control the dynamic range (loudness) of a signal. Insert the compressor after your mic pre and before your computer. You need to set the compressor in such a way that it "kicks in" when the really loud signals hit it. The compressor will "limit" the peaks of the signal and prevent distortion. Using a compressor can also result in an overall louder recording. It takes a little practice and experimenting to fully understand what's happening. Using a compressor is like sex. Once you learn, you never forget how.

^^^^^ basically what dot said but the if you insert a compressor in your DAW's track while recording it will limit/compress just like a hardware compressor. Only problem is by then your signal's already run through your soundcard (A>D converter) and has clipped and distorted if your levels are too loud. No good.

Before you go out and spend more money on a compressor try lowering the levels on your mic pre. Especially with the dynamic.