Struggling to achieve a professional vocal sound - Need advice
(Willing to pay for a solid answer)
"Hello everyone, sorry for my English. I’ve been producing for 2 years now, but I still can't achieve that 'pro' vocal sound.
My Setup:
- Interface: SSL2
- Mic: Rode NT1 5th Gen
- Room: Home studio with Rockwool acoustic panels
- Plugins: Waves, FabFilter, Antares
I am linking some dry recordings along with a reference track of the sound I want to achieve.
I’ve tried everything: different mic distances, angles, endless EQing, saturation, compression, and spatial effects (reverb/delay), but I’m stuck.
The issue: When I listen to professional tracks with headphones, the vocals sound distant and smooth, with great clarity in the upper frequencies (above the 'eye level'). My recordings, on the other hand, feel 'low' and muffled. If I try to fix the harshness, they become muddy. If I clear the mud, they sound thin. Maybe the raw vocals aren't good or my setup has issues.
If an experienced engineer can explain what I’m missing or walk me through the process, I am happy to compensate you for your time and a solid answer. Thanks!"