UAD Apollo Twin x Quad | questions on vocal chains (one for live performances one for studio recording)

[notawiseoldman]

Hi everyone,

I recently purchased the Apollo Twin x Quad:

The vocal chain I am running is: (This is for both live vocal processing and studio recordings)

Neve 1073
Autotune
LA-2A
Pultec-pro

DAW: Logic Pro

Live performances this sounds okay, I am using the Sennheiser EW 100 G4-835-S Wireless.
The only issue I am running into with this is the my "s" and breaths are coming in pretty strong, but I figured I might be able to either bus over to a second "insert" and add the de-eseer- is the best step or should I have it running on the actual vocal track inside of logic for live performances?
*If there any suggestions here I am 100% open to changing this chain.
*my goal with the autotune is to automate the key depending on the track that comes next.


For studio quality, I am using the Neumann TLM 103.
I've been playing with this vocal chain but unfortunately I cannot get it to sound proper. Playing with the nobs on the Neve 1073 and also turned on and off for any combination off the plugins I have online currently. I either sound like I am maxing out on the actual vocal itself without hitting into the red or I am just not loud enough.
When I turn off the Neve 1073 my vocals are also too quiet which is why I keep the Neve on.

Would changing from the Neve 1073 to --> the Universal Audio 6176 channel strip help at all? Not sure if it would or wouldn't, I read online a channel strip could help vs the Neve1073 preamp

Please note I am no expert so if I sound ignorant I am sorry

Vocals are both rock / hiphop style.

Thanks everyone!

 

[notawiseoldman]

I'd be willing to pay someone a consultation fee to help me solve these issues :')

 

[thewoodman]

I'd be willing to pay someone a consultation fee to help me solve these issues :')

It's a forum, we try to help each other without fees.
Regarding the TLM103, when I had one I tried out different preamps with it. It's a bright mic which in my opinion tends to sound best with a darker preamp. I had the best results with a UAD610 plugin. I also have the Neve plugins and a hardware 1073. Didn't match at all with the 1073 at all for me, also considering sibilance problems.

 

[hotspot]

What level do you read in Logic on your recorded track?
No need to change any gear as long as everything is full functioning.
Your 103 should work with any Unison preamp in terms of gain.

 

[dastga]

Not much help but I am using a TLM 107 and I have to crank the input up A LOT. What I see in your screenshot, I would not even hear myself. I am not sure if you are using the compressor to increase the volume in the chain.

 

[notawiseoldman]

It's a forum, we try to help each other without fees.
Regarding the TLM103, when I had one I tried out different preamps with it. It's a bright mic which in my opinion tends to sound best with a darker preamp. I had the best results with a UAD610 plugin. I also have the Neve plugins and a hardware 1073. Didn't match at all with the 1073 at all for me, also considering sibilance problems.

Thanks for the response! I'll try the the UAD610 out and see if that helps!

 

[notawiseoldman]

What level do you read in Logic on your recorded track?
No need to change any gear as long as everything is full functioning.
Your 103 should work with any Unison preamp in terms of gain.

Hi - thanks for responding! Since I made this, I went back to Pro Tools since I had my template there, I removed some things on the template and have had some better sound. I'm going to continue to play around with it and see if I can get a more clear sound with the TLM 103.

However when it comes to live vocals, I will be using Logic Pro. I'm still having a little issues over there. My goal is to make a set list and have some automations on it. I think I will have to hire someone for this. I've tried a few times but keep running into granular issues that set me back.

 

[hotspot]

All the plugin chain doesn't make much sense as long as your gain level is not set properly. I would remove all but the preamp and set a clean microphone signal with a proper level first.
If it's too quiet, you can also pull up the channel fader for monitoring.

I had my template there

You mean your template in PT? You won't need any DAW template for the recording because everything is handled by your UAD Console.
Your DAW will take your processed signal as long as 'REC' (instead of 'MON') is activated.

will have to hire someone for this

Seems appropriate if you want to make quick and sustainable progress. I also do remote sessions. Just sayin'

 

[notawiseoldman]

Not much help but I am using a TLM 107 and I have to crank the input up A LOT. What I see in your screenshot, I would not even hear myself. I am not sure if you are using the compressor to increase the volume in the chain.

Thanks for responding!
So when I'm using the Neve1073 plugin, if I turn my self up I can hear myself, however it is very touchy. It feels like I can max my vocals out pretty fast without actually hitting the red.
I'm going to try the UAD610 and see if that helps.

 

[notawiseoldman]

All the plugin chain doesn't make much sense as long as your gain level is not set properly. I would remove all but the preamp and set a clean microphone signal with a proper level first.
If it's too quiet, you can also pull up the channel fader for monitoring.
You mean your template in PT? You won't need any DAW template for the recording because everything is handled by your UAD Console.
Your DAW will take your processed signal as long as 'REC' (instead of 'MON') is activated.

Thanks for the response!
Okay, that is great advice! I'll start with the preamp, then add everything else to ensure the sound is at the correct volume.