help for the vocal

[ayocanye]

i am using mbox 2, imac G5, and  Pro tool 8. I record a vocal track but my voice seems to sound too low, but i already turn the peak to the louders. and still kina low.  what can i do to gain up the volume?   can u tell me specific, cause i am new.

[stainless]

what is your signal chain (microphone? what's it plugged into?)

do other things you record have enopugh volume?  Are using the same mic to record other things

[ayocanye]

what is your signal chain (microphone? what's it plugged into?)
it plugged into mbox 2
do other things you record have enopugh volume?  Are using the same mic to record other things
No, i just record my vocal.         

[stainless]

what kind of mic are you using???

Doesn't the M-Box have 2 input channels? If so, try recording a track to one channel, move mic to second (and set the volume/gain the same0 and record aging (sing the same thing)

compare the waveforms to see if they're both the same (trying  to rule out if it's a problem with the pre-amp circuitry in the M-Box)

[ayocanye]

what kind of mic are you using???
at2020 condenser mic.

Doesn't the M-Box have 2 input channels? If so, try recording a track to one channel, move mic to second (and set the volume/gain the same0 and record aging (sing the same thing)
yea, it have too input channel. i'll try.

compare the waveforms to see if they're both the same (trying  to rule out if it's a problem with the pre-amp circuitry in the M-Box)

[stainless]

You do have phantom power on for the AT-2020 right?

and you are dinging into the 'front" of the mic? and not the back?

[ayocanye]

You do have phantom power on for the AT-2020 right?
yea, of course. but do i need to turn the mono power on too?
and you are dinging into the 'front" of the mic? and not the back?
yea.

last time i asked those professional people at guitarcenter.
they told me You can adjust the channel volume on the mic input to boost the recording volume. If that does not do the trick, then you can turn up the volume on the recording within ProTools.

and i don't get it at all.

[stainless]

I have to ask a lot of questions in lieu of detailed info.

Does the M-Box have -10 / +4 pad switch?  if you have it at -10 switch and see if this helps

OK-  the gain on the pre-amp typically dictates the recorded level, while the fader controls the "output" level (to master, monitors, headphones).  You set the level of the gain on the mic "Ideally" so the signal does not clip and preferably is generally around -18dB  to -10dB.... many people try and record as hot as possible, however this creates problem when you mix and especially makes mastering a nightmare. Recording "hot" reduces/eliminates headroom which means you have little to no room to work with for EQ, compression, etc.  Also, with condenser mics, the more gain you use, the more room noise you're likely to get, so "louder"  may result in more unwanted noises. Pushing the PT fader past 0 can also introduce clipping (distortion) as the signal to the master out is a summed signal of all tracks, and even though you may not have any individual tracks clipping the master output could be, which again results in distortion

"I" would adjust the pre-amp gain/level to the above mentioned levels, and  start the 'fader" at about -10db, adjusting as needed but never above 0 . IF you're singing style is to scream a dynamic mic may be a better choice over a condenser; IF you have strong plosives (excessive air movement fro 'p" sounds, among others) you will definitely benefit from a pop screen/filter.

Once this is set up, note the levels of the input. The wave form should correspond to this. 

bounce to disk and burn to a CD and see if it's louder on pother systems or still quiet.

What are you monitoring through?

Mono is if you want the output to be mono and not in stereo, has nothing to do with the mic input