Getting a headphone mix for vocal recording

[penster]

I find it difficult to get a good headphone mix for a vocalist. I record the vocals dry and the vocal feedback is usually quiet compared with the other tracks. I find myself either lowering the levels below where they will eventually be or recording vocals with the headphones on one ear only.
How do people do this?
Mick

[Oldrottenhead]

i am assuming you are talking about when you are actually recording your vox and not at the mastering process.

i very rarely record dry vox, unless it suits the song. sometimes tho the music i am singing to can be quite loud, so i lower its levels to better hear what i am singing.

then when mastering or bouncing i bring the levels back up. if vox is too quiet, you can lower the music levels but bring up the overall mastering level which usually defaults at 100.

so music could be at 80, vox at 120 and bring up master level to get overall volume you want.
hope thats of help.

[Oldrottenhead]

oh one other thing make sure the music is panned in a way that leaves room in the middle for vox, sometimes if music is centred its harder to hear yourself.

[penster]

Yes, the comment on panning is useful. I note that you do the same as me. I find it fiddly on the MBR to lower all the levels to record vocals, get that mix sounding ok, then bring them all back up for a final mix.
Mick

[Oldrottenhead]

i might add, i only tend to have to lower the levels when there isnt any room in the middle for vox.

[Glenn Mitchell]

I lower the other track levels during Vox and harmony recording too.
You need just enough for the feel and not so much that you are straining or not hearing subtle input.
It's helpful to play back at those levels to catch the errors. (Toe tapping, paper shuffling, heavy breathing.)