Having Trouble...

[masterofthemood]

Hi, I'm new to the site, but I've been using the Micro BR for a little over a year and a half now and I have all the basic functions down. Really all I need to do is record vocals and simple instrumental tracks with it (i.e. rhythm guitar tracks, electric bass tracks, and occasionally some mandolin). Right now I'm primarily using a Gibson Dove and an Epiphone SST "Solid Body Acousitc" (chambered mahogany body with piezo pickups in the bridge). I'm using a Tapco Mix100 mixing board with phantom power, an MXL 990 condenser microphone, and I'm currently using garageband to edit the tracks i record and then transfer to my computer. I want to know if there's anything I can do to optimize the performance of the equipment I already have and I'm not sure how to do that. I'm having trouble getting the sound I want and It's kinda frustrating. For an example of the work I'm producing using my current setup please follow the link to my myspace page: www.myspace.com/atomicdiplomacy
The band has since disbanded, but I'm still able to upload material to the page. The song that was recorded with the setup I'm using now is "If You Love Me". It was uploaded twice by accident. To hear what my voice typically sounds like (in all it's sub-mediocrity...) please follow the link to my youtube page: www.youtube.com/masterofthemood
The two songs in which I sing are "God Had This Planned" and "If You Love Me". I'm really not all that fond of my voice, but I do want what I record to be an accurate representation of what my voice really does sound like. Any hints, tips, or words of advice as to how to get the best possible sound of my equipment would be greatly appreciated, even criticism about my songwriting and my ability as a guitarist is more than welcome. many thanks.

-Alex

[guitarron]

Welcome to the forum
You sound good-i like your singing-better than mine for sure
Try tracking in the  mbr and see what happens-
Many here are getting very good results with such a little piece of gear
It simplifies the process.
Ron
 

[masterofthemood]

thanks for the advice and for the feedback. i really apprecaite it. i need all the help i can get with this.

-alex

[PhilFromIT]

The two songs in which I sing are "God Had This Planned" and "If You Love Me". I'm really not all that fond of my voice, but I do want what I record to be an accurate representation of what my voice really does sound like.
-Alex

Actually Alex, I think you have a great voice. I wish I could sing half that good. Thanks for posting. I've been considering the MXL 990 myself for mic'ing my accoustic guitar. Have you tried it with an accousitc?

-Phil