Recording and mixing vocals with Earthworks SR40V microphone

Hey all!
Earthworks sent me this high definition hypercardioid condenser microphone to try out and make some videos with, and I wanted to run through some of its features as well as break down my recording and mixing process for the vocals on our new song Einstein, 1905.

Check out the Einstein, 1905 video here:

I really love this mic, and while it won’t be the best fit for everyone (particularly those on a smaller budget), it’s a very powerful tool for both live performances and studio recordings. I’m looking forward to taking it on the road with me whenever we’re able to play live concerts again, and to continue using as my main vocal mic for our livestreams.

You can read more about it on Earthwork’s website:

Buy it here:

See you next Sunday Morning!

Reina

[a.duncan]

And science to boot...
As a student of practically everything that has to do with the world within which I live, this video, as a lecture, is a standout. If you have time, you may want to create a series of lectures music students, especially those who enjoy performing live, will subscribe to in a heartbeat. The Reina del Cid class and handbook for live - musical - performance. Great teachers impart their knowledge without thought of ego. You're a great teacher. Sign me up, please...

[ropetyer]

Reina, I was already very impressed with you but this video revealed, to me at least, the depth of your knowledge regarding the complex and subtle technical aspects of sound production. It was fascinating to listen to how you weave your artistry into the technical capabilities of your equipment to produce EXACTLY the sound you want. Also, you are an excellent public speaker. Your presentation wasn't filled with "ahhs" and "umms". Thank you so much. I will now enjoy your work with a deeper level of appreciation for your knowledge and artistry.

[creep]

Many years ago, my guitar teacher said to me "know your gear". His point was that you can play/sing at a professional level, but if you're not on top of the sound you're producing, you'll sound like a beginner.
This presentation exemplifies that theory. There's so much more to it than meets the eye, or, in this case, the ear.

Your fans are so fortunate that you put so much consideration into your music, and it's presentation.

Thank you for your efforts!

[cestrell]

Singer... songwriter... musician... sound engineer... I'm truly impressed.

[andygosiak]

I am a complete Luddite, so all of what you explained went right over my balding head. I’m glad you are enjoying your new gear and can’t wait until Sunday!

Thanks Reina.

[patkcorcoran]

I too am impressed with your ability to express your thoughts, and with your knowledge of your equipment.

[PapaTony]

Creating quality music requires talent and practice. Capturing it requires quality equipment and knowledge. Thanks for the tour. You obviously have both.

[jonthebru]

That's amazing! You have so far gotten several thousand views (on the first day) just talking about your microphone! How these folks love you!

[TerryHarrisontbh]

Excellent teaching session. I know all of this as well but you were able to communicate this highly technical information with such ease. I will have to watch this several times and see if I can share this info with some guys that will really benefit from it. Thank you for sharing this.

[ericlemke]

So nice to see someone go into detail about why the SR40V is such a good mic. This has been my fav live vocal mic as soon as I bought it. It's incredible how well it works even on loud small stages. It can sound absolutely enormous in stadiums, too! Now I just need more of them

[charliehill]

This was immensely interesting even though I know very little about the technical side of music making. I love your natural voice and your voice with the enhancements.

[melanie-katharinakeppel]

This is really interesting 👍 Especially what I learned about kHz, Frequencies which are not hearable for human ears, but interact with the hearable frequencies. Proximity Effect and so on! I Love such stuff! Thank you!

[gunnermm]

Concise and well, presented should do more of these to encourage younger musicians starting out.

[arealamericanamerican]

Wow! What do you get when you improve the voice of an angel? You really combine your natural talent with your other genius traits to produce beautifu and unique music. Thanks for sharing this.

[RodMurray]

I'm just in the middle of getting a small church up to speed on Livestreaming and I think I learned more about mics from watching this than all the stuff I've read! Thanks!

[inkjob]

Dang Girl!....you are a geek when it comes to the electronics of music....and I mean this in a good way. Your knowledge of how your mikes are working is amazing ! SO impressed. I downloaded Einstein, 1905 a couple of days ago....to go along with your albums that I already had downloaded. Love you and Toni and Im hoping when this planet becomes normal again that you will play up here in Nor Cali ( the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley ?) Do stay safe out there and much Love sent out to you and Toni....Take care

[SlugcatEmporium]

I don't know anything about microphones and will probably never need to, but this was extremely enjoyable to watch.

[kentmelenich]

I never know how much went into your songs. Thanks for the inside look.

[brentnoury]

Thank you for this explanation. I've been really trying get a grasp on mics and the best ones for live and recording. Anyways, just wanted to say I appreciate your brilliance Reina and I've become a big fan.

[frankiecasper]

Love Einstein, 1905, great songwriting and voice. Toni is a really great guitarist.