Karaoke Forums

Hi All

I've been subbing here at SS for just over a month and loving it! This is my problem ~ usually I have to either key up or down many songs in order for me to sing them comfortably. Today I've been trying to record Blondie's Heart Of Glass (I'm using Siglos) and I either have to key it down to -5 or up to +3 (which means the backing vocals are by Darth Vader or the Chipmonks ). But I'm noticing quite a distortion in the track ~ is there a work around for this? I've not noticed this with others eg I recorded Sunday Girl at -4 and that doesn't sound too bad! Am I doomed to sing male songs forever *sighs*

I appreciate any help/suggestions

Cheers
Van aka WillowsHeart

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[scroll][font=Comic Sans MS]Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead - Louisa May Alcott[/font][/scroll]

If you have to transpose more then 2 semi-tones, move on and get another song. There is no equipment that can keychange more then 2 semitones without sounding funky somewhere.

Thanks AllStar, I guessed as much . . . oh well not much I can do about it. Was worth a try though, if you never ask you never know!

Cheers
Van

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[scroll][font=Comic Sans MS]Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead - Louisa May Alcott[/font][/scroll]

You're welcome. Too bad you're in Wales, I am in Liverpool for 2 weeks, could have touched base.

Actually, there is one keychanger plugin for Winamp, that doesn't really distort the sound. The name is Chronotron and it's not free.

Doesn't change the chipmunk/Darth Vader problem though

The EAX Console from Creative is the only key changer capable of giving good results, but like Allstar said, +/- 2 semi-tones is where you need to stop

Thanks for your response guys I guess my only other solution then would be to hire a session band, I must remember to buy some lottery tickets

Cheers
Van

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[scroll][font=Comic Sans MS]Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead - Louisa May Alcott[/font][/scroll]

I change the key on a lot of songs and have found that the chipmunk/vader thing can sometimes vary depending on the company that released the track.

The best advice is to change it by 2 semitones in either direction at most when trying a song for the first time live, but experiment at home with different tracks or perhaps different versions by different artists, to see what you get away with. I sing My way at -5 and Jessie (Joshua Kadison) at -4 and have no problems... but this is rare.

You're certainly not doomed to male songs forever, if you're attempting Heart of Glass most female singers I meet couldn't do this number because it would be too high for them. I'm guessing you're singing in your chest voice, looking at the key changes you are using, which means you'll be able to sing a lot of pop music and possibly "one way or another", in the orginal key.

Off topic:



Wow, didn't think anyone else remembered this song, particularly not from the UK. It's a lovely little song

Thanks Marble it's good to know I'm not the only one who has problems with that particular song I have managed to sub '(I'm Always Touched By Your)Presence, Dear' in it's original key YAY I think you are right about 'One Way Or Another' too, I've just managed to get hold of copy of it Most times I'll listen to a karaoke track and think . . . . sheesh who do they think I am Mariah Carey

I very rarely sing in public, mostly for my own entertainment at home and just lately to sub on SS

Thanks for your advice

Van

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[scroll][font=Comic Sans MS]Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead - Louisa May Alcott[/font][/scroll]

Had a similar problem.
Apxex Aurel Exciter helped me.
It made all my tracks sound better.
It made 20% of the unusable tracks usable.
Option is to use a midi track.
No backing vocals but with a decent sound module,
you can make it work.

Thanks for that info Jerry I'll check that out!

Cheers
Van

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[scroll][font=Comic Sans MS]Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead - Louisa May Alcott[/font][/scroll]