Recording Vocals: Useful Tips & Techniques

Recording Vocals: Useful tips & techniques to make the vocals sound great…

Contents hide

1 Overview

2 Start with a Good Singer

3 Make the Singer Comfortable

4 Let the Singer Hear their Voice

5 Learn Diplomacy

6 Use the Right Microphone

7 Using Compression

8 General Tips

9 Related Posts:

Overview

Most people get started with music production by using software such as FL-Studio, which is great for making dance tracks. Using such software, you can easily lay down the drums & bass tracks, add a few more instrumental tracks, and quickly you’ll have your song created.

But when you actually have to record live guitars and vocals, its a slightly different ball game. It’s not difficult, its just that you need to get used to it.

Whether you’re recording at home or recording in a studio, the basics are the same. There is a common misconception that there is one perfect vocal mic. but the human voice is very unique and dynamic. You need to spend time finding the right microphone for the artist you’re recording. Most studios use a large diaphragm condenser tube microphone.

When recording vocal in a large space, sometimes you will get unwanted ambiance surround sound, so to control these you need to setup acoustic panels. At home, you could just use a mic stand and a blanket.

Consonants like ‘p’s and ‘b’s can be problematic while recording vocals, they move a lot of air and can cause a lot of pops in your recording. To reduce the unwanted air, you can setup a pop-filter about 1-2 inches away from the mic.

The other thing that you will have to deal with when recording vocals is the proximity effect. The closer the vocalist gets to the microphone, the more is the wind that the mic is going to capture. Most vocalists/singers stand about a feet or so way from the microphone when singing (you can always test it out to see what sounds best).

These are just some of the basics of recording vocals, but the more important thing is to spend more time with the vocalist, selecting the right microphone and to set it up in a way that best suits the vocal artist.

Here’s more on how to record great vocals and live/acoustic instruments.

Start with a Good Singer

You definitely need to start with a good singer!

But you also should know how to extract the best out of the singer.

Besides, you need to learn about mic placements and use some of the techniques mentioned here, if you want to capture a good performance, particularly the lead vocals.

Make the Singer Comfortable

There are various factors that can influence the singers to give their best.

Some may be new to recordings, so you need to make them feel comfortable in that environment.
Some nay need pampering
Others may need some motivational talk, you need to goad them to give their best

Singers are emotional creatures, and if they feel any discomfort or nervousness or are not motivated enough, it can show in their singing.

Let the Singer Hear their Voice

Most singers want to hear themselves loud and clear, so make sure you provide them a good pair of headphones when recording the vocals.

If any track is interfering with their vocals, mute that track temporarily so that the vocalist can focus on singing. You can put it back later.

Learn Diplomacy

This is especially important if you are working with an established/popular singer. It probably doesn’t matter much if the vocalist is your friend, though its good to know how to work with stars.

You obviously have to praise the singer a lot, it makes them feel comfortable.

If you want retakes, you can say things such “I love what you’re doing, but you can surely do better. Lets give it one more shot!”

Using the right gear and the knowledge to use them definitely helps, but for best results (especially when working with singers & other musicians) you must learn the art of small-talk & diplomacy.

Now we move on to the technicalities.

Use the Right Microphone

Usually, a large diaphragm condenser is the preferred choice for many, but you can get some great sounds from a basic Shure SM57 as well. Feel free to experiment with the various mics that you may have.

Just because you have a $1500 mic doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right mic for the job.

Everybody’s voice is different, so you may have to use the mic that sounds the best with it (not necessarily the most expensive one).

Also make sure, the singer maintains the same position with respect to the mic, after small breaks.

Read:

Best Microphones for Recording Vocals
Best Microphone Pop Filters
Room Acoustics & Recording Vocals Guide
How to use a Vocal Processor to enhance your vocals

Using Compression

Singers usually tend to get louder, as they get more comfortable in front of the mic. It means you need to keep an eye on the levels.

Songs nowadays demand an even level throughout the track; most experienced vocalists have good mic technique (pulling back for louder passages, etc.) which makes this easier to achieve.

Having said that, its a good idea to use a little compression, say a ratio of 2:1 and a fast attack, for better results.

If at all you use compression when recording vocals, use it sparingly so that it gives you more flexibility when doing the final mix.