How to Record
Vocals
The vocal track is one of the most
important parts of a recording, however, the vocal and the drums are often the
weakest element of a home recording project. Some of this comes from not having
access to higher end equipment but if you can't afford the high end stuff there
are a few things you can do to greatly
improve
your sound without spending tens of thousands of dollars. First use a a
compressor set for about a 1 to 1.5 ratio which is a bit light but on a computer
and DAW it can be increased later. With compression too little is better than
too much. Second as I have already pointed out use the highest quality
microphone, preamp, cables, and audio card as you can feasibly afford. Try to
record in a small or medium size room. If all you have is a large room hang
baffles or use a walk in closet or small bathroom to record. Remember to cover
reflective surfaces, a particular problem in some bathrooms. You can use heavy
towels or blankets to keep the ring down.
Make
sure to get a pop screen to keep down the annoying pops associated with burst of
air from singing certain sounds. Have the singer drink warm water or tea to keep
the mouth from getting dry. Cold liquids can contract the vocal cords so they
are not recommended. Remember to make the recording environment comfortable and
as free of distractions as possible. Get a good headphone mix so the singer can
hear himself or herself clearly. Taking a little time to find out what type of
mix the singer likes is a highly recommended idea. If you can add a little
reverb to what they are hearing without adding it to the recording, (adding more
flexibility in the mix down stage).
Try to have a selection of good mics
to choose from or if the singer is the only one you ever record then buy the
microphone to suit the persons voice. Some great microphones sound terrible if
used with the wrong voice. Don't place the mic too close to a wall or other
object to avoid too many early reflections. Have the singer stand up and place
the mic so that they must tilt there head back slightly to sing. Remind them to
try and keep the same mouth
placement as
slight moves can make a big difference in the sound. Place the mic up to 12
inches away for a loud sound and a few inches for a more intimate sound. Angle
the mic slightly down so the singer is not singing directly into the mic to
limit breath noise.
Set the mic up at a moderate level so that the first track
can be used if necessary. Many time the first track is the best so take the time
to get a good starting level before you record. Allow the singer a few minutes
to warm up as you get the levels set allowing for a more accurate set up. As I
said before ALWAYS get that first take. You never know. Also allow the singer to
try a few tracks where he improvises on the vocals if time permits. Never limit
the creativity of an artist. Allow them to shape the sound without becoming
tempted to get involved in rewriting the song. For computer recording remember
to cut off silences to save hard disk space but leave enough on the ends of the
tracks so that you don't cut off the ends of the words. Go for feel and get the
best possible take without wearing the vocalist out. If possible save the
loudest parts for last so the singer does not wear out his voice before the end
of the day.
Tips and Tricks - Already set up and
you just need tips
and tricks to make your recording sound better.
Click here.
Drums - If you need
help or tips on recording acoustic drums then this is
the place to check out.
Electric
Guitars - If you want help
recording a electric guitar then check out
this page.
Acoustic Guitars - If you want help recording
an acoustic guitar then check out
this page.
Bass - Need help capturing that
electric bass we offer a few options for you
here.
Other Instruments - Want to add
that saxophone, cello, or flute to a project. Get the
facts here.
Mixing - Need help
mixing those tracks to get the right sound from your
mix. We can help here.
Equalization or Eq - Do you have a basic overall level and the tracks panned where
you want them. Then check out our tips on
Equalization or Eq.
Adding Audio effects - If you have the levels where you want them and have
added Eq its time to add some plug-ins or effects like reverb, delay, chorus,
flanger, and other effects to help that
final mix
shine.
Mastering - Need help
mastering your songs. Get the low down
here.
Other Items of Interest
- Also while your
here feel free to check out our record label
Silver Dragon
Records and see what we can offer your band in terms of recording and other
services. Also check out
Lazarus X
Houston's hottest local band and their new
CD release
Weapon of Love or
download a free mp3 for a limited time.
Home
-
Next
Thank you for checking out Silver
Dragon Records music home recording and mixing tips
All rights reserved.
