Tips On Recording Vocals

The tips on recording vocals given in this article can be used for any type of music. You learn some of the best way to record vocals and start sounding like a professional.

The most common mistake is recording vocals too loud or too soft. Do not tend to go too loud. A thick vocal track can really make a difference in a song, especially the chorus. In general, use 3 or more separate tracks to later mold into a single track. It is important to use vocal techniques, volumes and styles that use different pitch ranges so that a robot-chorus effect doesn't happen. Record a solid vocal first that will serve as the foundation for the other vocals to sit on. This track lays the vibe of the verse and it is very important that the others sit perfectly on this track. It is also the loudest and most dominant in the mix, so it needs to be perfect before moving on.

1) Compressor -

The compressor lowers the volume when the input exceeds a certain threshold. It's like an invisible hand on a volume control. This allows a vocalist to get louder without going into the red. One very good setting is to have the input to the compressor boosted so that all the "soft" words come through with a strong level.

2) Clean up the audio track-

After recording the vocal track, open it up using your favorite audio editor. Then zoom in and remove any background noise and breathing noises. Noise normally occurs in the beginning and in the end. Breathing noise occurs during the pause of the bars, or in the way to the chorus of the song.

3) Pre-Amp-

The next thing to consider is a microphone preamplifier. One thing to note: If you buy a "tube" microphone, you are probably going to want a solid-state preamp. You should make sure your preamp supplies "phantom power", as your condenser microphone is most likely going to require it.

4) Pop Filter-

Another thing you are going to want is a pop filter. These are the big hoops with mesh stretched across them that you see in the pro studios. These prevent the popping you hear when a vocalist sings words with the letters "p" or "b".

About The Author:

Blitz the Producer invites you to learn more about professional vocal recording. When you email your song to djyoung1_sean@hotmail.com, your song will be evaluated and you will be told exactly which part needs to be enhanced. To submit your song, email djyoung1_sean@hotmail.com.

Blitz Productions: http://www.soundclick.com/blitz204