Recording Vocals: Tips and Best Practices
Sagar Sahu
Sound Engineer with Expertise in AI Projects | Dubbing Director & Re-recording Mixer | Dubbed and mixed Various Anime, Documentaries & Movies for OTT and TV | Live Sound Engineer | Music Producer
Welcome to the second week of February’s Recording Techniques Series on #SoundSaturdays! ??
Vocals are often the most crucial element in a recording, whether you're working on music, voiceovers, podcasts, or dubbing. A great vocal recording can elevate a track, while a poor one can ruin an otherwise perfect mix. This week, let’s dive into the best practices for capturing clear, dynamic, and professional-sounding vocals.
1. Choose the Right Microphone for the Vocalist
Every voice is unique, and the microphone choice can make a big difference in how it’s captured. Here’s a quick guide:
?? Condenser Mics (e.g., Neumann U87, Audio-Technica AT4040) – Best for studio vocals due to their sensitivity and detail. ?? Dynamic Mics (e.g., Shure SM7B, Electro-Voice RE20) – Great for loud vocalists, aggressive styles, and untreated rooms. ?? Ribbon Mics (e.g., Royer R-121) – Ideal for warm, vintage-style vocals.
?? Pro Tip: Test different mics with the vocalist before committing to one. Some mics complement certain voices better than others!
2. Create the Perfect Recording Environment
Acoustics play a huge role in vocal recordings. If you're recording in a home studio, take these steps:
? Use Acoustic Treatment – Absorption panels, bass traps, and diffusers help reduce reflections and unwanted reverb. ? Avoid Soundproofing Mistakes – Remember, acoustic treatment ≠ soundproofing. Treatment controls reflections, while soundproofing blocks external noise. ? Find the Right Spot – Avoid corners and walls where reflections are strongest.
?? Pro Tip: If your room isn’t treated, try using a reflection filter (like the sE Reflexion Filter) or record inside a closet filled with clothes for a DIY vocal booth.
3. Master Vocal Mic Placement
How you position the mic can drastically change the sound. Follow these placement tips:
?? Distance from Mic: Start with 6–12 inches between the vocalist and the mic. ?? Angle: Pointing slightly downward can help reduce plosives ("p" and "b" sounds). ?? Use a Pop Filter: This prevents harsh plosive sounds and keeps the mic clean. ?? Try Off-Axis Recording: Slightly angling the mic can soften harsh frequencies.
?? Pro Tip: Experiment with mic distance—closer gives a warmer, intimate sound, while farther creates a more open, airy tone.
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4. Get the Right Performance from the Vocalist
Even the best mic and studio setup won’t fix a weak performance. Here’s how to get the best take:
?? Encourage Proper Mic Technique – Teach the vocalist to control dynamics by adjusting their distance. ?? Warm-Up Matters – A well-warmed voice leads to a smoother performance. ?? Create a Comfortable Atmosphere – Dim the lights, adjust the temperature, and remove distractions. ?? Use a Headphone Mix – Give the vocalist a mix with proper reverb and balance to help them stay in the zone.
?? Pro Tip: Take multiple takes and use comping (combining the best parts of each take) for a polished vocal track.
5. Gain Staging and Recording Levels
Recording at the right level is critical to avoid distortion or noise. Follow these rules:
??? Set Gain Properly – Aim for peaks around -6dB to -10dB to leave headroom for mixing. ??? Avoid Clipping – Distortion from digital clipping is impossible to fix. ??? Use a Compressor (If Needed) – A light compression on the way in can tame harsh peaks (but don’t overdo it).
?? Pro Tip: If your vocalist has huge dynamic swings, use an automatic gain control (AGC) plugin or a limiter to prevent sudden peaks.
6. Use the Right Effects and Processing
Once you have a clean recording, you can enhance it in the mix:
?? EQ: Roll off low frequencies (below 80Hz) to remove rumble, and boost presence (2kHz–5kHz) for clarity. ?? Compression: Helps even out dynamics and makes the vocals sit well in the mix. ?? Reverb & Delay: Adds space and depth, but don’t overdo it—keep the vocals clear. ?? De-esser: Reduces harsh “s” and “sh” sounds.
?? Pro Tip: If a vocal feels too “thin,” try parallel compression or gentle saturation to add warmth.
What’s Next? More Recording Techniques!
This is just the beginning of our February Recording Techniques Series! Up next:
?? Week 3: Capturing Vocals with Clarity & Depth ?? Week 4: Recording Instruments for a Professional Sound
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What’s your go-to technique for recording vocals? Drop a comment below! ??