How to Record Vocals at Home (Home Studio) or in a Professional Studio
One of the most important processes in any music production is the recording, editing, and mixing of vocal tracks. A large part of the listener’s attention is usually focused on the vocals, so in any production, special care should be taken when recording vocals in the studio, regardless of the music genre.
At GuitarRec, we collaborate on music projects over the Internet, and vocal recording is often a process that artists handle independently once they receive the premix with instrumentation for recording a song online.
In this tutorial, you’ll find some tips on production techniques, preparation, and advice for recording vocals and backing vocals in your home studio or a professional studio to help improve the final result.
Should I Record Vocals in My Home Studio or a Professional Studio?
We answer with another question: Do you have the necessary equipment to achieve a vocal recording that meets the expectations of your project?
If the answer is yes, perfect! If you already know what a condenser microphone is, have a preamp, and understand dynamics, effects sends, and production software, go ahead!
If not, consider the option of recording vocals in a professional studio. They will provide the necessary equipment to achieve a good sound and help you focus on one of the most important aspects: your performance.
What Equipment Do I Need to Record Vocals on My Own?
Below is a list of the necessary elements for recording vocals in your home studio. The quality of each element, your knowledge of how to make the most of the equipment, and of course, your ability (or that of the person recording the vocals) to perform the vocal part will determine the professionalism of your sound and results as a music producer for the track.
Necessary equipment for recording vocals in a home studio:
- Recording room (acoustically treated and minimally isolated)
- Microphone (typically a large-diaphragm condenser. Check out our article on the best microphones for home studios)
- Microphone preamp (standalone or built into the sound card). See our article on the best sound cards for home studios)
- Closed-back headphones (or semi-open headphones when working at moderate volumes)
- Microphone stand/shock mount (to prevent vibrations from transferring to the microphone)
- Pop filter (to eliminate plosive sounds caused by “P” and “B” consonants)
- Recording software (choose the one that best suits your needs)
Preparation Before Recording Vocals
– Memorize the lyrics: Practice enough to memorize them, allowing you to focus on your performance. However, keep a stand with the lyrics nearby in case you forget a section or simply need to remember the start of each song part. Bring a copy for the producer and engineer if you’re recording in a studio.
– Premix the track: Prioritize the rhythmic section and harmonic base. Lower or mute elements that might make it harder to maintain good tempo and pitch.
– Experiment with different microphones and preamps: Record several clips, analyze the results, and choose the best combination for the track. Experiment with different distances from the microphone to find the optimal presence and bass frequency response.
– Analyze the room: Listen to how your voice reverberates in different areas to find the best recording spot. Avoid capturing too much room sound if it’s not acoustically treated (a common issue in non-professional studios, along with external noise). Use a reflection filter to minimize the problem.
– Water: Keep enough water nearby (preferably lukewarm) to avoid interrupting the recording session for hydration.
– Warm up: Perform vocal warm-up exercises or sing through the track a few times before starting the recording. You can use arpeggios with a piano sound on your MIDI controller keyboard or practice breathing exercises by blowing into a straw submerged in a water bottle.
– Feel comfortable: Set the right ambiance, control the lighting, and arrange the elements to help you relax and get a good take. If you’re in a studio, it might be the ideal time for people observing you from the control room to take a coffee break. (Just make sure the producer and engineer stay…)
Technical Tips for Recording Vocals
- Volume: The level of your voice in the studio headphones affects how loudly you sing. Lower the level if you need more power, or raise it for a softer interpretation.
- Recording Level: Adjust the input level to leave enough headroom, ensuring no peaks exceed 0 dB. Make sure you or the singer practices at the same volume as during the recording. (If you achieve this consistently, tell me how…)
- Effects: Record the signal dry (without effects). Use reverb sparingly in headphones. Find a balance that helps you feel immersed in the track without masking tuning inaccuracies.
- Dynamics: Apply little to no compression during recording unless you’re confident in your settings (2-3 dB reduction is a good starting point) and have a high-quality compressor that enhances the recording chain.
- Equalization: As with compression, only apply EQ if the equipment adds quality and you’re confident in what you’re doing. Remember: once recorded, it can’t be undone. That said, don’t be afraid to experiment and get creative.
Routines for Achieving the Perfect Vocal Recording
You can approach vocal recording in completely different ways. Analyze the singer during the first takes to decide the best method for recording. Here are two common approaches:
- Option 1 (comping or composite): Record multiple complete vocal takes and then select the best segments from each. This is ideal when you’re both singing and recording vocals in a studio. You can choose the best parts “cold” after the session. Record three to five solid takes, then compile the final track by selecting the best phrases from each take. Depending on the style and song structure, you can also copy vocal or backing vocal parts (e.g., choruses).
- Option 2: Repeat until you achieve a strong take, then patch any sections that need improvement to finalize the track. This method is highly recommended when producing someone else’s vocals, as you can evaluate the results during recording. Perform the track as many times as needed to get a well-interpreted and natural take, then patch any weak sections. In either case, aim to minimize corrective work in the next production phase: pitch correction and vocal editing with software (Auto-Tune, Melodyne, etc.).
Ultimately, it all depends on what you’re aiming for and what works best for the song. Many decisions are resolved through trial and error, while others can be simplified during the songwriting process.
Final Tips for Recording Vocals and Backing Vocals
Once you have the final take, you can double the vocal by recording a new track. Try to match it closely with the main vocal, but it doesn’t need to be perfect (you can fine-tune it in your audio editing software). Mix the track at a low volume to enhance the vocal throughout the song or in choruses. Use it at a higher volume and panned slightly left or right to create the recognizable doubled vocal effect.
Using backing vocals with a different harmony from the main vocal is one of the most important techniques to enhance the vocal part of any music production. Try using a different microphone or preamp for the backing vocals to differentiate the sound. You can also double each harmony to use them panned wide (left and right) in the mix or apply a stereo imaging effect (here are some free plugins in VST, AU, and AAX).
Lastly, an important tip: Turn off your phone or leave it outside the booth during recording. It won’t be the first time a vocal take is ruined by a ringing phone. Although, in my case, during one session as a session guitarist and backing vocalist, my phone rang while recording. The sound ended up being kept in the mix 🙂 (hear it here – min. 01:18).
Enjoy!
Tutorial created by Vicen Martínez (music producer, guitarist, and founder of GuitarRec.com). Follow on Instagram | LinkedIn.
Header illustration: Edu Blanch (www.edublanch.com)
Studio photos: Nata Ramenskaya Pinto
