There are five stages to recording vocals to a professional standard. But it’s not all about the microphone or your gear. Or even your acoustic treatment. It’s not even only about your singer.
In the comprehensive guide “Your Ultimate Guide to Recording Vocals” by Björgvin Benediktsson on Audio Issues, readers are taken through a detailed journey on achieving professional-standard vocal recordings.
This guide emphasizes that while equipment like microphones and acoustic treatment is crucial, the essence of recording goes beyond just the gear. It highlights the importance of the singer’s performance, the melody, and the songwriting itself, stating that technology cannot compensate for a poor melody or performance.
The guide outlines a five-stage vocal production process to achieve a professional vocal sound, which includes:
- Pre-Production: Focusing on melody, lyrics, rhythm, and arrangement.
- Pre-Recording: Preparing the room, ensuring the singer’s comfort, and setting up the signal flow.
- Recording: Concentrating on the headphone mix, microphone technique, and capturing the best performance for all vocal parts.
- Editing: Tightening and tuning vocals, as well as removing background noise.
- Mixing: Integrating the vocal with other tracks using EQ, compression, and effects to make it stand out.
The article also provides practical advice on the essential equipment needed for recording vocals, from the choice of microphone to acoustic treatment of the recording space. It stresses the significance of recording in a well-treated room to minimize unwanted reflections and achieve a clean, professional sound.
Three budget-friendly but high-quality microphones are recommended for those looking to achieve great vocal recordings without breaking the bank: Aston Microphones Spirit, Neumann TLM 102, and AKG C214. The guide also offers tips on microphone placement, recording levels, and how to create a comfortable environment for the vocalist to deliver their best performance.
In essence, this guide serves as a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to improve their vocal recording skills, offering both technical advice and practical tips to ensure high-quality results.
Source: Recording Vocals: Your Ultimate Guide to a Pro Vocal Track : Audio Issues
