Everyone is recording vocals at home now.
Even the artist I work with who are signed to Major labels are recording at home.
I think it’s the best way to record too. You don’t have to stress out about the studio bill, and you can start recording whenever the inspiration strikes.
Many of my clients ask me about which microphone and mic preamp to get, and I understand that it’s essential. However, I usually say to buy the most expensive one you can. I think that’s all there is to it. The more money you spend, the better it’s going to sound. My favorite chain is a Neumann M149 into a Neve mic pre (or Neve BAE clone) followed by a Tube-Tech CL1B Compressor.
But rarely do people ask me the most important question of all.
How do I properly record my vocals at home?
Using the right technique and learning how to get the proper levels is more important than the gear in my opinion. Realizing how the room your recording in can affect the sound is paramount as well. Recording in a small room with lots of hard surfaces is going to sound bad, no matter what. So you want to record in a place with soft surfaces, like a carpet and sofa to suck up some of the reflections.
The gain you set on your mic pre is significant as well. From time to time I will get vocals that are distorted. Usually, the reason for this is the artist couldn’t hear themselves. So instead of turning the music down, they turn the mic-pre up. Thus making the vocals distort the pre. When recording vocals if you can’t hear yourself, turn the music down and the headphones up. Never turn up the mic pre-up.
I was planning to shoot a well-done video on the process. Because I feel it’s a step that really kills what could be good sounding songs. However, I saw a video that Neumann put out and realized I didn’t have to. This video is so well done, that I think everyone should watch it before they record vocals at home.
So with that being said…watch the video below. Then hit me up to mix and master your song after. 🙂
