A lot has changed in home recording over the last twenty years. Today, it's entirely possible to record professional vocals at home, even with equipment that doesn't cost a fortune. By following these tips and tricks, you can record the vocals for your next hit!

1. Choose the Right Microphone

Good vocal sound starts with the right microphone. The two most commonly used microphone types for vocals are dynamic microphones and condenser microphones, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. It may be easier to start with a dynamic microphone as they are a bit easier to work with in a room that is not acoustically treated.


Dynamic Microphone

🎙 Picks up less room sound.

🎙 More 'raw' and direct.

🎙 Does not use +48v phantom power.

🎙 Classics: Shure BETA58A, Shure SM7B.

 

Condenser Microphone

🎙 Picks up more room sound.

🎙 More smooth and 'soft'.

🎙 Requires +48v phantom power.

🎙 RØDE NT1-A, sE    Electronics sE2200

Somewhat stereotypically, much rock and rap are recorded with a dynamic microphone, where the uncrowned king is Shure SM7B or SM7dB, while 'cleaner' vocals are often recorded with a condenser microphone. However, it's important to note that it doesn't mean rap can't be recorded with a condenser and a nice smooth pop vocal can't be recorded with a dynamic microphone, because they can.

Ultimately, your microphone is your tool, and different models offer different advantages and disadvantages and have different basic sounds - so the art is to choose one that fits the sound you like.

...And yes, it can take some time to find the perfect one ;)


Bonus Tip: It's always a good idea to use a pop filter in front of your microphone. This is especially true for condenser microphones, but dynamic microphones may also benefit from a pop filter in the studio.


Bonus Bonus Tip: If you choose a Shure SM7B, it requires a lot of gain

 

2. Experiment with Placement

A microphone can sound completely different depending on where it's placed in a room - and the room's acoustics also affect the sound. This is because the sound the microphone picks up doesn't just come from the mouth - there are also sound waves reflected from walls and windows.


That's why professional studios have rooms where acoustics - and thus reflections - are 100% controlled.


You can relatively easily 'cheat' to get better acoustics in the home studio. You've probably seen that you can get reflection filters to place behind the microphone. They help to stop some of the reflections, making your vocal recording more controlled.


Even without an expensive reflection filter, you can do a lot at home. If you're recording in the bedroom, try opening the closet and using your clothes as a background for the microphone - it may not be so classy, but you'll be surprised how much it does for the sound! A sofa group, bed, thick curtains also help with the acoustics in a room.


If you want to do something for the sound in your recording room, a simple piece of acoustic cloth hanging 5 cm from the wall can also do a lot for the sound in the room.

 

3. Record 3-6 Times and Then Stop

When your singer is sufficiently warmed up and has a solid grip on the lyrics and melody, you can probably capture their full talent in the next three recordings. There may be value in additional recordings, especially if you want to experiment with microphone placement or in case the singer gets distracted or loses rhythm. Many finished vocal tracks consist of segments from several recordings.

If a performance is excellent with just one mistake, you can simply "patch" the specific part where the mistake occurred, avoiding wasting the singer's voice on a completely new recording.

 

4. Delay Effects

There are a plethora of methods to shape vocals, from compression to reverb and delay, as well as EQ. It's often advantageous to wait to do more than simple EQ and reverb while you're recording and evaluate the recordings - if the vocals can work with minimal treatment, they can become fantastic when you're finished mixing.

 

5. Autotune

It can be difficult to keep your finger off the autotune button once you get started - especially when recording our own music. Often, we can become overly self-critical and rely too much on technology to correct timing and tonal errors.

Over-correcting vocal recordings or quantifying performances too strictly can lead to a clinical and emotionless recording. It's usually better to preserve some of the human elements, as this can result in a more engaging performance.


With these simple tips, you're well equipped to record vocals for your next project. The fun (and scary) thing about recording vocals is that there are no rules - but good tools and a set of good workflows help give you better recordings, which are easier to work with when you're mixing your track.


Good luck in the home studio!