5 Tips for recording great vocals in a Recording Studio
by CYV Industries Online Marketing ConsultancyThe quality of the vocals is probably one of the most important factors
for a song to attract positive attention and get noticed. When recording in a studio, there are certain
things you can do to ensure high quality vocals.
The human voice is a natural sound and we are generally used to hearing vocals
on a recording and spotting imperfections with vocals is more apparent than
with instrumental parts. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you nail that
perfect vocal take!
1. Get Comfy
A singer who feels comfortable and calm is going to deliver a much
better performance than someone who is nervous.
Rehearsing before recording is the best way to raise confidence. There
should be little to no distractions in the recording studio because these can seriously
affect the quality of the outcome. If you are about to sing and you feel
worried about something, discuss the issue and fix it instead of trying to
ignore the situation and soldiering on.
2. Quality Matters
There are many different kinds of microphones available in the market.
The quality of vocals is very much dependent on the type of microphone being
used in the recording studio.
Microphones that are intended for home usage or for small stereo systems
may be totally unsuitable for professional recording. Capacitor or condenser microphones
are most commonly used in studios for recording vocals, they are more sensitive
than dynamic microphones that would normally be used for a live vocal
performance.
Most recording studios will have top-quality condenser microphones and
though simpler and less expensive brands might perform just fine, it is always
worth checking with the studio where you are doing your recording which
microphones they have available before
your session.
3. It’s all about Technique
Microphone technique is an important factor and the manner in which the
microphone is “attacked” will also determine the quality of the results.
For a start, learn to put the microphone at a correct distance. Being too
close to the microphone will increase the risk of popping and cracking sounds. Being
too far away from the microphone, apart from diminishing the volume, may also cause
the sound to reflect or bounce from the walls of the studio, thus diminishing
the quality of the vocal.
Singers should also learn to pull back when hitting loud or high notes.
This could help to make the quality of the vocals even, from start to finish.
Finally, the microphone should be mounted on a stand whenever possible.
Holding the microphone while performing can significantly affect the quality of
the sound and pick up residual and unwanted noises.
4. Pop it
A pop shield is a useful piece of equipment when recording vocals in a
studio.
It is normally mounted on the microphone stand and will cover the front
of the microphone and when mounted correctly it will help eliminate pops and
other sounds caused by singing into the microphone.
Such pops are difficult to fix during the editing and mixing of the song
so it is always best to use a pop shield on your microphone to avoid this.
5. Practice, Perform, Repeat
Very few singers are capable of delivering stellar performances on the
first take and after listening to your first vocal take you might find there
are some imperfections.
There is no need to settle for something that sounds mediocre. Repeat
until you feel confident and happy with the outcome. Striving for perfection is
a good thing, as long as you know where to draw the line.
Both the equipment and the technique of the performer are important for
the quality of the vocals. Working with a good recording studio engineer will be
a bonus in achieving a successful final result.
Research, rehearse and be as well prepared as you possibly can before getting into the recording studio
and you should do just fine.
Author:
Eva Brandt is a trained sound engineer with
experience in both studio and live recording.
She is a panel member of Rock School and has over
20 years’ experience as a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and composer.
She is currently the co-owner and manager of
Hampstead Music & Voice Studio in North London.
For more information please visit: http://hmvs.co.uk/
Call: 020 7692 5869 or 07984
980 626
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Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.