Recording singing doesn't necessarily require a visit to a professional studio. With the right studio setup, dynamic mics and post-production tools, you can get started recording vocals at home anytime. But how do you get started?
Here is a short guide to recording vocals in your own space:
Getting a good performance
One major key to a great performance is a thorough understanding of the musical piece. If you're singing a song written by somebody else, put yourself in the same mental frame of the author when they wrote the song.
Ask yourself: How does this music make you feel? What happened to inspire the music or lyrics? Is the piece based on a real story? Whenever you hear or read someone's lyrics, try to imagine how they felt writing for an authentic vocal sound.
Step-by-step vocal recording checklist
There are some key steps to recording professional sounding vocals at home. In addition to the mental and emotional aspect of vocal recordings, you'll also want to do the following:
- Use the right equipment. Dynamic microphones, condenser microphones and ribbon mics are all common microphone types to investigate depending on your desired sound.
- Record in the right place. Choose a space with good acoustics but limited reverb.
- Record multiple takes and then take a break. Never underestimate the power of a thorough warm-up period.
- Leave effects until the end of the process. Focus on getting several solid takes with natural sound before adding in extra effects.
Home vocal recording mixing tips
Sound mixing is a complex process requiring both personal style and finesse. However, there are some simple reminders you can keep in mind for any home vocal recording session.
One thing experts recommend is to always mix the vocals within the context of the rest of the mix for accurate balance. Equalizing is the process of making the lead vocals as clear as possible, but you don't want to completely overpower the rest of the track.
It is possible to achieve high-quality studio vocals in your own home studio. These tips will help guide your process and figure out the best possible way to record vocals in the comfort of your own home.
About the Author
Marsha Charles
Consistent top listing and selling agent receiving Chairman's Club award for superior sales achievement almost every year while associated with Preferred Properties, Inc. Consistently receive the International Presidents Premier award for sales volume since joining Coldwell Banker Realty and ranked in the top 1% of agents in Connecticut and Westchester County. In 2021 I received the International Society of Excellence award for sales volume in excess of $100,000,000. I have been named a Top Five Sales Agent for customer satisfaction since 2010 (longer than any other agent in Connecticut) and listed in Connecticut Magazine. Named one of the Top Agents in Connecticut by Real Trends since 2018.
I work with sellers and buyers and also have a strong understanding to needs of those who are relocating . Background and experience in advertising, public relations and photography offer creative and innovative marketing plans for sellers.
Realtor designations include: Graduate Real Estate Institute, Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Residential Marketing Specialist, and Pricing Strategy Advisor. Served as President of New Canaan Board of Realtors (two terms), Director (three terms) and currently serve on Professional Standards Committee. Named Realtor of the year by the New Canaan Board of Realtors in 1994and again in 2022.
Married and mother of other of four children who attended and graduated from the New Canaan School System, Member of New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich and Statewide MLS systems. Areas covered include New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich, Rowayton, Norwalk, Wilton and all of lower Fairfield County.
