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
Kimberly Hering
Kimberly Hering's devotion to helping people achieve their real estate goals stems from her genuine enjoyment of the process. Whatever the task, Kimberly makes it her mission to get it done, however she can, without compromising her client's needs. Often, that means thinking outside the box. After working with Kimberly, clients describe her as being Trustworthy, Creative, Patient, Highly Skilled, Attentive to the Process and having a lot of Integrity.
After spending more than 15 successful years working on Wall Street, Kimberly transitioned into Real Estate, joining Alain Pinel Realtors, then moving to Zephyr, now Corcoran Global Living, in 2018. During her career on Wall Street, Kimberly was a Vice President working as an Institutional Equity Salesperson for Montgomery Securities for 10 years. She covered the top money managers throughout the US and Canada. She joined Jefferies & Co as a Senior Vice President managing the Western Region Institutional Sales group, while continuing to cover the top money managers.
Kimberly leverages her extensive experience selling equities to top money managers throughout the US and Canada, to successfully negotiating any Real Estate transaction seamlessly for her clients. Kimberly is well versed in Marin's neighborhoods, towns, cities, and education system.
Living in the Bay Area for 35 years, 25 years in Marin and having 2 sons in local Marin schools, Kimberly spends a lot of time volunteering in the community and serving on various local Boards. Kimberly has a collection of resources ranging from the best local breakfast spots to vetted contractors. With her reliable list of valuable resources, Real Estate experience and unsurpassed knowledge of Marin's many communities, Kimberly can guide her clients through every aspect of a Real Estate transaction seamlessly.
Relocating to Marin, downsizing, upsizing, first time home buying, final home purchase or sale, or a lot to build a dream home, no matter the undertaking, Kimberly works seamlessly until the job at hand is completed with 100% satisfaction.