Recording Vocals Tips for Beginners

Recording vocals for the first time presents challenges beyond simply singing into a microphone. Understanding basic principles of microphone technique, room considerations, and performance approach helps beginners achieve quality results from early attempts.

Basic Equipment Needs

A condenser microphone provides the sensitivity suitable for vocal recording. Entry-level options like the Audio-Technica AT2020 or Rode NT1-A offer quality appropriate for learning and producing usable recordings.

An audio interface connects the microphone to the computer and provides necessary preamp gain. Two-input interfaces like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or Universal Audio Volt 2 suit most beginner vocal recording needs.

Closed-back headphones prevent the backing track from bleeding into the recording. Models like the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x or Sony MDR-7506 provide adequate isolation.

Microphone Setup

Positioning the microphone at mouth height with the capsule facing the vocalist establishes basic alignment. A distance of six to twelve inches from the microphone works for most situations.

A pop filter positioned between the singer and microphone reduces plosive sounds from P and B consonants. Two to three inches from the microphone capsule represents typical pop filter placement.

The microphone stand should be stable and positioned where the singer can perform comfortably. Boom stands provide flexibility for positioning without the base interfering with the performer’s stance.

Room Considerations

Recording in spaces with soft furnishings reduces problematic reflections. Bedrooms with carpet, curtains, and beds often work better than hard-surfaced rooms like kitchens or bathrooms.

Avoiding room corners and positioning away from walls reduces low-frequency buildup and early reflections. The middle of a room typically provides better acoustic conditions.

Simple treatment like hanging blankets behind the microphone or around the recording position provides meaningful improvement in untreated spaces.

Level Setting

Setting the preamp gain so peak levels reach approximately -12 dBFS provides appropriate recording level with headroom for dynamic passages.

Having the vocalist sing the loudest part of the song during level setting ensures peaks don’t clip during actual recording.

Watching the meters during recording catches unexpected level increases. Adjusting gain between takes if necessary prevents clipping on subsequent passes.

Headphone Mix

The vocalist needs to hear themselves and the backing track comfortably. Too little vocal in the headphones causes over-singing, while too much can inhibit natural delivery.

Adding a small amount of reverb to the headphone mix, without printing it to the recording, helps vocalists feel more comfortable. Most singers find completely dry monitoring unnatural.

Keeping headphone volume moderate prevents bleed into the recording and reduces the risk of pitch problems from excessive monitoring level.

Recording Multiple Takes

Recording several complete takes provides options for later selection. Three to five takes typically generate sufficient material without excessive repetition.

Encouraging the vocalist to try different approaches across takes generates variety. Subtle variations in dynamics, phrasing, or emotion provide comping options.

Noting which takes seem strongest during recording guides later evaluation. A quick note like “good energy on take 3” helps direct attention appropriately.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Recording too close to the microphone produces excessive bass from proximity effect and increased plosive problems. Maintaining appropriate distance improves tone.

Setting levels too high risks clipping, which cannot be fixed after recording. Conservative levels sacrifice nothing with modern 24-bit recording.

Over-processing during recording commits to decisions better made during mixing. Recording relatively clean preserves flexibility for later creative choices.

Patience and Practice

Quality vocal recording develops through experience. Early attempts may not meet expectations, but each session builds skills for future improvement.

Focusing on capturing sincere performances rather than technical perfection often produces better results. Emotional authenticity typically matters more than perfect pitch.

Reviewing recordings critically helps identify areas for improvement. Understanding what worked and what didn’t guides development.