There are different schools of thought when it comes to getting your vocals perfect for any project.
This is a guide for those of us who dont have that option.
But you’re able to still create some quality content if youre willing to do some extra work.
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Lets make this really easy: 90-percent of the time you want a condenser microphone for recording vocals.
It captures less sound at the sides and and almost none at the back of the microphone.
This makes it perfectly suited to capturing your vocalists voice and nothing else.
And if youre trying to capture the full cacophony of a space youll want to use an omni-directional mic.
So which microphone should you buy?
Thats completely up to your budget.
Im currently reviewing the Sennheiser MK4 and my early impressions are very positive.
The one caveat there being Im definitely going to use it more for recording singer/rapper vocals than spoken word.
Finally, though I generally recommend dedicated components, you might want to consider an all-in-one microphone.
I recently reviewed theSamson G-Track Pro, which includes a mixer and interface built into the mic itself.
It provides studio-quality sound for the likes of podcasting, streaming, or recording songs for your YouTube channel.
If these scenarios apply to you, an all-in-one mic could save you time and money.
Interfaces and pre-amps
Next up, well talk pre-amps and interfaces.
In the latter youre looking for something that will let you connect your mic to your machine.
What pre-amp you get really should depend on the microphone you buy.
A quick Google search on best pre-amps for your microphone model should tell you everything you better know.
Interfaces, however, arent so specific.
As a rule, aside from high-end interfaces, youre better off with a dedicated pre-amp.
You absolutely dont want to use the regular consumer headphones or speakers you have lying around.
It doesnt matter if theyre Beats, Air Pods, or a $10,000 surround-sound home theater setup.
Worse, you could be treating your listeners to an uncomfortable listening experience.
Good luck getting them back after that.
For now well just cover a few sets of studio cans that should work for all your vocal needs.
Check out our review of Sonarworks Reference 4here.
Its mostly a matter of preference and convenience.
I useAudacityfor all my recording.
Alternately, you’re able to tryReaperout.
Vocal software
Heres where it’s possible for you to really blow it.
Ive seen people spend thousands on VST bundles that didnt help their mixes sound any better.
But first: most DAWs come with a few VSTs you could use.
Youll want to learn how to use gate, compressor, reverb, and EQ.
Im currently using four products from Izotopes to handle all my vocal needs.
On the front end Ive gotVocal Synth 2andNectar 3.
The former provides synth modules that let me change the dynamic of recorded vocals.
Alternately, you’re free to get nuts and give your voice full-on synth effects.
Nectar 3, on the other hand, is an AI-powered vocal-chain solution.
I cant gush about it enough.
I used to spend hours upon hours creating custom vocal chains for every track.
Its brilliant, I love it, and I cant wait to dive in even further.
For mixing, Ive been usingNeutron 3.
It does for the mixing/balancing step what Nectar 3 does for my effects chains.
If youve never experienced one-button vocal mixing, you dont know what youre missing.
Its definitely worth a purchase.
Its, hands-down, the best way Ive found to clean up vocal tracks.
Well take a deep dive into these AI-powered software solutions for recording, mixing, and mastering soon.
In the mean-time, I recommend trying out any vocal software before buying it.
Playback headphones
Last but not least, youll want something to listen to your mastered mixes on.
These days, however, most people are going to listen to your work on earphones.
Beats are tried-and-true and great for vibing on hip hop or pop music.
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