cart
cart
Posted 8th February 2023

A Guide to Recording Vocals at Home

main article image

Any song needs vocals, and getting them recorded properly can make or break your recordings. Recording from your home studio setup can bring a number of challenges. You can of course, produce professional-quality results from the comfort of your own home with the correct tools and methods. A good microphone is one necessary piece of equipment for capturing vocals. Studio professionals frequently choose a Shure SM57 due to its adaptability and cost as one example.

Room treatment

Great vocals often rely on the treatment of the room in addition to the use of a decent microphone. The sound quality of your recordings can be effected by the acoustics of the room, that can cause unwanted resonances, echoes, and obscured sounds. However, making decent room treatment doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Your room’s acoustics can be improved using easy and affordable techniques like installing foam panels on your walls, utilising soundproof curtains, and covering hard surfaces with carpets and duvets.

Microphone set up

Now that you have the right gear and a well-treated room, you can start recording. Make sure to take your time setting up the microphone and adjusting levels to avoid any clipping or background noise. You can also experiment with different microphone positions to find the best sound for your voice. For a make shift vocal booth try hanging a duvet over an opened door and placing the mic directly in front and sing towards it. You’ll notice the difference by adding some simple simple free acoustic treatment such as this. And while it’s hardly Abbey Road studios, it’ll make a positive difference in the final mix.

DAW operator

Enlisting a sound engineer or a member of your band to assist in recording your vocals can bring many benefits to the process. Not only can they help you achieve the best possible sound by adjusting levels (toping out at -6db ideally to leave headroom) and positioning, but they can also take care of operating the DAW while you focus on delivering your best performance. This allows you to focus on the creative aspect of recording, without having to worry about technical issues.

Creative benefits

Having someone else operate the DAW also provides a fresh perspective on your recording. They can offer suggestions and help you make creative decisions that you may have overlooked. Additionally, working with someone else can help eliminate any potential performance anxiety, making the recording process more enjoyable and less stressful.

Incorporating a sound engineer or similar into your recording process can bring many benefits to your vocals. Not only does it free up your time and energy, but it also provides a fresh perspective and helps ensure that you get the best possible result.

In conclusion

Recording vocals at home has never been easier with the right equipment and techniques. At Macdrum.com, we understand the importance of a great sound and we’re dedicated to providing you with the best drum samples to enhance your recordings. Whether you’re a professional musician or just starting out, our drum samples will give your recordings a professional edge and make them stand out from the crowd. So if you’re looking to elevate your home studio setup, check out our drum samples today!