When recording vocals, knowing various microphone techniques will help aid the process. There are a variety of techniques used when it comes to recording vocals. Before you begin recording, you must first consider what kind of vocals you’re featuring. The techniques for recording a commercial voice-over will vary drastically from that of a jazz vocal, When beginning a vocal session first identify what style of music you will be working with, then it will become evident which technique may be a good starting place to fit a vocal in the musical context.
Vocal Recording Pre-Production
The first step to recording vocals is to consider the recording space. Whether you’re recording in a home studio or professional facility, listen to what the room has to offer. Does the sound bounce around, or disappear quickly? Room size, furnishings, surfaces, and dimensions all factor into the recorded sound. After you’ve scoped out the room and addressed any problems with acoustic treatment, place your microphone in the part of the room which sounds best and record a few test tracks.
Vocal Microphone Setup
Setting up the microphone will involve interaction with the vocalist in the studio. The vocalist should stand comfortably while maintaining proper voice projection techniques, with appropriate attention given to the microphone’s diaphragm. Set up the microphone so that the center is aimed directly at the vocalist’s mouth. The distance between the two will vary, ranging from three inches, for soft voice passages, to twelve inches for projecting vocals and several or more feet for operatic or experimental vocal techniques. Traditionally the microphone is placed on the same horizontal plane as the mouth, though it is also common to raise the microphone above or below the mouth and for a slightly altered sound. A microphone that is positioned above the mouth may give more lip and nasal sounds while a microphone positioned below the mouth may give more throat and low sounds. A vocal microphone should always be protected by a pop filter to reduce plosives (Pops from the mouth pushing air). If plosives still persist, positioning the microphone slightly off-axis left, right, up, or down, can aid to further reduced plosives. Another use for pop filters is taming sibilance, adjusting the angle (axis) of the microphone will also help reduce excessive sibilance.
The most important and least emphasized ‘trick’ to capturing a great vocal is within the performer them-selves. Most vocalists will benefit by having an understanding of how to interact with the microphone. Typically a vocalist will talk or sing at various volumes, depending on the material. It’s most beneficial for the vocalist to interact with the microphone to produce consistent recording levels. Basically, a singer should pull away from the microphone for louder volumes, and lean in for quieter ones. An experienced vocalist will have the technical intricacies under their belt and be able to relay the message of the lyrics with intended emotion, atmosphere and performer comfort are at the top of the list for recording a great vocal, but even more important is the character of the vocalist and how them choose to portray the lyrics. A seasoned vocalist’s interactions with the microphone will be detailed with nuance creating excellent recordings.
Check out our review of the Top 5 best home vocal microphones.