understanding vocals begins with the ears [recording vocals pt 1]

http://homerecordinghome.com

Understanding Vocals Begins With The Ears [Recording Vocals Pt 1]

http://homerecordinghome.com/understanding-vocals-begins-with-the-ears/

http://homerecordinghome.com/


Have you ever finished a recording session, only to realize the vocals

sound uneven, thin, or weak?

If that is your case, then we’re going to discover how your vocal

recordings can sound professional, even if you’re not a studio

professional.



If you don’t have a lot of experience recording, one of the first things you

need to perfect is recording vocals.

Vocal recordings are:

- The focus of most songs.

- One of the most common things you’ll record.

- Far more difficult to record than many instruments.

Learning to record vocals helps you build the skills you’ll apply when

recording any sound.



You’re probably itching to get started. I understand. Recording is

exciting. Your passion is shared. BUT, I think you should stay away from

gear for a little bit.

Why? You need to learn how to listen.

Step 1: Don’t touch the microphone.



Trust your ears. It’s kind of a hollow command, and I am encouraging

you to spend the time building your listening skills. If you’re about to

record a song, you need to take the

time to listen before you reach for any

gear.

Step 2: Listen

Image © modern world furnishin designer blog


http://mwhid.blogspot.com/2013/04/home-music-studio-design.html


Listen to the singer minimal accompaniment. Find a comfortable place

to hang out. All this groundwork accomplishes a few things:

- Building Rapport – If you’re working with a singer, you want to

develop trust.

- Learning the Song – You are going to be performing the technical

production of the song, and you need to understand the arrangement,

dynamics, and phrasing of the song.

- Hearing Unfiltered Sound – It’s pretty common for a producer to

hear a demo recording in advance of a session.



Just jot down some quick impressions of what you’re hearing. Is the

voice reedy? Nasal? Powerful? It’s more important that you identify your

impressions than record them.

Step 3: Take Notes



Ideally, you have some time to visualize the sound you’re looking for

and how you’re going to get it before the session begins. Your

assignment is simple: discover the best way to capture the sound of this

one voice, a singular sound, just as it appears. Can you do it?

Step 4: Approach the Microphone



Understanding Vocals Begins With The Ears [Recording Vocals Pt 1]

http://homerecordinghome.com/understanding-vocals-begins-with-the-ears/


understanding vocals begins with the ears [recording vocals pt 1]

Technology