|
By Ruan De Lange
Learning the 5 basic skills of recording vocals, might save you a fortune
on expensive studio sessions - if you take the time to practice and perfect
this.
At the very least, you might be able to export and then take your track to
a professional studio for mixing only, reducing the cost - provided you do
it properly.
Apart from improving and refining your vocal talent, here are some ways in
which you can start making better quality vocal recordings at home, without
re-mortgaging your house.
1. Acoustics
The space in which you record vocals is critical. You want clean and clear
separation and isolation of the sound, to edit and mix later. Chirping birds
or barking dogs won't do you any good. Neither will reflective surfaces, adding
an echo or reverberation, bleeding in on the track.
If you can't afford a full-on vocal booth, pick a quiet room, and treat any
reflective surfaces with sound absorbing materials. A reflection filter might
also be a worthwhile investment.
For a more enduring solution, you can construct a basic corner booth, using
two floor-to-roof sheets of Presswood, built into a corner framework of pine,
and laced with absorptive materials. If budget is an issue, it does not need
to be 100% sound proof - just as long as sounds entering the booth from outside
is not loud enough to bleed into the microphone.
2. Gear
A computer with enough power, silent operation chassis, and your preferred
version of Music Production Software, will simplify your job of recording,
editing and mixing. You'll need a sound card capable of high-resolution playback
AND recording (minimum 24-bit, 44.1kHz).
A good mid-level vocal microphone, or at least top of the entry range, with
Phantom power.
A microphone pre-amp and compressor unit, to bring the mic level up to line
level, and help you regulate vocal dynamics. Although some software has that
built-in - the hardware option makes a big difference.
Then, to hear what you're doing - a decent set of powered, studio grade monitors
(speakers). You're not looking to blast off the roof. As long as they have
a reasonably flat response curve, and you can hear everything clearly - you're
good.
Good accessories to have include a pop shield for the microphone, a spare
XLR (balanced or canon) cable, and of course for the vocalist, a set of studio
grade headphones.
If you are going to record vocals in an open room, you'll need some headphones
for yourself as well, to use during recording, so that playback does not feed
into the microphone.
3. Recording
After setup and installation of your gear - always consulting
the user manuals, the following are words you need to add to your vocabulary
- before you can press record:
•Gain structuring
•Dynamics and compression
•Headroom
•Equalization
These topics could comprise a book, each by themselves - but what's important
is that you get practice, hands-on, as you get acquainted with the basics,
right from the start.
Basically, you want a decent, strong, clean level at all times on the vocal,
without distorting.
4. Editing
After the vocal track is recorded, editing helps you to slice and splice the
vocal track graphically, eliminating unwanted sounds, excessive breaths or
noises. Each vocal phrase should be cleaned up, with volume envelopes, fade-ins
and fade-outs.
5. Mixing
This is where you'll shape the tonal characteristics of your vocal, using
a graphic or parametric equalizer in your Music Production Software. You'll
also adjust the balance and levels of the track, compared to the music or backtrack
- and ensure the dynamics are in line.
Good words to add to your vocabulary for mixing:
•Dynamics
•Equalization (EQ)
•Compression and Headroom
•Limiting and Broadcast Levels
•Stereo Image
These 5 basic skills will help you make a start in mastering
the art of vocal recordings. For more information on recording at home, see
the series "Making
Hit Recordings From Your Bedroom - Parts 1 - 8".
Don't' wait to get it PERFECT... just get STARTED... right NOW.
Ruan de Lange is a Published Independent Record Producer,
Song-writer, Engineer and Marketer, previously singed to David Gresham Records,
track-listed among names like Tiesto, Laurent Wolf and others. If you found
this article helpful, please rate it now, and share with your friends. For
more useful ideas on how to get your big break as an unsigned artist - without
selling your soul, or signing your rights away, click over to http://www.primetalententertainment.com
now.
|
