Recording Vocals at Home

The Basics -  Recording Vocals at Home

Today's article is on meeting the basic requirements for recording solo vocals in a home studio. Also we will be looking at some helpful tips on how to improve your recording in the home environment.

The Basics.

 Assuming you are a solo artist working within a DAW workstation or even with outboard recording gear you will need the following gear to get started laying some tracks down.

First of all, is the the dedicated microphone. Although microphone's can be expensive, in a home studio there are plenty of lower cost options. Typically you'll need a low impedance mic with XLR  connector,  a good quality mic cable, plus a decent mike stand and a pop filter or a foam windscreen mic cover.  While there are many choices available, a good pick is the Shure SM58 vocal mike. The SM 58 has been around a long time  has excellent response, is sturdy and it's relatively low cost makes it ideal for home recording. It' s cousin the SM57 is also great for instrumental recording as well.

Next in line is the audio interface. The audio interface is necessary if you are using a digital workstation.  The audio interface allows real time recording of external sounds by your workstation for vocals or instrument such as guitar or bass. The interface serves as go between to covert analog sound via mic or instrument to be converted into digital format or signal readable by your DAW workstation computer. Low cost alternatives are available but you will need at least 2 inputs (more inputs is better if you expand your setup later), and a monitor output and/or headphone out. XLR cables or RCA type cables (depending on the output type on your interface) will be needed if you are using external audio monitors.

Typically, audio interface devices use standard 2.0 USB connectors so you will need a USB cable as well.  Audio interfaces come in different A/D resolutions ranging from 16 bit to 32 bit, but most common is 24 bit at 192 kHz or 96kHz and are affordable at those specs. A further option are ADAT optical inputs which would allow for channel expansion but would be more expensive. Furthermore, some software packages would be included as well. Make sure your DAW is compatible with the interface. A last option for your  audio interface is a MIDI (musical instrument digital interface), out for connecting to other MIDI instruments, but if you want to keep costs down it's nice to have, but not needed.

If you are recording with outboard devices such as digital multi-track a dedicated preamp between the mic and recording device is not absolutely necessary but is a good idea. In any case, microphones are low level devices and require a preamp to boost your signal to line level.

Basic Tips for Recording:

1. Choose a room with minimal reflections, a small room will

do You can always use acoustic foam to deaden areas and walls but is not necessary for casual recordings.

2. Use a unidirectional mic particularly on vocals.

3. Pad the base of your microphone stand to avoid any unwanted rumble or sounds.

4. Avoid long cable runs and always use shielded cables.

5. Use a pop filter on your mic and angle the front of the mic away from source.

6. To create fuller vocal lines double or even triple track your vocal part in unison

7. For weak vocals add a unison piano/synth part on another track mixed in lower to help with pitch.

8. Record vocals "dry" and add effects if needed later.

9. Excessive reverb tends to soften vocal parts which is not always wanted. Use short chorus/delay effects instead to sharpen vocal parts

10. Be positive. Believe in the part your singing it does make a difference. 

In conclusion, we have looked at the most basic gear needed to get you on your way to recording vocals in a home environment,  and a clearer understanding of home based recording.

Our Recommended Equipment List:

Focusrite Scarlett Solo 2nd Gen USB Audio Interface

The Focusrite has RCA outputs.

Shure SM57 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone, SM57 LC, without Cable

Hosa Microphone Cable Pro XLR

On-Stage 7701 Tripod/Boom Microphone Stand, Black

On-Stage ASFSS6-GB Dual-Screen Pop Filter

Behringer MS16 Active Personal Monitor System, Pair

Hosa Nickel-Plated Dual Cable (Dual RCA to Dual RCA)