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How to Record Vocals Like A Pro?

Writer's picture: Manav JainManav Jain

How to record vocals like a pro? One of the biggest questions in mind whenever you want to record your voice for a voice-over or a song. 


Do you also dream of recording studio-quality vocals from the comfort of your own home? 


You're not alone. Many aspiring musicians and producers struggle to capture that professional sound without access to expensive home studio setups.


But here's the thing: you don't need a fancy studio to sound like a pro. With the right techniques and a bit of know-how, you can achieve incredible vocal recordings right where you are. Whether you're using FL Studio 20 or any other DAW, we've got you covered. 


From preparation to performance, and even some bonus tips for backing vocals and ensembles, we'll walk you through the entire process step-by-step.


Ready to take your vocal recordings to the next level? 


In this blog we will tell you how to record vocals like a pro, starting with the crucial preparation stage that can make or break your track.


Recording studio-level vocals at home



how to record vocals like a pro at home


Setting Up Your Home Recording Space


Creating a professional-quality recording environment at home is crucial for capturing studio-level vocals. Here's how to optimize your space:


Acoustic Treatment


Proper acoustic treatment is essential for reducing unwanted reflections and achieving a clean vocal sound. Consider the following:


  • Install acoustic panels on walls and ceiling

  • Use bass traps in corners

  • Place diffusers strategically to scatter sound waves


Microphone Selection and Placement


Choosing the right microphone and positioning it correctly can significantly impact your vocal recordings:

Microphone Type

Best For

Characteristics

Large Diaphragm Condenser

Studio Vocals

Detailed, warm sound

Dynamic

Live Performance

Robust, handles high SPL

Ribbon

Vintage Sound

Smooth, natural tone

Position the microphone 6-8 inches from the vocalist, slightly above mouth level, angled downward.


Essential Equipment


To achieve professional-quality recordings, you'll need:


  1. Audio interface

  2. Pop filter

  3. Shock mount

  4. Headphones

  5. DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)


Creating a Comfortable Environment


A relaxed atmosphere is crucial for capturing the best vocal performances. Consider these tips:


  • Ensure proper lighting and ventilation

  • Keep room temperature comfortable

  • Provide water and throat lozenges for the vocalist


With your home studio properly set up, you're ready to start recording vocals like a pro.


Phase #1: Preparation is Key


A. Choosing the Best Room


When it comes to recording vocals like a pro, selecting the right room is crucial. Look for a space with minimal external noise and natural reverb. Avoid rooms with parallel walls, as they can create standing waves. Here's a quick comparison of room types:

Room Type

Pros

Cons

Bedroom

Soft furnishings absorb sound

May be too small

Living Room

Larger space, varied surfaces

Potential for external noise

Closet

Clothes act as sound absorbers

Limited space for equipment

B. Positioning the Microphone in the Room


Proper microphone placement can make or break your vocal recording. Consider these tips:


  • Place the mic at least 6 inches away from walls

  • Position the vocalist facing the corner of the room

  • Use a pop filter to reduce plosives

  • Experiment with different distances between the vocalist and mic


C. Treating the Room Acoustics


To achieve a professional sound, treat your room acoustics:


  1. Use acoustic panels on walls and ceiling

  2. Place bass traps in corners

  3. Add diffusers to break up sound reflections

  4. Use a vocal shield behind the microphone


D. Choosing a Microphone


Selecting the right microphone is essential for capturing high-quality vocals. Consider these factors:


  • Microphone type (condenser, dynamic, ribbon)

  • Polar pattern (cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8)

  • Frequency response

  • Sensitivity and noise floor


Remember, the best microphone depends on the vocalist's voice and the genre of music. Test different options to find the perfect match for your recording needs.


Phase #2: Using The Right Recording Technique



how to record your voice like a professional using the right recording technique

Make Sure the Vocalist Is Happy


Before diving into the technical aspects of recording, it's crucial to ensure your vocalist is comfortable and in the right mindset. A relaxed and confident performer will deliver better results.


  • Create a welcoming atmosphere

  • Offer water or tea to keep the vocalist hydrated

  • Adjust room temperature for comfort

  • Provide a lyric stand or tablet for easy reference


Find the Best Microphone Placement


Proper microphone placement is key to capturing high-quality vocals. Different microphones require different techniques:

Microphone Type

Ideal Placement

Cardioid Condenser

6-8 inches from mouth

Omnidirectional Condenser

12-18 inches from mouth

Dynamic

2-4 inches from mouth


Microphone Height and Position


The height and angle of the microphone significantly impact the recorded sound:


  • Set the microphone slightly above mouth level

  • Angle it downward at about 45 degrees

  • Experiment with off-axis positioning to reduce sibilance


Setting Levels and Recording


Proper gain staging is crucial for professional-sounding vocals:


  1. Set initial gain with peaks around -10 dB

  2. Use a pop filter to reduce plosives

  3. Monitor levels during recording to avoid clipping

  4. Record multiple takes for editing options


Now that we've covered the right recording techniques, let's move on to getting the best performance from your vocalist.


Phase #3: Getting a Good Performance



how to record perfect vocals for a good performance like these girls


Creating the Right Environment


To get a great vocal performance, it's crucial to create an environment where the singer feels comfortable and inspired. Here are some tips:


  • Adjust lighting: Dim lights can help create a relaxed atmosphere

  • Set room temperature: Ensure the room is neither too hot nor too cold

  • Provide refreshments: Keep water and herbal tea available

  • Eliminate distractions: Turn off phones and close unnecessary apps


Vocal Warm-ups and Preparation


Before diving into the recording, help the vocalist prepare:


  1. Encourage proper hydration

  2. Guide them through vocal warm-up exercises

  3. Practice the song a few times before recording

  4. Discuss emotions and intent behind the lyrics


Capturing the Best Take

Technique

Purpose

Multiple takes

Gives options for comp'ing

Sectional recording

Focuses on perfecting specific parts

Emotional connection

Enhances authenticity of performance

Providing Constructive Feedback


As a producer or engineer, your role is to guide the vocalist:


  • Offer specific, actionable feedback

  • Focus on positive reinforcement

  • Suggest breaks when needed to avoid vocal fatigue

  • Be patient and maintain a supportive atmosphere


Remember, a great vocal performance is about capturing emotion and authenticity. Encourage the singer to connect with the lyrics and deliver a heartfelt performance. 


With the right environment, preparation, and guidance, you'll be well on your way to recording vocals like a pro.


Step-by-Step Vocal Recording Checklist



A recording studio with a large mixing console, speakers, control panels, and dim lighting. Headphones and a glass are on the wooden desk.


Pre-Recording Setup


Before you start recording, ensure your environment and equipment are ready:


  1. Soundproof your recording space

  2. Set up your microphone and pop filter

  3. Connect and test your audio interface

  4. Open your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)

  5. Create a new project and set up your track


Recording Process


Follow these steps for a smooth recording session:


  1. Warm up your voice

  2. Set proper microphone levels

  3. Use headphones for monitoring

  4. Record multiple takes

  5. Save your project frequently


Post-Recording Steps


After recording, take these steps to finalize your vocal track:


  1. Choose the best takes

  2. Edit and comp your vocals

  3. Apply basic processing (EQ, compression)

  4. Add effects if desired (reverb, delay)

  5. Export your final vocal track

Stage

Key Actions

Pre-Recording

Soundproof, set up equipment, prepare DAW

Recording

Warm up, set levels, monitor, record multiple takes

Post-Recording

Choose best takes, edit, process, add effects


Now that you have a clear checklist for recording vocals like a pro, let's explore some bonus tips to elevate your vocal productions even further.


Bonus Tip #1: Recording Backing Vocals


Recording Backing Vocals


Backing vocals can add depth and richness to your track, elevating it to a professional level. Here are some key techniques to help you record backing vocals like a pro:


Layering Techniques


  • Unison: Record multiple takes of the same part for a fuller sound

  • Harmony: Add complementary notes to create depth

  • Octaves: Record the same melody an octave higher or lower


Mixing Tips for Backing Vocals

Technique

Purpose

Example

EQ

Balance with lead vocals

Cut around 3-5 kHz to create space

Compression

Even out dynamics

Use a 4:1 ratio with gentle attack

Reverb

Create depth

Apply more reverb than on lead vocals

Arrangement Strategies


  1. Start with simple "oohs" and "aahs" to add texture

  2. Use call-and-response patterns with the lead vocal

  3. Introduce backing vocals gradually throughout the song


Remember to pan the backing vocals slightly left and right to create width in your mix.


This will help distinguish them from the lead vocal and create a more immersive sound. When recording, maintain a consistent distance from the microphone to ensure even volume levels across all takes.


Now that you've mastered backing vocals, let's move on to recording ensembles, which presents their own unique challenges and opportunities.


Bonus Tip#2: Recording Ensembles


Recording Ensemble Vocals


Recording ensemble vocals can be challenging but rewarding. Here are some tips to help you achieve a professional sound:


Microphone Placement


Proper microphone placement is crucial for capturing ensemble vocals. Consider the following options:


  1. Stereo pair technique

  2. Spaced pair technique

  3. Mid-side recording

Technique

Advantages

Disadvantages

Stereo pair

Natural stereo image

Potential phase issues

Spaced pair

Wide stereo field

Less precise center image

Mid-side

Adjustable stereo width

More complex setup

Balancing Voices


To achieve a balanced ensemble sound:


  • Position stronger voices further from the microphone

  • Place softer voices closer to the microphone

  • Arrange singers in a semicircle for optimal blend


Room Acoustics


The recording space plays a crucial role in ensemble recordings. Consider:


  • Using acoustic treatments to control reflections

  • Recording in a larger room for natural reverb

  • Experimenting with different room positions


Multiple Takes


Capture several takes of the ensemble performance:


  1. Full group recordings

  2. Sectional recordings (e.g., sopranos, altos)

  3. Solo recordings for potential fixes


Now that we've covered ensemble recording techniques, let's explore the concept of double tracking to add depth and richness to your vocal productions.


Bonus Tip #3: Double Tracking


Double Tracking Technique


Double tracking is a powerful vocal recording technique that can add depth, richness, and fullness to your vocal recordings. This method involves recording the same vocal part twice and layering them together in the mix.


Benefits of Double Tracking


  • Adds thickness and dimension to vocals

  • Creates a fuller, more professional sound

  • Helps mask slight imperfections in pitch or timing

  • Enhances the stereo image of the vocal


How to Double-Track Vocals


  1. Record the main vocal take

  2. Create a new track for the double

  3. Perform the same vocal part again, matching the original as closely as possible

  4. Align the two takes in your DAW

  5. Adjust levels and panning for the desired effect

Technique

Pros

Cons

Identical Double

Consistent sound

May sound artificial

Slight Variations

More natural, fuller

Requires more skill

Harmonies

Adds complexity

Can overshadow main vocal

Tips for Effective Double Tracking


  • Maintain consistent tone and energy between takes

  • Experiment with different microphone positions for each take

  • Use subtle pitch correction to tighten the doubled vocals

  • Apply gentle compression to blend the tracks together

  • Pan the doubles slightly left and right for a wider stereo image


Double tracking can elevate your vocal recordings from amateur to professional quality.


With practice, you'll develop the skill to create seamless, rich-sounding doubles that enhance your overall mix. Next, we'll explore how to apply these techniques specifically in FL Studio 20.


How to record professional vocals at home?


Setting Up Your Home Recording Space


To record professional vocals at home, you need to create an environment that mimics a professional studio. Here's how you can optimize your space:


Choosing the Right Room


Select a room with minimal outside noise and natural reverb. Ideally, choose a room with:


  • Carpeted floors

  • Soft furnishings

  • Irregular surfaces


These elements help absorb sound and reduce unwanted reflections.


Acoustic Treatment


Proper acoustic treatment is crucial for achieving a clean, professional sound. Here are some DIY solutions:


  1. Bass traps in corners

  2. Acoustic panels on walls

  3. Diffusers on the ceiling

  4. Thick curtains over windows

Treatment Type

Purpose

Placement

Bass Traps

Absorb low frequencies

Room corners

Acoustic Panels

Reduce reflections

Walls

Diffusers

Scatter sound waves

Ceiling

Curtains

Dampen outside noise

Windows

Essential Equipment for Home Vocal Recording


You don't need expensive gear to record professional vocals at home. Focus on these key items:


Microphone


Choose a large-diaphragm condenser microphone for its sensitivity and ability to capture vocal nuances. Some popular options include:

  • Rode NT1-A

  • Audio-Technica AT2020

  • AKG P220


Audio Interface


An audio interface converts analog signals from your microphone into digital data for your computer. Look for interfaces with:

  • Low latency

  • High-quality preamps

  • At least one XLR input


DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)


Your DAW is the software where you'll record, edit, and mix your vocals. Popular choices include:

  1. Pro Tools

  2. Logic Pro X

  3. FL Studio

  4. Ableton Live


Headphones

Invest in a good pair of closed-back headphones for monitoring during recording. They'll help you hear yourself clearly without bleeding into the microphone.


Recording Techniques for Professional Results


Now that you have your space set up and equipment ready, let's focus on techniques to elevate your vocal recordings:


  1. Use a pop filter to reduce plosives

  2. Position the microphone at a slight angle to minimize sibilance

  3. Maintain a consistent distance from the mic (about 6-8 inches)

  4. Record multiple takes to choose the best performance

  5. Use a reflection filter behind the microphone for added isolation


Remember, practice makes perfect. Experiment with different microphone positions and techniques to find what works best for your voice and recording space.


With these home recording techniques, you'll be well on your way to capturing professional-quality vocals.


how to record vocals like a pro in FL Studio 20?


Setting Up FL Studio 20 for Vocal Recording


To record vocals like a pro in FL Studio 20, you'll need to configure your software correctly. Start by setting up your audio interface and microphone in FL Studio's audio settings.


Ensure you've selected the right input and output devices, and adjust the buffer size for optimal performance.


Configuring the Mixer


In FL Studio's mixer, create a dedicated track for your vocals. Rename it for easy identification and route your microphone input to this channel. Adjust the input gain to avoid clipping while maintaining a strong signal.


Creating a Recording Template


Save time by creating a template for vocal recording sessions. Include essential plugins like EQ, compression, and reverb on your vocal channel. This allows you to monitor your vocals with some basic processing during recording.


Recording Techniques in FL Studio 20


When recording vocals in FL Studio 20, use the following techniques for professional results:


  1. Utilize the Edison plugin for recording

  2. Enable input monitoring to hear yourself while recording

  3. Use punch-in recording for seamless takes

  4. Take advantage of FL Studio's playlist for comping vocals


Here's a comparison of recording methods in FL Studio 20:

Method

Pros

Cons

Edison

Precise editing, easy comping

Limited to one take at a time

Playlist

Multiple takes, visual arrangement

More complex workflow

Audio Clip

Simple, quick recording

Limited editing capabilities


Processing Vocals in FL Studio 20


After recording, apply these processing techniques to achieve a professional sound:


  1. Use EQ to cut unwanted frequencies and boost desirable ones

  2. Apply compression to even out dynamics

  3. Add reverb for space and depth

  4. Use de-essing to control sibilance

  5. Experiment with doubling or harmonizing plugins


Automating Vocal Effects


FL Studio 20 offers powerful automation features. Use these to add movement and interest to your vocals:


  • Automate volume for dynamic changes

  • Create filter sweeps with EQ automation

  • Adjust reverb levels throughout the song

  • Use panning automation for stereo effects


Mixing Vocals in FL Studio 20


When mixing your vocals, pay attention to these key areas:


  1. Balance the vocal level with other elements in the mix

  2. Use sidechain compression to create space for vocals

  3. Apply parallel compression for added punch

  4. Utilize FL Studio's built-in Fruity Limiter for final polishing


Exporting Your Vocal Tracks


Once you're satisfied with your vocal recording and processing, it's time to export. Use FL Studio's export options to render your vocals as high-quality WAV files.


This allows for easy sharing or further processing in other software if needed.

By following these steps and techniques, you'll be well on your way to recording vocals like a pro in FL Studio 20.


Remember that practice and experimentation are key to developing your skills and finding your unique sound.


With FL Studio's powerful features and your growing expertise, you'll be creating professional-quality vocal recordings in no time.

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