Recording Vocals at Home: Complete Guide

🎤 Essential Gear

Minimum Setup

• Condenser microphone: Rode NT1-A ($169) or Audio-Technica AT2020 ($99)
• Audio interface: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 ($170) or UAD Volt 2 ($189)
• Pop filter: $10-30 (prevents plosives: p, b, t)
• Mic stand: $30-50 (boom arm better than desk stand)
• Headphones: Closed-back (DT 770 Pro, M50x) to avoid bleed

Optional But Recommended

• Reflection filter: $80-150 (Aston Halo, sE Reflexion)
• Acoustic panels: 2-4 behind mic (treat first reflections)
• Cloudlifter: $149 (only if using SM7B with weak preamp)

🏠 Room Preparation

Choose the Right Room

• Small room > big room: Less reverb, easier to treat
• Carpeted floor: Better than hardwood (less reflections)
• Closet recording: Clothes absorb sound naturally (budget hack)

Basic Acoustic Treatment

• Behind mic: 2 absorption panels (kill wall reflections)
• Behind singer: Reflection filter or panels
• Corners: Bass traps (optional but reduces mud)

DIY budget solution: Hang thick blankets on walls behind mic + singer.

📐 Microphone Placement

Distance from Mic

• 6-12 inches: Standard distance (fist + open hand)
• Closer (3-6 inches): Intimate, more bass (proximity effect)
• Farther (12-18 inches): Natural, less bass, more room

Mic Height

• Mouth level: Standard position
• Slightly above: Reduces plosives (p, b sounds)
• Angle down 15°: Aim at mouth, not forehead

Pop Filter Position

• 2-3 inches from mic capsule
• Between mouth and mic (obvious but often forgotten)

⚙️ Interface Settings & Gain Staging

Phantom Power

• Turn ON 48V: Condenser mics need phantom power
• Turn OFF: Only for dynamic mics (SM7B, SM58)

Gain Setting

• Target: Peak at -18dBFS to -12dBFS (yellow zone, NOT red)
• Test loudly: Sing/rap at performance volume, adjust gain
• Avoid clipping: Red light = too loud (distortion)

Monitoring

• Direct monitoring: Use interface's zero-latency monitoring
• Headphone level: Loud enough to hear, not deafening (protect ears)

🎙️ Recording Techniques

Before Recording

• Warm up voice: 5-10 min scales, humming
• Hydrate: Room temp water (not ice cold)
• Test recording: 30 seconds to check levels

Recording Strategy

1. Comp Recording (Recommended)

• Record 3-5 full takes
• Select best parts from each (comping)
• Result: Perfect take from multiple performances

2. Punch-In Recording

• Record full take
• Re-record only weak sections
• Faster but requires precise timing

3. Double Tracking

• Record main vocal
• Record second identical take (not copy-paste!)
• Pan left/right (chorus widening effect)

Microphone Technique

• Maintain distance: Don't move closer/farther mid-phrase
• Turn head on plosives: Slightly off-axis for "P" sounds
• Back off on loud notes: Step back 2 inches to avoid clipping

🎚️ Basic Vocal Processing

Editing First

• Comp takes: Select best phrases
• Remove breaths: Cut loud inhales (keep natural ones)
• Align timing: Nudge phrases to beat

Processing Chain

1. High-Pass Filter

• Cut below 80-100Hz (removes rumble, room noise)

2. De-Esser

• Reduce sibilance (harsh "s" sounds)
• Target 5-8kHz, -3 to -6dB reduction

3. Subtractive EQ

• Cut 200-400Hz mud (if boomy)
• Cut 2-3kHz harshness (if aggressive)

4. Compression

• Ratio: 3:1 to 5:1
• Attack: 5-10ms (fast)
• Release: Auto
• Gain reduction: 3-6dB

5. Additive EQ

• +2dB at 3-5kHz (presence)
• +1dB at 10-12kHz (air)

6. Reverb & Delay (Send FX)

• Room reverb: 1.5s decay, 30% mix
• 1/4 note delay: 20% mix, high-pass at 500Hz

💡 Pro Tips

• Record at night: Less ambient noise (traffic, neighbors)
• Turn off AC/fans: Condenser mics pick up everything
• Use a music stand: Reduces rustling paper noise
• Mark mic position: Tape floor for consistent placement between takes
• Reference track: Listen to pro vocal before recording (match energy)
• Take breaks: Vocal fatigue = bad takes (rest every 30 min)

❌ Common Mistakes

• ❌ Recording too loud: Clipping = unusable (aim -18dB peaks)
• ❌ No pop filter: Plosives ruin takes
• ❌ Untreated room: Reverb/echo baked into recording
• ❌ One take only: Always record 3+ takes for comping
• ❌ Processing before recording: Record dry, process later
• ❌ Wrong mic distance: Too close = muddy, too far = thin