The vocal is usually the most important sound in a song, so it deserves the most care, from the moment you set up the mic to the final reverb send. This hub collects our vocal production tutorials: recording setup and technique, compression, EQ, reverb, and genre-specific mixing for rap, rock and bedroom vocals.
It’s for singers, rappers and producers recording at home or in a small studio who want vocals that sound clear, controlled and professional. Start with the equipment and setup guide, then the techniques for capturing pristine vocals, because a good recording makes everything after it easier. Next, learn vocal compression and clarity, then pick the mixing guide that matches your genre or DAW. If you need a singer for your track, there’s a guide to finding one too.
Start here: the best Vocals guides
- What Equipment and Setup Do You Need for Vocal Recording
The mics, interface, stands, storage and DAW you need for vocal recording. - Proven Techniques for Capturing Pristine Vocals in the Studio
Room choice, acoustic treatment, mic selection and placement for clean vocal takes. - How to Record Vocals in FL Studio
Setting up your space, mic and interface, and recording vocals in FL Studio. - Achieving Dynamic and Controlled Vocals with Compression
Threshold, attack, release, ratio and sidechain techniques for controlled vocals. - What are the Best Compression Techniques for Vocals
VCA, FET, optical and variable-mu compressors, with starting settings for vocals. - Tips for Achieving Clear Vocals in Audio Mixing
Dynamic EQ techniques to cut plosives, reduce masking and bring out vocal detail. - How to Add Reverb to Your Vocals for a More Professional Sound
How to use reverb sends and filtering to add space to vocals without washing them out. - Mixing Rap Vocals
Time-aligning rap vocal layers, panning doubles and EQ moves for a tight rap vocal. - Best Way to Mix Rap Vocals
A step-by-step rap vocal chain: EQ, compression, reverb, delay and modulation. - How To Mix Rock Vocals Top Tips
Mic choice, recording environment and placement for rock vocals that are easier to mix. - How To Mix Bedroom Vocals The Best Tips
Filters, levels, compression and effects to get home-recorded vocals sounding clean. - Mixing Vocals in FL Studio
EQ and multiband compression moves for mixing male vocals in FL Studio. - How Do I Find a Vocalist for a Song?
Why the right vocalist matters for a song and how to go about finding one.
Vocals sitting right? Give the whole song its final polish: order a Solar Heavy master, or browse all tutorials.
All Vocals articles
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- How to Mix Your Own VocalsTo mix your own vocals, you need to start by EQing and compressing your tracks. Next, add reverb and delay to create…
- Easy Vocal Mixing TipsEasy vocal mixing tips include: adjusting levels, panning, EQing, and adding effects. With these tips, you can create a well-balanced, professional-sounding mix…
- Melodyne Vs Auto TuneMelodyne and Auto-Tune are two popular pitch correction software used in music production. Melodyne and Auto-Tune are two heavyweights in pitch correction…
- Samson 7Kit MicrophoneThe Samson 7Kit microphone is a professional-grade drum mic set that includes seven specialized microphones for capturing each element of a drum…
- How To Record Clean VocalsTo record clean vocals, use a high-quality microphone and a quiet recording environment. Eliminate background noise and use proper microphone placement techniques.…
- Microphone Types And UsesMicrophone types and uses can vary depending on the application. There are several common types of microphones, including dynamic, condenser, ribbon, and…
- Create Vocal Effect ChainTo create a vocal effect chain, start with a compressor followed by an equalizer and then add reverb and delay for depth…
- Auto Tune Versions ComparedAuto-Tune versions can be compared based on feature sets and pricing. Different versions are available, such as Auto-Tune Pro, Auto-Tune EFX+, and…
- Mic Line Instrument LevelMic line instrument level refers to the different voltages used by audio equipment to receive and transmit signals. Audio equipment has different…
- How Can I Mix VocalsTo mix vocals, set levels, EQ, compress, and use effects such as reverb and delay. Mixing vocals is a critical part of…
- Antares Autotune Efx ReviewAntares Autotune EFX is a vocal processing tool that enhances pitch accuracy. Antares Autotune EFX is designed to offer quick and easy…
- Best Plugins to Mix VocalsThe best plugins to mix vocals are Waves Tune Real-Time, iZotope Nectar 3, and FabFilter Pro-Q3. These plugins offer a range of…
- Vocal Atmos FemaleVocal Atmos Female is a sound library for Kontakt featuring a collection of abstract atmospheres created with female voices. The library can…
- How Do I Mix Vocal TracksTo mix vocal tracks, use EQ, compression, reverb, and delay effects. Start by adjusting the levels of the tracks and then use…
- Record Vocals In One TakeTo record vocals in one take, prepare mentally and physically through warm-ups and relaxation techniques, choose the right equipment and environment, rehearse…
- How To Mix Crisp VocalsTo mix crisp vocals, adjust EQ settings and use compression. Start by cutting out unwanted frequencies, boost the high-end, and then use…
- Recording Vocals At HomeTo record vocals at home, you need a quiet environment and a decent microphone setup. Creating a makeshift recording studio in your…
- Ultimate Auto Tune TutorialThis Ultimate Auto Tune Tutorial will show you how to use Auto Tune to enhance your vocal recordings. In this tutorial, you…
- Background VocalsBackground vocals are additional vocal tracks that support the lead vocal in a song. These vocals add depth and texture to the…
- Basic Vocal Reverb EffectsBasic vocal reverb effects add depth and dimension to a singer's voice, creating a natural, spacious sound in a recording or live…
- Ribbon MicrophoneA ribbon microphone is a type of microphone that uses a thin piece of metal suspended between two magnets to capture sound.…
- De Ess VocalsDe Ess Vocals are audio processors that reduce or remove sibilance from vocal recordings. They work by targeting the high frequencies of…
- How To Use Delay On VocalsTo use delay on vocals, set the delay time, adjust the feedback amount, and blend in the effect with the dry signal.…
- Mic PreampA mic preamp is an audio device that boosts the low-level signals from microphones to line-level signals that can be further processed…
- How To Mix A VocalTo mix a vocal, first, make sure the vocal track is recorded clearly, then apply EQ, compression, and effects based on the…
- Condenser MicrophoneA condenser microphone is a type of microphone that uses a capacitor to convert sound waves into an electrical signal. It is…
- Adding Vocals to Your SongTo add vocals to your song, record your vocals separately and then mix them into your instrumental track in a Digital Audio…
- Types Of MicrophoneThere are primarily five types of microphones: dynamic, condenser, ribbon, USB, and shotgun. Microphones are essential tools for recording and live performances.…
- How to Properly Mix VocalsTo properly mix vocals, start by creating a separate track for the vocals and applying EQ, compression, and effects to enhance their…
- Affordable MicsAffordable mics can be found on various online marketplaces and specialist audio stores. These budget-friendly microphones are perfect for beginners or those…
- Free Vocal PluginsFree vocal plugins are software applications that enhance or modify the sound of a singer's voice and are available for download at…
- Best Way to Mix Rap VocalsThe best way to mix rap vocals is by using compressors, EQs, and effects in a step-by-step manner. To achieve a professional…
- Diy Vocal BoothA DIY vocal booth can be created using sound-absorbing materials and a simple frame. Here are some easy steps to build your…
- Vocal Eq CompressionVocal Eq compression enhances the quality of vocals by balancing loudness and reducing dynamic range. This technique minimizes inconsistencies in vocal performance…
- Dynamic MicrophoneA dynamic microphone is a type of microphone that uses a moving coil to capture sound and convert it into an electrical…
- Mixing Screaming VocalsMixing screaming vocals involves using high-pass filters, noise gates, compressors, and EQs to control and enhance the tone and clarity of the…
- Tips On Recording VocalsTo record quality vocals, start by selecting an appropriate room, placing the mic at the right distance, setting proper levels, and using…
- Best Way to Mix Lead VocalThe best way to mix lead vocals is to start by adjusting the levels and EQ settings. It is important to find…
- Autotune Pro TutorialAutotune Pro Tutorial is an informative guide on how to use Autotune Pro for pitch correction and vocal effects. Autotune Pro is…
- Manual Vocal EditingManual vocal editing involves the process of manipulating recorded audio to enhance and fix vocal performances. Vocal editing is a critical element…
- How To Mix Lead Rap VocalsTo mix lead rap vocals, use EQ to boost clarity and cut unwanted frequencies. Then, apply compression to even out the performance.…
- Is Mixing Vocals HardMixing vocals can be challenging, but with the right techniques and tools, it's manageable. As vocals are one of the main elements…
- Recording Vocals In Small RoomRecording vocals in a small room requires proper acoustic treatment and mic placement. In small rooms, sound tends to bounce around and…
- How to Blend Your Voice With MusicTo blend your voice with music, adjust the volume of your voice and the music so they are balanced. Then, experiment with…
- How to Mix Vocals in GaragebandTo mix vocals in Garageband, first set up and record your vocals using a microphone. Then, adjust the volume and panning of…
- Use Multiband Compression VocalsMultiband compression can enhance a vocal's clarity and balance. It achieves this by compressing specific frequency bands independently, allowing for targeted control…
- Best Software to Mix VocalsThe best software to mix vocals is Adobe Audition and Logic Pro X. Adobe Audition and Logic Pro X are two of…