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 - Page 6
- Izotope Vocal Doubler: Boost Your Vocals with This Powerful ToolThe Izotope Vocal Doubler is a free plugin that enhances vocals by adding depth and richness. It's a must-have for audio production.…
- How to Record Vocals From Home: Expert Tips and TricksTo record vocals from home, set up a quiet space, choose a good mic, and use software like Audacity to record and…
- Top Ten Songwriting Tips: Unlock Your Creative Power!To write captivating songs, focus on emotions, storytelling, strong hooks, relatability, authentic lyrics, memorable melodies, creativity, simplicity, originality, revision, and practice. Songwriting…
- Vocal Doubling: Record it for Real or Utilize Plug-In Effects!For a natural sound, record vocal doubling. Using plug-ins can be quicker but may lack authenticity. When recording vocals, whether for music…
- How To Masterfully Mix Lead Rap Vocals: Insider SecretsTo mix lead rap vocals, adjust EQ, compression, reverb, and delay for a clear, dynamic sound. Utilize automation to enhance certain phrases…
- Lead Vocals : Amplify Your Sound with Powerful VocalsLead vocals are the main or primary vocal parts in a song, often sung by the lead singer of a band. Lead…
- How to Capture Exceptional Vocals: A Guide to Recording Good QualityTo record good quality vocals, use a high-quality microphone and a quiet, well-insulated recording space. When setting up, isolate the microphone, adjust…
- How to Win a Songwriting Competition: Unleash Your Creative PotentialTo win a songwriting competition, focus on originality, emotional connection, strong lyrics, and memorable melodies. Crafting a unique song that resonates with…
- Hit Songwriting Formula: Unlock the Secrets of Creating Chart-Topping HitsWant to craft a hit song? Start with catchy hook, relatable lyrics, and memorable melody. Crafting a hit song requires a winning…
- Prevent Vocal Plosives: Say Goodbye to Embarrassing Pops and BurstsTo prevent vocal plosives, adjust microphone angle and distance, use pop filter, and practice proper mic technique. Vocal plosives can be minimized…
- Songwriting Formula : 5 Proven Strategies for Creating Amazing SongsLooking to craft a catchy song? Follow the songwriting formula for successful composition and engagement. Understanding the structure of a song is…
- What Are The Best Mics For Recording Rap Vocals? Unveiling the Ultimate Picks!The best mics for recording rap vocals are the Shure SM7B and the Neumann U87. These mics provide optimal sound quality and…
- How To Mix Rap Vocals For Beginners: Mastering Pro TechniquesTo mix rap vocals for beginners, adjust levels, apply EQ, add compression for clarity and reverb for depth. Mixing rap vocals requires…
- Recording Vocals In Your Closet? Try This Soundproof Alternative!Looking to improve vocal recordings at home? Instead of using your closet, try setting up in a quiet, well-padded room with minimal…
- Revamp Your Sound: Best VST Plugins for Vocals Free Download!Looking for the best VST plugins for vocals free download? Check out options like Tal-Reverb-4, Graillon 2, and Tyrell N6. These…
- The One Trick Every Successful Singer And Rapper Does That Helps Their Songs Sound Better: Mastering HarmonyOne trick every successful singer and rapper uses to enhance their songs is proper vocal training. This training helps improve their voice…
- 11 Reasons Why Songwriting Is So Hard: Master the Art of Musical ExpressionSongwriting is challenging due to the need for originality, vulnerability, creative block, perfectionism, self-doubt, criticism, time commitment, and competition in the music…
- What To Record First In A Song: Mastering the Art of HarmoniesTo create a song, start by recording the melody and lyrics first. This foundation sets the tone and direction for the rest…
- Master the Art of Vocal Tuning with Pitch Correction Plugins!Learn the basics of vocal tuning by using pitch correction plugins for flawless pitch adjustment. Mastering this technique is essential for creating…
- Master the Art of Vocal Tuning: Pitch Correction Plugins Unveiled!Pitch correction plugins are used in vocal tuning to correct pitch inaccuracies in recordings effectively. By adjusting the pitch manually or using…
- Recording Vocals: Sit or Stand for Better Performances?It is generally better to record vocals standing to have better breath support and vocal projection. However, sitting can also work well…
- Is Shure Sm57 the Ultimate Mic for Recording Acoustic Guitar?The Shure SM57 is an excellent choice for recording acoustic guitar due to its versatility and quality sound reproduction. With its exceptional…
- How to Nail Simultaneous Electric Guitar and Vocal Recording!To record electric guitar and vocals simultaneously, use a multitrack recording interface with separate inputs. Set levels carefully. When recording both…
- How to Capture Exceptional Acoustic Guitar Recordings with a Single MicTo record acoustic guitar with just one mic, position the mic around the 12th fret for balanced tone. Adjust distance and experiment…
- Get the Ultimate Microphone Pop Filter: Best Value for Your Money!For the best microphone pop filter for your money, consider the Aokeo Professional Microphone Pop Filter. It efficiently reduces plosives and provides…
- Nervous Recording Vocals: 9 Expert Tips to Crush Red Light Fever!To alleviate red light fever when recording vocals, focus on preparation, practice, deep breathing, and positive self-talk. Addressing anxiety is key to…
- How To Compress Vocals Best Settings: Mastering TechniquesFor the best vocal compression, set the threshold to -20dB and the ratio to 3:1. Use a fast attack and medium release…
- What Is Autotune The Ultimate Guide: Mastering the ArtAutotune is a digital audio plugin that automatically corrects pitch in vocal recordings. By analyzing and adjusting pitch in real-time, it enables…
- Melodyne Vs Autotune Which Is Best : A Vocal Editing ShowdownWhen choosing between Melodyne and Autotune, it ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences in pitch correction software. Melodyne is known…
- Proven Techniques for Capturing Pristine Vocals in the StudioProven Techniques for Capturing Pristine Vocals in the Studio
- How to Mix Acoustic Guitar Behind VocalsHow to Mix Acoustic Guitar Behind Vocals
- Achieving Dynamic and Controlled Vocals with CompressionAchieving Dynamic and Controlled Vocals with Compression
- How Do You Mix Rap SongsHow Do You Mix Rap Songs
- What Equipment and Setup Do You Need for Vocal RecordingWhat Equipment and Setup Do You Need for Vocal Recording
- What are the Best Compression Techniques for VocalsWhat are the Best Compression Techniques for Vocals
- What Are the EQ Settings for Rap VocalsWhat Are the EQ Settings for Rap Vocals
- Techniques for Editing VocalsTechniques for Editing Vocals
- How Do I Find a Vocalist for a Song?How Do I Find a Vocalist for a Song? Key Takeaways: Having a vocalist can significantly enhance the overall quality of a…
- How do you Isolate Vocals from a Song?How do you Isolate Vocals from a Song?
- Tips for Achieving Clear Vocals in Audio MixingTips for Achieving Clear Vocals in Audio Mixing Key Takeaway: Start with a dynamic equalizer to cut out plosives and clarify frequencies,…
- How to Use Saturation on Vocals for a Bigger SoundHow to Use Saturation on Vocals Key Takeaways: Saturation on vocals is a technique used to add warmth, character, and harmonics to…
- How to Add Reverb to Your Vocals for a More Professional SoundHow to Add Reverb to Your Vocals for a More Professional Sound Key Takeaways: Understanding the importance of vocal reverb in enhancing…
- How to EQ Vocals for a Polished SoundHow to EQ Vocals for a Polished Sound Key Takeaways: EQ is an essential tool in vocal production, allowing for precise control…
- What is Harmonic Excitement and Exciter PluginsWhat is Harmonic Excitement and When to use it Key Takeaway: Harmonic excitement in audio production refers to the process of enhancing…
- Mixing Rap VocalsMixing Rap Vocals Key Takeaway: Time-alignment is crucial for achieving a tight, cohesive rap vocal sound. Utilizing technology and panning techniques can…
- Mixing Vocals in FL StudioMixing Vocals in FL Studio Key Takeaway: EQ is crucial for male vocals in FL Studio: Use a high pass filter up…