Recording Vocals Explained

Want to get professional sounding results when recording vocals? This collection of video tutorials by multi-platinum engineer and producer Kenny Gioia takes you through his process for setting up and recording, editing, tuning, EQ'ing, compressing and mixing vocals. Watch as Kenny takes you step by step, from mic selection and placement, all the way through mixing, and get a truly professional result.

Videos

• Mic Technique (03:51) - In this tutorial, learn the proper mic placement for recording vocals. Using different mic types and wind screens and pop filters.

• Proper Recording Levels (05:21) - In this video Kenny runs through the proper recording levels for a DAW including mic preamp settings and the uses of compressors to control dynamic range.

• The Vocal Sound (09:28) - Watch ss Kenny shows you the proper use of EQ, compression for recording both before the DAW and after to avoid committing to a sound while keeping the singer happy with what they're hearing.

• Monitor FX (03:59) - In this video, Kenny goes through the procedure of adding Reverb and Delay (echo) to vocals to create space and inspire our vocalists in the recording process.

• Recording Takes (05:18) - In this tutorial, Kenny shows you how he prefers to record takes, to keep the session moving and get the best possible performance from our singers.

• Comping Vocals (07:08) - In this video, Kenny shows how he comps or compiles keeper takes to create one finished master performance. Side-chain compression and voice stealing are both demonstrated.

• Recording Bk Vox (03:51) - In this tutorial, learn a unique technique for recording background vocals in a way that makes it extremely convenient, fast and more focused for our singers.

• De-Essing (08:37) - While many de-esser plugins exist, Kenny shows you all the benefits of doing this task manually and how quick and efficient it can be. Along with creating a very consistently Eqed vocal.

• Tuning (08:22) - In this video, Kenny uses Antares Autotune 7 to get our vocals perfectly in tune and more pleasing as a finished product. The benefits of both auto mode and graphic manual mode are discussed at great length.

• Mixing the Vocal (10:36) - In this final vocal, Kenny revisits all the previous discussed effects, re-tweaks them along with adding a few extras. Kenny then proceeds to ride or automate the lead vocal to fit perfectly into our mix.