Recording Vocals Explained®
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Tutorial 1
Mic Technique
3:51In this tutorial, learn the proper mic placement for recording vocals. Using different mic types and wind screens and pop filters.
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Tutorial 2
Proper Recording Levels
5:21In 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.
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Tutorial 3
The Vocal Sound
9:28Watch 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.
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Tutorial 4
Monitor FX
3:59In 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.
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Tutorial 5
Recording Takes
5:18In 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.
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Tutorial 6
Comping Vocals
7:08In 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.
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Tutorial 7
Recording Bk Vox
3:51In 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.
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Tutorial 8
De-Essing
8:37While 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.
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Tutorial 9
Tuning
8:22In 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.
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Tutorial 10
Mixing the Vocal
10:36In 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.
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.
Kenny begins with with an in-depth look at the different types of mics he likes to use and their proper placement in conjunction with wind screens and pop filters. Next, he runs through the proper recording levels for a DAW, including mic preamp settings and the use of compressors to control dynamic range. Kenny then shows you the proper use of EQ and compression for recording both before the DAW and after. Moving on, Kenny shows his technique for adding reverb and delay to create space and inspire our vocalists in the recording process.
Recording takes is next up, and Kenny shows how he prefers to record takes to keep the session moving, and get the best possible performance from the singers. Kenny then focuses on comping together the keeper takes to create one finished master performance.
Editing vocals is then explored and you'll learn the pros and cons when using both Elastic Audio and Beat Detective Editing. After demonstrating the use of sidechain compression, Kenny shows a unique technique for recording background vocals in a way that makes it extremely convenient, fast and more focused for your singers.
De-essing and tuning the vocal are up next, and Kenny shows how manually de-essing the vocal manually can be both quick and beneficial. Kenny then uses Antares Auto-Tune 7 to get the vocals perfectly in tune and more polished as finished product. Finally, Kenny revisits all of the previous discussed effects, re-tweaks them along with adding a few extras. He then proceeds to ride and automate the lead vocal to fit perfectly into the mix.
If you record vocals or are just getting into recording, this series will give you a solid foundation and even some new tips and techniques... Watch "Recording Vocals Explained" today.
Reviews
Submitted 1 month ago
Very Helpful!!
As always, Kenny's videos are clear and extremely well done. I never fail to learn a trick or two. Love the way he uses stock plugins and just uses his knowledge to achieve the same things expensive plug-ins do.
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Reaper
Submitted 3 months ago
very helpful
learned lot new thing from you~~
I am a: Beginner, Student, Audio Engineer, Logic Pro, Pro Tools
Submitted 3 months ago
very interesting ..
very interesting and helpful, the effects application was well said..
I am a: Professional
Submitted 3 months ago
Perfect explanations..
I have seen a few videos which gave me better insight already
Submitted 4 months ago
Great introduction to vocal recording!
Came away from this course with a real sense of the basic elements of setting up, recording, and editing vocal tracks. Having the artistry aspects of studio vocal work pretty well in hand, I'm feeling much more technically equipped to take on vocal production projects, single-handedly! Will be reviewing the course to re-inforce my newfound confidence! Thx Kenny Gioia!
I am a: Professional, Musician, Producer, Pro Tools
Submitted 4 months ago
Very useful "class" on vocals!
Not only did this course hit on the basics, it also went in to details involving plug-ins to hone the sonic timbre of the vocals.
I am a: Beginner, Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer, Sound for Film/TV, Reaper
Submitted 6 months ago
Very good!
From every video I can take something for myself and my daily workflow which is fantastic. I learnt a lot once again.
I am a: Semi-Pro, Musician, Producer, Logic Pro, Studio One
Submitted 6 months ago
Super helpful for recording vocals
Very well done, the presentation and process were very clear and understandable. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this tutorial. Excellent from the start to the finish.
I am a: Semi-Pro, Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer, Cubase, Pro Tools
Submitted 7 months ago
Vocals on deck
This tutorial is dope, Kenny's the man! really to the point, It can't get no cleaner.
I am a: Hobbyist, Semi-Pro, Musician, Producer, Beat Maker, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Reason, Reaper
Submitted 7 months ago
Superb
As always, very instructive with lots of clever and useful tips and tricks
I am a: Semi-Pro, Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Mastering Facility, Sound for Film/TV, Pro Tools
1. When did you start dabbling in music?
I've played an instrument since I was 10. Drums and Trumpet. I'm 40 now. I can play a little bit of any instrument. Master of none. Rock bands most of my life.
2. What training have you had?
I was taught trumpet classically from grade school up until I graduated high school. I went to Five Towns College for engineering and learned that you can't just learn this stuff from school. I did graduate though.
3. When did you get into recording?
I've been recording since I was 15. Two cassette players wired to a Radio Shack mixer. Eventually I got an 8 track reel to reel by Fostex. I've used just about every DAW and I started using them before they even recorded audio. Vision and Performer were just MIDI sequencers at the time. Before they became Studio Vision and Digital Performer. I got studio jobs because I knew computer MIDI and most studios didn't. I eventually moved up to Sound Tools which was two track. Then Pro Tools made a Audio Media III card which let you have 4 inputs. Gradually I moved up from there with Pro Tools D24, Pro Tools Mix to HD.
4. People you have worked with/for?
Marcy Playground
Mandy Moore
LFO
Willa Ford
Lee Ann Womack
Paulina Rubio
Hall & Oates
Bayside
Head Automatica
Cute is What We Aim For
FTSK
and many more...
5. Why are you so good at training people?
Hmmm. My Mom always said "Self Praise Stinks". I think it's because I have no ability to talk like a professional announcer, or plan out my teachings. So I teach as if you were sitting next to me. Pretty much off the cuff. I think that engages people more. We're so used to hearing everything done so properly and planned out with unnecessary explanations and proper wording that the brain will actually ignore most of it. Your brain tunes it out like you're back at your desk at school. But if the teacher grabbed you aside and just explained it to you, I believe you'd get more out of it. That is what I try to do.
Products by Kenny
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tutorial videoCompressors Explained
Kenny Gioia is back, this time giving you the history and application of all the famous Compressors ever made, as well as their modern day plug-in equivalents! Now you’ll know exactly what Compressor to pick for your tracks and how to use them. This series is long overdue!
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tutorial videoDelay Explained
The Delay effect is one of the oldest effects to be used on recordings, and there are many different types and ways to apply it. Multi-Platinum mixer / producer extraordinaire Kenny Gioia returns with a must have series for anyone recording, mixing, engineering or producing music. See how delay can be used to make tracks bigger, wider and just cooler! Learn the important fundamentals and advanced techniques of delay, and you'll find yourself using delay smarter and more creatively.
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tutorial videoEventide UltraChannel Explained
Multi-Platinum Engineer / Mixer Kenny Gioia brings you the definitive series on Eventide's amazing UltraChannel Strip plug-in. Follow along with Kenny as he breaks down all the Features and Functions while showing you What the Plug-In Can Do on Different Sources. He also reveals all the Effects, so you'll know just what to do with them on Your Songs and Productions.
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tutorial videoFirst Song with REAPER
Platinum producer / engineer Kenny Gioia takes you step by step on how to make your first song in Cockos REAPER. From nothing to something awesome, Kenny gets you going with REAPER easily and quickly. You also get the Reaper session and audio files that Kenny uses, so you can follow along.
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tutorial videoMixing 101 - Mix Session from Hell
Platinum producer / engineer Kenny Gioia now reveals a day in the life of a mix engineer, mixing a song from beginning to end, and how to handle all the common problems you'll encounter on your way to that perfect mix. You even get the session files so you can mix along in your DAW and see and hear the results in real-time!
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