Recording Vocals with Dave Pensado
Chapter 1 : Introduction
Chapter 2 : Chapter 1 - Understanding Microphones
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0:13 Introduction
Introduction to this section of the course.
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4:20 Understanding Microphones
In this section of Dave’s vocal course, you’ll start to learn about the basics of microphones and their applications.
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2:37 How a Microphone Works
In this section of Dave’s vocal course, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how each type of microphone works.
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2:20 Microphone Settings & Uses
In this section of Dave’s vocal course, you’ll learn about the different settings of microphones, the pickup patterns, and uses associated with each pattern.
Chapter 3 : Chapter 2 - How to Set Up Microphones
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0:13 Introduction
Introduction to this section of the course.
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3:02 Windscreens, Shockmounts, & Pop Filters
In this section of Dave’s vocal course, Dave explains the differences between, and best practices for, windscreens, shockmounts, and pop filters in regard to recording vocals.
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2:14 Gobos & Room Acoustics
In this section of Dave’s vocal course, Dave explains the importance of using a good room and how to manipulate a bad sounding room into a good one when recording vocals.
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6:42 Mic Selection
In this section of Dave’s vocal course, you’ll learn the differences between each microphone and how to help determine which microphone is best for the performer.
Chapter 4 : Chapter 3 - Before Starting
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0:21 Introduction
Introduction to this section of the course.
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3:21 Making a Vocalist Comfortable
In this section of Dave’s vocal course, Dave will tell you ways of encouraging the best performance out of a singer through subtle and non-subtle techniques.
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2:55 Planning for the Session
In this section of Dave’s vocal course, Dave tells you how he prepares for a vocal recording session and how you can apply those techniques to your own.
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3:26 Headphones
In this section of Dave’s vocal course, you’ll learn about setting up headphones for a recording artist.
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4:53 Knowing How to Get a Great Vocal
In this section of Dave’s vocal course, Dave takes you through his process of working with artists and getting the best recordings out of them.
Chapter 5 : Chapter 4 - Vocal Recording Chain
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0:31 Introduction
Introduction to this section of the course.
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2:58 Mic Pre
In this section, Dave takes you through the process of choosing the right mic pre for your performer.
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3:38 Compressors
In this section of Dave’s vocal course, you’ll learn about using compressors in the vocal process.
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3:09 EQ
In this section of Dave’s vocal course, you’ll learn about using equalizers in the vocal process.
Chapter 6 : Chapter 5 - Recording a Vocal
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0:31 Introduction
Introduction to this section of the course.
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8:53 The Vocal Session
In this section of Dave’s vocal course, you’ll take a look into a real recording session with singer/songwriter Esthero and Dave’s mix assistant, Leandro Hidalgo.
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15:23 Sit Down with Esthero
In this section of Dave’s vocal course, Dave sits down with Esthero and talks to her about the recording process.
Chapter 7 : Chapter 6 - Fixing Problems
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0:33 Introduction
Introduction to this section of the course.
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5:20 VocAlign
In this section of Dave’s vocal course, mixing engineer Bob Horn teaches you how to get perfectly timed vocal doubles with VocAlign.
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11:57 Melodyne
In this section of Dave’s vocal course, mixing engineer Bob Horn shows you how he tunes a vocal in Melodyne.
Chapter 8 : Chapter 7 - Mixing Vocals
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0:12 Introduction
Introduction to this section of the course.
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12:09 Mixing Esthero
In this section of Dave's vocal course, Dave shows you how he mixed each vocal that was recorded with Esthero earlier in this title.
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5:03 Breaking Down Rap Vocals Part 1
In this section of Dave's vocal course, Dave takes you through his workflow on mixing rap/hip-hop vocals.
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6:53 Breaking Down Rap Vocals Part 2
In this section of Dave's vocal course, Dave continues to take you through his workflow on mixing rap/hip-hop vocals.
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6:16 Breaking Down Rap Vocals Part 3
In this section of Dave's vocal course, Dave finishes taking you through his workflow on mixing rap/hip-hop vocals.
Chapter 9 : Chapter 8 - Wrapping Up
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0:17 Introduction
Introduction to this section of the course.
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9:01 De-Essing
In this section of Dave's vocal course, Dave teaches you everything you need to know about de-essing a vocal.
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14:44 Mid-Side EQ
In this section of Dave's vocal course, Dave shows you how he manipulates vocals and vocal effects through the use of mid-side EQ.
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4:33 Comping
In this section of Dave's vocal course, Dave talks you through the process of comping vocals and how to get the best end take from your performer.
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2:49 Wrap Up
In the final section of Dave's vocal course, Dave leaves you with his final thoughts and things to remember when working with vocals, performers, and mixing in general.
Product Overview
Welcome to Recording Vocals with Dave Pensado, a full, in-depth course that provides viewers everything they need to know to take their vocals to the next level.
Recording Vocals with Dave Pensado was created for both the enthusiast recording in their bedroom and the person already working in a professional studio. Whether interested in recording vocals, learning about how microphones work, or fixing and mixing vocals, Dave takes us on an easy-to-follow, deep dive through this course.
As part of the Strive series, Recording Vocals with Dave Pensado covers the gamut of what one needs to learn, incorporate, and execute to make their vocals the best. Dave goes over many different facets of recording vocals, including how microphones work, proper setup and all that entails, preparation for vocal sessions, and utilizing the best signal chain when recording. Throughout this course, you will observe an actual vocal recording session with Dave’s mix assistant Leandro Hidalgo, how to fix any problems after your session with Grammy-nominated mixer Bob Horn, and how to get the final mix done by Dave himself.
Dave Pensado is not only one of the recording industry’s preeminent mix engineers, but also the most-watched online teacher of audio in the world. With multiple Grammy nominations and wins under his belt, Dave has had an astounding career. Christina Aguilera, Pink, Shakira, Beyonce, Flo Rida, Afrojack, Frank Ocean, and more are a fraction of the superstars who keep Dave on speed dial. From pop to hip hop, country to Latin, and R&B to alternative, Dave’s special niche is making radio-friendly records while enhancing artistic intent. His online television series, Pensado's Place, is seen in over 150 countries, and over 100 schools use the show as a teaching tool.
So if you're ready to power up your vocal recording, watch Recording Vocals with Dave Pensado today!
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Reviews
Submitted 5 months ago
Great so far
Stumbled across this site looking to learn more recording skills. I’m a big Dave Pensado fan and he has not disappointed so far, thanks Dave! The website is a little hard to navigate and the way the videos load on my phone and I’ve got to click back to watch more is kinda a pain but still rating 5 stars as content is great and price is good too.
Response from Customer Service:
As for watching the videos, no need to click back from a video. When you click the X at the top left to stop the video, click the down arrow and choose any video you like.
But if you want to watch them consecutively, turn the continuous playback option on (Settings, then make sure Continuous Playback is checked) and the next video will play automatically when the current one finishes.
I hope that helps you and anyone reading this out!
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 5 months ago
Good overview for recording others
Good overview for recording others. A lot of it was over my head though. Now I know more of what I didn't know existed.
I am a: Beginner, Hobbyist, Musician, FL Studio, Nuendo, Reaper
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 6 months ago
Very Helpful
Hit the basics.
Ease of Use Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
Great tutorial!
Inspirational, personal and very helpful!
I am a: Student, Hobbyist, Semi-Pro, Musician, Producer, Logic Pro
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
I saw the Light!
There are many things to know when you are just starting. The technical side can be overwhelming. The artistic stde is just as challenging. Dave gives a very simple overview of the recording process specific to vocals, This information can be used in other recording session as well. Dave seems like a great guy to hang around with.
Dave did an outstanding job!
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
Dave's always a great listen
I like Dave's videos because they're not so much tutorials as they are just sitting down with a knowledgeable pro and having a chat. I can listen to him all day because he's very enthusiastic about audio and what he says makes great sense.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
The Pro of pros!
Great advise and tips for anyone of any level!
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
Brilliant
Really enjoyed watching Dave explanations, not only about the technical factors but also about the human factor (relationships with the singer, how to interact with him, etc.), which is somehow even more important - Lots of good advice and learned quite a few very useful things
Submitted 2 years ago
What a mess!
First of all, let me say that I think that Dave Pensado seems to have a lot of experience as an audio engineer. However, as a teacher he is terrible. During the videos he seems unprepared on the material to be covered, sometimes he starts talking about a topic and then decides to stop (and this is not even edited out), and generally talks to you as if you were an audio engineer and nothing less, not trying to teach you, but talking to you like a friend trying to give you a few pointers. For example, at a certain point he says "this plugin is a SLAP, it's self-explanatory", does not explain what the plug-in it is or what it does and proceeds to do several things without explanation. Finally he says "see? just like magic...", which I find completely unprofessional. Beyond that, he does give some really good tips here and there, but he also does not cover many aspects of vocal recording (like recording levels, for example), does not go in-depth into anything, and overall all the information is given in a disjointed, "remembered just now" kind of way. Overall, this course could be trimmed down to 30 minutes and called " tips & tricks recording vocals" and would have worked better.
I am a: Hobbyist, Ableton Live
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Great Tips from a humble Legend
Dave covers a lot of material fast but keeps it simple. His aesthetic approach to engineering as opposed to the using a lot of technical jargon is refreshing. Dave emphasizes capturing the 'energy' of the vocal performance using tools and techniques to enhance the performance with subtly. There is a video in which Dave interviews the vocalist that presents a perspective on the artists's expectations of the engineer thats very informative. The "Wrap Up' video at the end is inspiring with some great encouraging words from a MASTER!
I am a: Professional, Musician, Producer, Beat Maker, Audio Engineer, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Studio One
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Reviews
Submitted 5 months ago
Great so far
Stumbled across this site looking to learn more recording skills. I’m a big Dave Pensado fan and he has not disappointed so far, thanks Dave! The website is a little hard to navigate and the way the videos load on my phone and I’ve got to click back to watch more is kinda a pain but still rating 5 stars as content is great and price is good too.
Response from Customer Service:
As for watching the videos, no need to click back from a video. When you click the X at the top left to stop the video, click the down arrow and choose any video you like.
But if you want to watch them consecutively, turn the continuous playback option on (Settings, then make sure Continuous Playback is checked) and the next video will play automatically when the current one finishes.
I hope that helps you and anyone reading this out!
Submitted 5 months ago
Good overview for recording others
Good overview for recording others. A lot of it was over my head though. Now I know more of what I didn't know existed.
I am a: Beginner, Hobbyist, Musician, FL Studio, Nuendo, Reaper
Submitted 6 months ago
Very Helpful
Hit the basics.
Submitted 1 year ago
Great tutorial!
Inspirational, personal and very helpful!
I am a: Student, Hobbyist, Semi-Pro, Musician, Producer, Logic Pro
Submitted 1 year ago
I saw the Light!
There are many things to know when you are just starting. The technical side can be overwhelming. The artistic stde is just as challenging. Dave gives a very simple overview of the recording process specific to vocals, This information can be used in other recording session as well. Dave seems like a great guy to hang around with.
Dave did an outstanding job!
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician
Submitted 1 year ago
Dave's always a great listen
I like Dave's videos because they're not so much tutorials as they are just sitting down with a knowledgeable pro and having a chat. I can listen to him all day because he's very enthusiastic about audio and what he says makes great sense.
Submitted 1 year ago
The Pro of pros!
Great advise and tips for anyone of any level!
Submitted 1 year ago
Brilliant
Really enjoyed watching Dave explanations, not only about the technical factors but also about the human factor (relationships with the singer, how to interact with him, etc.), which is somehow even more important - Lots of good advice and learned quite a few very useful things
Submitted 2 years ago
What a mess!
First of all, let me say that I think that Dave Pensado seems to have a lot of experience as an audio engineer. However, as a teacher he is terrible. During the videos he seems unprepared on the material to be covered, sometimes he starts talking about a topic and then decides to stop (and this is not even edited out), and generally talks to you as if you were an audio engineer and nothing less, not trying to teach you, but talking to you like a friend trying to give you a few pointers. For example, at a certain point he says "this plugin is a SLAP, it's self-explanatory", does not explain what the plug-in it is or what it does and proceeds to do several things without explanation. Finally he says "see? just like magic...", which I find completely unprofessional. Beyond that, he does give some really good tips here and there, but he also does not cover many aspects of vocal recording (like recording levels, for example), does not go in-depth into anything, and overall all the information is given in a disjointed, "remembered just now" kind of way. Overall, this course could be trimmed down to 30 minutes and called " tips & tricks recording vocals" and would have worked better.
I am a: Hobbyist, Ableton Live
Submitted 2 years ago
Great Tips from a humble Legend
Dave covers a lot of material fast but keeps it simple. His aesthetic approach to engineering as opposed to the using a lot of technical jargon is refreshing. Dave emphasizes capturing the 'energy' of the vocal performance using tools and techniques to enhance the performance with subtly. There is a video in which Dave interviews the vocalist that presents a perspective on the artists's expectations of the engineer thats very informative. The "Wrap Up' video at the end is inspiring with some great encouraging words from a MASTER!
I am a: Professional, Musician, Producer, Beat Maker, Audio Engineer, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Studio One
Dave Pensado is one of the recording industry’s preeminent mix engineers. With multiple Grammy nominations and wins under his belt, Dave has had an astounding career. Christina Aguilera, Pink, Shakira, Beyoncé, Flo Rida, Afrojack, Frank Ocean, and more are a fraction of the superstars who keep Dave on speed dial. From pop to hip hop, country to Latin, and R&B to alternative, Dave’s special niche is making radio-friendly records while enhancing artistic intent.
In 2010, Dave and his manager started a web series entitled Pensado's Place. The show is wildly popular, is seen in over 150 countries by 600,000 people a month, and is used as curriculum in over 100 colleges around the globe. Every week audio artisans who work with superstars like Coldplay, Kanye West, Rascal Flatts, and more join Dave to discuss all things audio. The show has been featured in Forbes, Huffington Post, Boston Globe, and Last Call with Carson Daly among others.
With all the success, what is Dave’s favorite part of his career? "Nothing is better than being able to teach," says Pensado. "The ability to share and watch it positively impact a life is incredibly powerful." It’s that ethos that makes Dave so revered by his peers and makes him a legend to his fans.
Products by Dave
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tutorial videoGroove3 Exclusive
In these brand-new Groove3 exclusive Into The Lair episodes, mixing engineer and co-host of popular web series Pensado's Place Dave Pensado brings you into his world with engineering and mixing tutorials from the best in brand.
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tutorial videoInto The Lair - Dave On Drums
Curated from the free Into The Lair (ITL) video tutorial series, Grammy Award-winning mix engineer Dave Pensado drills down on teaching you how to get your drums sounding just right!
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tutorial videoInto The Lair - Dave On Effects
Curated from the free “Into The Lair” video tutorial series, Grammy winning mix engineer Dave Pensado shows you how to creatively use effects like Reverb, Signal Generators, Delays, EQ, and Compression to turn plain boring tracks into something special!
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tutorial videoInto The Lair - Dave On General Mixing
Curated from the free “Into The Lair” video tutorial series, Grammy winning mix engineer Dave Pensado shows you awesome tips and tricks on the art of mixing. Learn how to use Reference Mixes, Dissect a Mix and Make Tracks Wider Sounding. Dave also reveals the Top 10 Mixing Mistakes, Ear Training, Keyboard Shortcuts, Mastering Techniques and more!
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tutorial videoInto The Lair - Dave on Guitars
Curated from the free “Into The Lair” video tutorial series, Grammy winning mix engineer Dave Pensado shows you his awesome secrets and techniques when working on Guitars that will make them big and wide in your mixes!
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Dave did an outstanding job!