Top Tips for Tracking Vocals Like a Pro

Welcome to The Producers Hangout! Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a seasoned producer, tracking vocals is a vital skill for any home studio owner. Properly capturing vocals can elevate your entire track, giving it that polished, professional sound. But before we dive into the tips, be sure to check out our Etsy Store for high-quality presets, drum kits, loops, templates, and samples that will help you streamline your production process and make your vocals sound even better. The right tools can transform your tracks from good to great!

Now, let’s get into how to track vocals like a pro!

1. Choose the Right Microphone for the Job

The first and most important step in tracking vocals is selecting the right microphone. Different mics serve different purposes, so it’s important to pick one that fits both the vocalist’s style and your recording environment.

Tip: Condenser microphones are ideal for studio vocals because they are sensitive and capture every detail. Models like the Audio-Technica AT2020 or Neumann U87 are fantastic choices. However, if you’re working with a dynamic vocalist or recording in a less-than-ideal space, the Shure SM7B is a great option for isolating vocals.

2. Prepare Your Recording Space

Even the best microphone won’t give you a clean vocal recording if your room is full of reflections or noise. Acoustics matter a lot when tracking vocals.

Tip: Use acoustic treatment like foam panels or bass traps to minimize reflections and create a controlled recording environment. If you don’t have the space for a professional setup, you can even make a DIY vocal booth using blankets or pillows to reduce room noise.

3. Proper Mic Placement

Mic placement has a huge impact on the tone and clarity of your vocals. Finding the sweet spot can take some trial and error, but it's worth the effort.

Tip: Keep the mic about 6-12 inches away from the vocalist’s mouth. For added protection from plosives (like “p” and “b” sounds), angle the mic slightly off-axis. Experiment with height and distance to find the most natural-sounding placement. A pop filter can also help reduce unwanted sounds.

4. Use a Pop Filter or Windshield

Plosives, the popping sounds that happen when you pronounce words with "P" or "B," can distort your vocal recordings and make them harder to work with in the mix.

Tip: Always use a pop filter to prevent plosives from affecting your vocal takes. If you don’t have a pop filter, try using a DIY solution, such as a pantyhose stretched over a coat hanger, to serve as a makeshift filter.

5. Optional Tip: Setting Up Your Input Chain for Better Vocals

Your vocal recording chain, including your preamp, compression, and EQ settings, plays a major role in how your vocal tracks sound. Having the right settings can help your vocals sit perfectly in the mix right from the start.

Preamp Settings: Use a high-quality preamp that adds warmth and clarity to your vocal recordings. Many audio interfaces have built-in preamps, but a dedicated preamp like the Focusrite Scarlett or Universal Audio 710 can provide added depth. Set the preamp gain to avoid distortion, but ensure the signal is strong enough to avoid noise.
Compression Settings: Apply subtle compression during tracking to control dynamics and prevent clipping. Start with a ratio of 3:1 or 4:1, a medium attack time (around 10-20ms), and a fast release time (around 50-100ms). Keep the threshold set so that compression only kicks in during louder moments—this will smooth out the performance without squashing it.
Optional EQ Settings: Consider using a slight low cut (around 80Hz) to eliminate any unwanted low-end rumble. A small boost in the 5-10kHz range can help add air to the vocal, making it sound clearer and more present in the mix.

By setting up a well-thought-out input chain, you can capture your vocals with more clarity and character, minimizing the need for heavy post-processing.

6. Set Proper Input Levels

Recording vocals at the right level is critical. Too loud, and you risk clipping and distortion; too quiet, and you’ll have to boost the signal later, which can introduce unwanted noise.

Tip: Aim for your input levels to peak at around -6 dB to -3 dB. This ensures you have enough headroom to prevent clipping while maintaining a strong, clean signal.

7. Create a Comfortable Environment

If the vocalist isn’t comfortable, it will show in their performance. Make sure the environment is relaxed and conducive to a great recording session.

Tip: Keep the room temperature comfortable, offer water or tea for hydration, and take breaks as needed. A relaxed artist is more likely to perform at their best, so create a welcoming, stress-free atmosphere.

8. Use Headphones to Monitor the Performance

Headphones are essential for ensuring the vocalist stays in tune and in time with the track. A solid headphone mix helps the artist hear their voice clearly alongside the instrumental.

Tip: Give the vocalist a custom headphone mix that includes their vocals and the instrumental at a balanced level. You can experiment with more or less of the instrumental, depending on what the singer needs to perform at their best.

9. Warm Up the Vocalist

Vocalists, like any musicians, need to warm up before a recording session. A warm-up prevents strain and helps achieve the best performance.

Tip: Encourage your vocalist to warm up before hitting the record button. Simple scales, humming, or breathing exercises will help get the voice in top shape and ensure the best vocal performance.

10. Track Multiple Takes

Don’t settle for one take, especially if the vocalist is delivering a complex or emotional performance. Recording multiple takes will give you options to choose from, and you can always combine the best parts later.

Tip: Record several takes of the same section. You can then use comping (compiling the best parts from different takes) to create a seamless vocal performance.

11. Keep the Recording Session Organized

Having a structured recording session can save you time and frustration later on. Keeping track of the best takes, keeping your files organized, and marking your best performances can streamline the process.

Tip: Label each track clearly, and create a system to easily identify the best takes. Use markers or notes to indicate when you’ve recorded a solid version of a section, so you can move on quickly without losing precious time.

Conclusion

Tracking vocals is an essential part of music production, and by following these tips, you can ensure that your recordings sound professional and polished. A great vocal recording requires the right environment, equipment, and technique—but with practice, you'll be capturing top-notch vocals in no time.

As always, The Producers Hangout is here to help with a variety of tools to enhance your music production process. Check out our Etsy Store for presets, drum kits, loops, and samples that will make your tracks sound even more professional, and streamline your workflow. Whether you're recording vocals, producing beats, or mixing your track, our high-quality products are designed to give you the edge you need to succeed.

Happy recording, and may your next vocal track be your best yet!

Pro Tip: Always back up your files and keep your session organized. It’s a small detail that will save you a lot of time later when you need to make changes or revisit your work!