How to Record PRO VOCALS at HOME

[@recordman555]

A great quote from Roy Thomas Baker regarding vocals: "It doesn't have to be in tune, but it must be in time."

[@jas_bataille]

This is of course an exaggeration but it's true of all instruments in popular music : rhythm is king always. Jazz is a perfect examples, where it simply does not matter whether some of the notes fit in the key or not, as long as you're grooving! The problem about singing isn't about not being in key, but not singing a note that's in key anywhere...

[@Bittamin]

@@jas_bataille I figured this out when I tried using chord trigger to make house chords. A minor is all white keys but the chord trigger is hitting so many things I doesn’t even matter in context to the entire track as long as the root note is still a white key

[@monBeatsStore]

That is Briliant

[@howir0n1c2]

So true. Rhythm is 10x as important as pitch. To the point where the whole genre of hip hop sometimes eschews pitch because the strength of the rhythm carries.

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Let me know what you think of the video, and I hope this helps you level up your own vocal production! Also - if you're serious about production you should check out our course Producer Accelerator: produceracceleratorcourse.com

[@benjaminwei7773]

Can we hold on a second and appreciate how much work he put into his videos? I am recording with logic for a year now, and you are actually the only "KZbinr" Producer i´m watching. And yes, IT WAS MORE THAN HELPFUL. Thanks so much, nathan! It´s so much more than "How to use a Compressor" I am sitting at home for half and an hour just listening to my favourite songs and trying to hear the details, that actually changed everything for me understanding melodies. Keep going please! :) Greets from germany

[@rizzbod]

I just love how much work he has put into record those video shots

[@Nevio857]

It's unfathomable how quickly you were able to explain so much stuff and so so clearly! Intelligent hooman

[@rizzbod]

Thnx a huge! This is the most comprehensive guide throughout internet for vocal pro mix

[@PopMov]

Thank you, Nathan, for this video. It really helped me out!

[@altuervo]

This is the perfect video for me! Focuses on equipment and external variables instead of how to sing which isnt helpful for me with also performing rap and metal vocals. The daw used for examples is the same one i use, and it covers topics i dont typically think of. Thank you so much for this!

[@alanchoichang8336]

the part where you talked about layering vocals and gave an example: i think itd be nice to show the difference between having the layers on and off.

[@tdz69]

This is a very helpful video. Thank you. Your tip of recording different sections of vocals at a time to control the gain….huge help! Lol. I’m new to home recording and was having a hard time with levels especially with verses that are softly delivered then getting to choruses where the vocal really opens up. Levels were a pain. Going to try the section at a time method.

[@maximeblais2032]

Clearly the video on vocal that rule them all ! Thanks Nathan.

[@MoonSwitchMusic]

That's some gold info right there, Sir! Clear and straight to the point, thank you, Sir!

[@TheKarateKidCode]

Hey bro wanna say your videos have helped me a lot! THANK YOU for taking the time to post all this info for free on KZbin. You are doing gods work bud.

[@thecraiginator]

Really glad to see a detailed video. Been a while! Hope you're well, bud

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Good to see you here too! We are getting back in the groove again. Needed a bit of a break the last few months of the year last year.

[@thecraiginator]

@@NathanJamesLarsen breaks are so important. Keep up the great work 👍🏻

[@aireya51]

Great vid Nathan, learned some really good stuff from you. Thanks and may Jimi be with you!

[@rome8180]

I lay down a Midi track of my vocal line before I sing. It helps me with both the rhythm and intonation.

[@davidcowen6502]

Have you tried basic pitch spotify Sing into your phone and it's gives you a midi file its amazing

[@RogerTRiche]

I liked your suggestion during one of my Feedback Friday submissions about vocal rhythm. Physically lean back while performing as it's hard to be ahead of the beat that way. I've practiced this a few times recently and it helps. It makes me mentally focused on the timing.

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Love it! And yes it definitely helps!

[@NICUofficial]

nice trick

[@ElembeeOfficial]

I wish this had been the first video I watched back when I first started music production.

[@udaykiran9556]

I have seen so many videos on how to mix vocals but i wanted how to record vocals like pro and u done it🥰🥰🥰

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Awesome! Glad you liked it and it helped you where you're at!

[@generichuman_]

I recently picked up a TLM 103 mic and an apollo twin pre. Very happy with them so far.

[@hvhvgitaar]

This is an incredibly useful video, thanks. I am just trying to put my first song together since the early 80’s (!) and boy, stuff has changed a lot since I used a tascam 😆

[@calebstanish2457]

Hey Nathan, my computer recently broke and I was using ableton live. I would like to switch to the 14 inch MacBook M1 pro. My question is, can I use 16Gb of ram or do I need 32Gb. Thanks for the help!

[@calebstanish2457]

Also, I’m switching to using logic

[@Larzguitars]

Great info! This will help how I do my vocals! Thanks Nathan

[@trotterglobe9278]

Thank you for all the advice man! You’re great!!!

[@Grymdrache]

I'll start putting some funds aside for gear and your accelerator package. I love producing music, but my focus has been on composition of lyrics rather than complete production. I'm looking towards creating a studio in a large storage shed. What do you recommend for power supply - instrument amps, recording equipment, monitors, etc for a small studio?

[@vewilli]

Incredibly good tips and super listening examples, e.g. in 6:29. mind blowing! Thank you for these video helps. I can use everything, the only thing is: I’m no good singer. So Flex Pitch and Melodyne are a Must for me to make the singing at least a little better. Your course „Producer Accelerator“ is the best thing I can have gone through to get onto a better level … THANX!

[@andidrogynous7347]

Very helpful information! If I may ask, is Mary actually singing back there the whole time?

[@nathanielfaerman]

Funny, I am literally laying in my bed and thinking about recording, open KZbin, and here is your video. Godsend

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

There you go! Time to get going on it then!

[@NishsSongbook]

Such a helpful video. Thank you Nathan.

[@laluna5192]

how much per hour to record my songs with you? im in NJ.... can we do song packages or hourly/.?

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Sorry i don't do client work anymore. Entirely focused on my own artist projects.

[@PedroSilva-tk7in]

When u record doubles, u record again or just duplicate the track ?

[@LopezMaikentJeorgeC]

Record again (slr)

[@parisestrella]

You’re awesome, thank you for sharing this advice! 💯

[@edgardoserrano5492]

Thanks, this is great stuff! Will put this into practice on a song I’m making👍🙏🏼

[@shakeelsheikh49]

Sir help bm80 microphone hai mera pass aur sound card V8 plus jab recording karta hoon vocal cilping ho raha hai

[@wesnelson5781]

thanks for not making this info 3 hours long too many people make long videos and it takes forever to get through!

[@Swaritshukl7211]

I am putting together my first home studio setup ..... And being a singer ...... This is gonna help me a lot ....... Only one ques...... Is ur whole room acoustically treated or just the detachable components in ur room does the job...... Plzzz reply :~D

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

My whole room is treated - but my room is also considerably larger than most home studios need to be - but you will want to treat most of it or as much as possible

[@Swaritshukl7211]

@@NathanJamesLarsen thank u ....... I'll keep that in mind

[@elementscity4204]

Is she just standing in the background and singing while you record?

[@Gedagnors]

Instant subscribe! Thank you so much for very useful information!!!

[@MastaGOfficial]

Just like my local audio engineers back in Sarawak(east Malaysia) mostly they don't do panning on the vocal and they only put the vocal on the center. That is why our east malaysian music are still remain unrecognised and even I did the same as you do, they don't wanna listen to what I did.

[@lisab.sansone7423]

Succinct, relevant, and fun, as always. Thanks Nathan!

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Thank you, Lisa! Appreciate it!

[@NatureEnergyBeing_N-E-B]

This is a great video. Very informative. ⚡️🌪⚡️

[@hamzz813]

Can you do stuff on rap vocals? I feel like the videos I’ve watched that are like actual singing aren’t helping me in my choice of music, I know it’s also on me as an artist and producer to make those decisions but I’ve really been having a hard time making a good sounding song with Logic Pro, almost wanna pack my bags and hit the studio

[@Jacobsthechandler]

Keep recoding and producing separate. That’s what I’ve tried. Write songs to ideas about Melodies you’ve had. Try making a basic ass beat with a drum loops and different sections then write to that. Record one take. Write down all the ideas you have for different sections. Idk take this with a grain of salt

[@hamzz813]

@@Jacobsthechandler appreciate your input! Will definitely listen to it

[@Lunnadannyy]

Whats the camara you use on this video?! I need one like this!!

[@Itsgrathony]

This video is for me ❤

[@kiranganji3235]

Very helpful sir 💯

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Thanks! and happy to hear that!

[@Mr_A99]

To be honest, i hesitated clicking this video, KZbin is a big overfloat of these vids with the same title, saying the same things. And i already know all this stuff and more, and some of it i have my own way of doing it. But i still enjoyed the vid, because i think your content has a ton load of charisma both video quality, editing, and the way you are explaining things, the words you use. This non clinical natural human vibe 😀A thing that i think the other vids like this lags a lot. You got a sub from me, and a like. Keep it up

[@sawnaloeyoutubechannel8198]

Thank you so much for sharing your it with us. Can you also post how to mix in Logic Pro for me? Or if you already posted , can you send me a link? I like how explain everything. Thank you so much.

[@TracyCruzMusic]

Thank you so much for a wonderful, informative video! 😀

[@vritantsoni3955]

please more informative tips videos like this sirr

[@R.L.Humpert]

Hey bro quick question. My gear advisor suggest i go with the ND96 EV over the Shure 58. I primarily am wanting it to plug into my amp with my acoustic guitar and sing along. I’m not a gig guy yet I am pretty raw and new to this. It’s more of a hobby and learning process for me right now. My voice trying to Learn to sing. So with that in mind which mic would be best for my situation? I have a fishman loudbox mini acoustic amp. Thanks!!

[@bradleewarrick1664]

Would you recommend recording the entire song at a time or verse by verse etc?

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

I almost always record in chunks. I find it significantly better in terms of getting good performances.

[@AbdurahmanKunnath]

Thank you for this ♥️👌🏼

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Absolutely!

[@Texascarnivore]

I am recording with an a cappella gospel quartet. I cannot convince them to lay down each track separately. They want to sing as a quartet to keep the feel. Any suggestions on how to keep voices from bleeding into other microphones?

[@Dave.esposito]

This is such a good video.

[@hphilsonphavwa6211]

Also make studio recording session videos

[@sircourage15.8]

Please do a video on SINGING EMOTION

[@mettejohnsen7314]

Very useful, thank you 👍

[@MelissaEarth]

Awesome. Thanks

[@kalelisuperman]

This was so useful.

[@ChantelStays]

This is all so confusing tbh. My daughter's and I want to create a vocal studio (they're musicians as well) we want to start with just "live" at home vocals... And then eventually recording... And then eventually creation of "electronic" music.... I have no idea where to start, can you offer some guidance !? Thank you truly.

[@samphilpott7384]

You could add a de-esser to your voice in your videos

[@JacobFrishOFFICIAL]

What’s your recommendation for a good first analog pre-am / compressor?

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Preamps don't matter as much but the WA-2A compressor is incredible. The 2A style compressors are just SO easy to use and sound incredible on vocals in particular - good on guitars too but I like the 2A's cause they are a bit more smooth which makes it easier to work with. So, definitely recommend the Warm Audio 2A. The ToneBeast preamp is what I use and it is great but you can find plenty of others

[@RogerTRiche]

Let's Go!

[@kendall72fxr]

Damn, I'm just going to come over to your house. You can do it 😅😂

[@Mr_Wols]

Very insightful!!

[@FunRideMurderTrial]

Where can I find the "Emotion" plugin?

[@DanielDeakin]

very good man!

[@xelent1]

My guy! Thank you!

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Sure thing!

[@majdabass5109]

when i want to record vocals, do i need to adjust the gain for every section than record ? what i mean is : i started recording the verse the levels are ok but for the chorus i need lower level.. so do i need adjust the level for every section? because i read a lot that i need to set the gain from the loudest part of the song (mainly the chorus) and then that's it if the VOLUME level of other parts are quiet/loud i just adjust it with volume automation

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Yes! Set it for each section. Honestly the people who say just set it once often are making music that isn't really dynamic and doesn't require a finer tune for each part of the song. I almost always am tweaking per section to keep gain consistent

[@konstantin3101]

How about processing tips? 😀 may be I am stupid but just can’t find it

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

I can definitely make one on vocal processing!

[@Kajo_guitar]

Man You understand these things very well 👏👏👏 Thanks for everything Much Respect From #kajoguitar 🎸🎸🎸

[@ric_olivera]

Hi Nathan! What you think about not hard-panning the doubles? Just put them by 15 (in Logic) for instance. My mixer engineer is not a big fan of hard-panning. By the way, great stuff, man!

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Yep that's doable! Just depends on preference. I often will do a combo hard and softer panning. Like one hard and one at a 45 degree pan! Just don't want them all centered- it will just sound weird

[@BetterThanUnson]

Awesome video

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Thanks!

[@Grymdrache]

I love these videos. Keep it up.

[@gabrieldvorak7670]

Hey you finish this song or was it just a jam recording 6:29

[@gabrieldvorak7670]

I wanna listen to it lol

[@obiwanjakobi1415]

should i worry that fully panning a vocal dub would be a detriment if someone is to say, listen with one earphone in only? seems like i should at least put a tiny bit of the layer in each channel instead of 100% pan

[@kinhos9]

Great video dude....shootout from São Paulo Brasil

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Thanks! I've been to Sao Paulo and loved it!

[@kinhos9]

@@NathanJamesLarsen next time you're here let me know

[@edvardpink]

At 8:51 you said that you edit your vocals by hand cause you like to do that better than using VocALign, but you also have a video about how much time VocALign saved you. So do you really like to use VocAlign or that was just a sponsorship?

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

I switched to using Vocalign. I was hesitant to using software like that but I have been using it for a few months and it's been a game changer. So yes I do use it - actually using Revoice Pro now for all my vocal editing.

[@edvardpink]

@@NathanJamesLarsen Thank you for your answer!

[@kingomedia433]

Great

[@blazing6string]

1:46 there’s a ghost in the background

[@kansas2261]

I’m doing metal but can’t. I live with two roomies that hate my music and won’t let me record at home. To poor for a studio so I’m fucking stuck

[@gobigrey9352]

Let's just take a minute to appreciate the video editing. A little too speedy and ADHD for my taste but that was intentional and well done in that case.

[@wildskel6350]

H0w did y0u manage t0 persuade ex-England f00tballer Wayne R00ney t0 appear in the thumbnail f0r this vid?

[@VanjaSpirin]

Good advices, but really crappy music

[@Stephan5916]

@Vanja Agreed. I didn't like the effect that he put on that guy's voice because to me, it sounded like there was too much auto tune was used.

[@kaimueric9390]

Very theoretical. I bet pretty much everyone knows most of the things you said. But thanks for your time.