Double-click the desktop icon for your preferred digital audio workstation, such as Pro Tools or Cubase.
Connect the male end of an XLR cable to the bottom of the microphone. Connect the female end to the input on the audio interface. The audio interface is the device that sends the audio signal to the computer. Connect the audio interface to the computer, using either a FireWire or USB cable, depending on make and model.
Place a pop shield in front of the microphone. A pop shield prevents air from your “P” and “B” sounds from “popping.” Because of this, the pop shield lets you stand closer to the microphone. If you don’t have a pop shield, bend a coat-hanger into a “d” shape, wrap a pair of pantyhose around the loop and bend the straight part around the stem of the microphone stand. Then bend the loop so it sits between your face and the mic.
Adjust the “Gain” setting on the audio interface to set the input level of the microphone as high as it will go before the red warning light on the recording console flashes. The light is to warn of distortion, which is caused by too strong a mic signal.
Stand so your mouth is no more than four inches from the pop shield.
Whisper as you sing. Restrict the amount you project your voice and focus on pushing the breath out with the notes. This technique is relatively tricky and requires practice.
Click on the vocal audio file once recorded. This highlights it, assigning all subsequent commands thereto.
Open a compressor tool. The method varies between workstations, but the compressor tool is typically located in the “Effects” menu. The compressor lets you reduce the dynamic range of the audio, making the quieter parts as loud as the louder parts. By doing so, you enhance the breath and reduce the sound of the actual notes. Set the “Threshold” parameter to around 60 percent. Set the “Ratio” parameter to 2:1. This means the loudest 40 percent of the signal is reduced by half in volume. Adjust the “Gain” as far as it will go before you hear distortion.
Open the reverb effect. This is typically located in the “Effects” menu.
Hit “Play” so you can hear the effect in real-time. Reverb adds ambiance to a sound by increasing the decay of the note. This adds a very ambient, airy sound to the vocal. Adjust the “Time” and “Depth” settings to your preference.