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How to Record Animated Singers

Recording vocals can be a challenging endeavor; recording the vocals of an animated singer can be downright frustrating. The elements that make a quality recorded vocal performance -- harmonic depth, consistent tonal and dynamic delivery, precise timing -- are all much more difficult to achieve when the singer needs to move, dance or shake to get to an emotional place where she feels she can deliver her optimal vocal performance. Sometimes, explaining the rigors of recording to the singer will help subdue the movements. For those singers that must rock, there are techniques to decrease the shock.

Things You'll Need

  • Large diaphragm microphone w/ shock mount
  • Boom microphone stand
  • Acoustic foam/tile
  • Headphones
  • Recording equipment (digital, analog)
  • Isolated room (less than 8-by-8 feet)
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Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • 1
      Limit the singer's mobility by recording in a small space.

      Set up a boom microphone stand in a small, isolated room lined with acoustic tile or foam, no bigger than 8-by-8 feet, to achieve a dry recording and limit the singer's mobility.

    • 2

      Attach a microphone with a shock mount to the boom stand.

    • 3

      Adjust the main microphone pole to as high as it can get.

    • 4

      Angle the boom and microphone down so the singer cannot comfortably touch the microphone stand while singing.

    Recording

    • 5

      Encourage the singer to maintain an 8- to 12-inch distance from the microphone at all times.

    • 6

      Increase the volume of drums in the headphones to help the vocalist stay in time, whether recording live or to preexisting tracks. If there are no drums or percussion on the track, increase the volume of the metronome.

    • 7

      Maintain vigilance on the fader while the vocals are being recorded to ensure the vocals are not too quiet or peaking.

    Mixing

    • 8

      Listen closely to the vocals to ensure the recording levels are consistent.

    • 9

      Ensure that the vocal track being used for the mix does not peak. Be mindful of distortion.

    • 10

      Isolate the vocals continually while mixing with the backing tracks, to listen for unwanted vocal noise or distortion that may be covered up or hidden by the other instruments.

Recording Music

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