Prepare the recording room by setting up the recording device and media (tape machine with tape or digital sequencer hardware and software) with all appropriate connectors.
Set up the mixing equipment to be used (mixing console, PC keyboard). Place the vocal microphone (on a stand, if needed) in the area where the vocalist will be singing. Connect these components together with appropriate connectors and continue the connection to the recording device.
Test the microphone level by vocalizing into it while setting the desired volume and tone (EQ) levels on the mixing equipment, first without the music source and then with the music source (once desired levels have been achieved).
Prepare the music source by cuing the tape, CD or hard drive file or by readying the musicians for a prerecording test take.
Start the recording device and the music source and record a test take with the vocalist singing along. Record either the entire song or a portion of it for the test.
Stop the recording device. Reset the device to the start of the test recording and listen to the playback to edit the volume and EQ levels of the recording. Adjust mixing controls as needed to achieve the desired levels.
Cue the music source again. Start the recording device and begin the playback of the music for the actual recording take.
Cue the vocalist to perform the song in conjunction with the music. Allow the music to reach the end of the song and stop the recording device.
Reset the recording device to the beginning of the recorded take. Listen to the take to edit the levels and the vocal performance. Repeat as necessary to achieve an optimal recording.