Composition chart

Voice

Voice ranges: soprano, alto, tenor, bass.

View all the instruments.

General tips

  • Remember that you are recording the room the vocalist is in as well as the voice itself.
  • Consider laying a rug down to prevent tapping feet and floor reflection becoming an issue.
  • Avoid the vocals reflecting off the stand into the mic by placing a towel over the stand.
  • Mic placement is important to prevent plosives (Ps andTs) and breathing noises being picked up.
  • Place mic 6 inches away (despite what you see on music videos), pointing downwards towards the mouth, just below the nose.
  • If possible, put a pop screen (ring of nylon material) between vocalists mouth and mic.
  • It is important to use your ears and reposition the mic if you are unhappy with the recordings.
  • Remember, time spent on experimenting with recording vocals will not be wasted.
  • Always have some water or warm tea on hand for the singer.

Supported by:

Scottish Music Centre is supported by the Scottish Arts Council Scottish Music Centre is supported by the PRS Foundation

Scottish Music Centre, City Halls, Candleriggs, Glasgow | T: +44 (0)141 552 5222 | E: info@scottishmusiccentre.com
Scottish Music Information Centre Ltd (trading as Scottish Music Centre) is a registered charity: SC093451