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Community Tip - Tracking Vocals

With the support of iLok, more tips & tricks from the community. Here is one from Bernhard Penzias….

When I record layers of vocals with the same singer, I like to switch out microphones fairly often, specifically for different kinds of vocals. Say, I would record the lead vocal with a great LDC mic. if there’s time & patience, I’ll do a quick mic shoot out to find the best one for the particular singer. especially when I’ve never recorded with them before.

When it then comes to doubling, I like to use a different mic. I’ll look for one with a less pronounced hi-mid boost, for example. That way, the double track won’t stick out so much.

Then I’ll use a different mic for BGVs, and maybe another one for AdLibs, or counter phrases / answer type of tracks… For me, the trick is to keep the recordings in a good flow. I try to feel out the situation. If someone is hyper creative and very impatient, forget it. Just get the person happy. I also like to mix it up with the mic preamps. Same kind of idea…Happy recordings! 

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