The Vocal Handbook - Recording and Mixing Vocals

From the first take to a vocal that sits on top of the mix. Clear explanations, real values, graphics and screenshots - from the recording spot to the final vocal chain.

Most vocals don't fail because of the microphone. They fail because of the room, the distance, the takes and a chain that fights the voice instead of carrying it. This handbook walks you through recording and mixing vocals in the order you actually work, and every chapter ends with a start value, a rule or a check.

What you get

• 67-page PDF guide (A4) - instant download after purchase
• 18 chapters in working order, with chapter summaries
• Annotated screenshots of free plugins (TDR Nova, TDR Kotelnikov) and calculated graphs
• A complete vocal session step by step, a problem-and-solution table, a 20-point checklist and a glossary

Inside the handbook

• Recording - your room and recording spot, microphone types and polar patterns, placing the microphone
• Levels and the recording chain - DAW settings, recording level, compression while recording, latency
• The session - a headphone mix that helps the singer, getting a good performance, recording yourself
• Takes, comping and editing - building the comp, editing without clicks, fixing timing
• Pitch correction - natural correction and the hard-tuned effect
• Cleanup - rumble, pops, clicks, noise and breaths
• EQ for vocals - where a voice lives, a typical vocal EQ, resonances, making space in the mix
• De-essing and compression - two gentle stages instead of one hard one, parallel compression
• Saturation, reverb and delay - character and depth without washing the vocal out
• Doubles, harmonies and backing vocals - recording, placing, mono checks
• Automation - riding the vocal and making room for it in the mix
• Vocals in electronic music - acapellas, samples, chops, pitch and formant effects, the vocal against the kick

Who it's for

Producers and artists who record their own vocals or work with singers and want a clear, present vocal without guessing. Pairs with our Mixing Handbook and Mastering Guide.

Digital product - PDF, no physical shipping. For personal use only. All values are starting points - always trust your ears.