Vocal Specs

Vocal Editing:

  • Multiple Takes: Record multiple takes to give yourself options. Aim for a few complete takes and some punch-ins for specific lines or phrases.

  • Comping: please choose the best parts of different takes and comp them into a single/one, cohesive vocal track for the main vocal.

  • Pitch Correction: My perference is non or little BUT if applied gentle pitch correction is the ticket (stressing -> if needed), but avoid over-processing and no processing at all if your pitch is on-point. Natural pitch variations (a tiny tiny tiny bit sharp and flat) can add character so don’t go crazy with twaeks or it won’t sound human. But please don’t send if the pitch is wack or super off.

  • Timing Adjustments: Use timing adjustments sparingly to tighten up the performance without losing its natural feel (normally by re-singing is the best tact in my book to avoid time alignment editing).

    Label Tracks Clearly: Ensure all vocal tracks are clearly labeled (e.g., “Lead Vocal - Verse 1,” “Chorus Double,” “Adlibs” etc….).

  • Track Clean-Up: Remove any unused or muted tracks. Ensure there are no unnecessary takes, regions, or plugins cluttering the files.

    Basically all this means is I need a stellar performance and i can mix creatively without mad amounts of correctional mixing! I can sort out the rest. :’)

    ——

    Mini tip while monitoring:

    • Headphone Mix: Upping the volume of the instrumental foundation tooooo high in your headphones while recording can lead to pitch issues and proximity effect (nobody wants that). Sit at a comfortable level for you but don’t crank it up to high basically.

Sending:

  • Send only WAV (Wave) or AIFF files.

  • IMPORTANT: please send the vocal files to the exact length of the mix file I send over :’) so when I important it it syncs up

  • 44.1KHZ or 48KHZ is great (normally what your DAW default setting is anyway)

  • 16 to 24bit is great (either or preferably 24bit). \