Top Tips for Recording Pop Vocals in a Chill Studio

Pro Mic Setup

Get your big mic ready for clear pop vocals. Set your Neumann U87 or a similar mic 8-10 inches from the singer at a 15-degree angle for the best sound.

Make the Studio Right

Keep a comfy studio temp of 72°F. Use soft lights at 60% brightness to help the singer feel good and sing well.

Manage the Sound and Tech

Use a clean preamp path with light 2:1 compression:

• Attack time: 20ms
• Release time: 80ms
• Quality: 48kHz/24-bit

Pro Recording Moves

Pull in some old-school warmth using top gear like the UA 610 preamp.

• Watch for voice tiredness
• Use pop filters right
• Keep levels great
• Fix up room sound
• Make sure mic stands hold steady

Easy Does It

Simple Audio Recording

Bare Bones Recording for Real Sound

Going simple is all about catching true, raw sound by putting mics right with no fuss. This way, sound comes first, tech second.

Needed Vocal Setup

Put a big mic 8-10 inches from the singer. This sweet spot lets you grab real voice sounds while cutting out bad noise.

Low-key levels at -18dB mean clear recordings with room to move.

Catch That Guitar

For acoustic guitars, set a small mic 6 inches from the 12th fret.

This one-mic way nabs the guitar’s true tune and keeps sound even. Doing this stops sound clashes you can get from using more mics.

Keep Signal Clean

Hook mics straight to preamps and the board. Say no to extras like compression and EQ while recording.

• Keeping sounds true
• Getting the room’s vibe right
• Putting mics just so
• Catching every real moment

Inside the Studio Walls

Top Studio Sound Block and Room Fixing

Need-to-Know for Wall Build

Soundproofing and room fixing in big studios take careful planning and materials.

Start with walls built apart using flexible bits and lots of plaster layers with Green Glue.

Control Room Sounds

Big sponges at key spots work with well-planned scattering boards at the back.

Tough fiber boards 4 inches thick, at 6 pcf, covered in see-through cloth, top off sound control.

Booth Design

The floor that floats uses rubbery bits and a room in a room build for a super STC 65 score.

Let Those Vocals Out

Vocal Magic: Pro Recording Moves

Set Up the Space Right

Recording voices in a well-fixed sound room means you get clean sound. Have the singer 6-8 inches from a big mic, a bit to the side to dodge harsh sounds.

Tech How-Tos and Flow

• Set mic levels at -12dB
• Plan sound flow with tight compression settings
• Use pro headphones

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Get Down in the Club

• About 4-6 inches from the mic
• Using a big mic like the Neumann U87

Straight-Up Acoustic Style

• Singers 8-12 inches from the mic
• Mics that catch natural tones like the AKG C414

Today’s Hits, Old-School Methods

Today’s Hits with a Classic Twist

Choose the Right Old Mic

Classic ribbon mics give today’s pop a timeless touch. The RCA 44 and Royer 121 smooth out high sounds, giving that old-school warm feel.

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