Should I compress my vocals while recording?

Generally speaking, you should only record vocals with compression if you are confident that the settings on the compressor will produce the results you desire. It’s worth noting, that compression interacts uniquely with different vocals.

Should I compress vocals before or after recording?

So perhaps the best advice is to conservatively apply the best of both worlds: use a little compression while recording — just enough to help limit the most unruly peaks and phrases and to even out the recorded signal — and then add more compression to taste during mixing.

How do you not over compress vocals?

You want the vocal to be at roughly the same level every word—don’t worry if it sounds over-compressed in solo. Drop the fader down (on the new channel) and bring the volume back up until you notice the vocal becoming louder. Then, back off the volume a touch. You only want it to be subtle.

How do you record compression in Pro Tools?

Re: Recording with a Compressor Plug-In applied Create a mono Aux track and a mono Audio track. The compressor goes on the Aux track. Put the Audio track in record and check level, compression settings, etc. You will monitor through the Audio track, not the Aux track.

Should I mix before recording vocals?

Before you start recording the vocals, make sure the vocalist is happy with the monitor setup and mix (always use closed back headphones when recording vocals). Make sure there is a nice ambience in the room – you need the vocalist to feel comfortable. If they don’t, they won’t give a good performance.

How much should you compress vocals?

A good starting point for a rock vocal would be a 4:1 ratio with a medium-fast attack and a medium release. Then, set the threshold for around 4 to 6dB of gain reduction. Increase or decrease the attack time until you get the right level of forwardness for the mix.

Should you EQ during recording?

You might be tempted to reach for the EQ when something doesn’t sound right while recording, but as you see later in the course, there are much better ways to adjust the sound. That said, equalization can be a very powerful tool during recording under the right circumstances.

Can too much compression cause distortion?

Too much compression can make your tracks distort. This distortion can sound cool on a rock mix, but most of the time you won’t want your mix to sound super compressed. You’ll avoid distortion from over-compression and keep your levels in check.

How do you make your vocals sound better Pro Tools?

10 Ways to Make Vocals Sound Modern & Professional

1. Top-End Boost.
2. Use a De’Esser.
3. Remove Resonances.
4. Control the Dynamics with Automation.
5. Catch the Peaks with a Limiter.
6. Use Multiband Compression.
7. Enhance the Highs with Saturation.
8. Use Delays Instead of Reverb.

How to compress vocals in 7 Easy Steps for Pro results?

For slower vocals you’ll want a slower release so that the compression gradually releases the vocals rather than abruptly. Too fast and it can sound weird on the decay tails of notes being held in time as they dip below the threshold. There’s one setting we haven’t touched, which is called the knee.

What’s the best way to use compression during recording?

I don’t like to tell anyone which settings to use, because in the end it’s all about what you’re hearing. But this can be a good starting point when using compression during recording. Ratio – 2:1 Low ratios allows for less compression. High Threshold – Set the threshold to where the signal is just barely crossing it.

Why are vocals so difficult to record in Pro Tools?

Vocals are tricky. It’s a very psychological process and it’s impossible to separate the feel of the session from the feel the vocalist is delivering. On top of that, the vocalist isn’t the only one on stage — you are too. Remember, you want to do the gig so well that you create a reputation for yourself and get hired back.

What’s the best way to compress your voice?

Make sure you time it based on the length of the syllables or you’ll start compressing in the middle of them and it’ll sound horrible. For rap, pop, and rock styles of singing, go with a fast release. For slower vocals you’ll want a slower release so that the compression gradually releases the vocals rather than abruptly.