I'm going to be working with a vocalist for the first time this Sunday. I have 3 projects that she agreed to do vocals for. Now since this is my first time, would anyone with experience be able to tell me what to have her sing to? Just a click track? A kick and a bass and some percussion? The entire tune in the state it's in right now?
I'm thinking singing to the rhythm section (drums and bass) would make sense, but I just wanted to get a second opinion.

Thanks!

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I'd say it depends what you want her to do. Are the lyrics written?

If I was a singer I would prefer to sing to the actual song plus a click track to keey rhythm during breakdowns and stuff

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have her sing during the main chorus

start the track and dont bring her in until the first breakdown,then the main chorus.

Ok... this is what you do...

Get your latency as low as you possibly can. Bounce all your tracks if you have to. You want her to be hearing the entire mix INCLUDING her own voice + the room through her headphones. Obviously, if you set the level of the mic in too high on the mix, she wont sing as loud. Similarly, if it is too low, she will strain her voice. Next, put a small reverb on the vocal in, just so it sounds nice to her through her headphones (dry recordings rarely sound exciting). If your latency is too high, she will hear her own voice delayed through her monitor, so get it low.

Most importantly though, make her feel comfortable. Getting a good vocal take is like 10% technical, 10% talent, 80% confidence. Alot of girls get nervous singing infront of someone, so its good if you can setup their own little area where you're not looking at them haha.

Ask the singer what SHE wants and go from there.
Some like it dry, some dont, some like clicks some dont, some like to hear the whole thing....you get the point.

No formula- its all down to the individual.

Try and record the whole session too- vocalists (and musicians for that matter) ofetn come out with their best stuff when they dont think the tape is running as they subconsiously relax more. They can also come out with some good stuff you may be able to use when they are rehearsing/running through or between takes.

What is a "click track"? I've never recorded with a vocalist either =P

cheers.

quote:

Originally posted by Xavi What is a "click track"?

A metronome.

Thanks everyone! Some great tips here!

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This might be obvious, but record in 24-bit if you can. There's alot less chance of clipping and noise. The difference from 16-bit is dramatic.

quote:

Originally posted by Eldritch This might be obvious, but record in 24-bit if you can. There's alot less chance of clipping and noise. The difference from 16-bit is dramatic.

Oh yeah, definitely - without a question! Thanks anyway though!

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