Not everyone has access to a professional recording studio, but learning how to record vocals like a pro isn’t as hard as you’d think. With a few key techniques, and BandLab’s vocal tools, you can capture crisp, powerful and professional-sounding vocals – whether you’re recording in your bedroom or on the go.
Watch the full tutorial from singer and vocal producer, Eline Vera, or keep reading for the step-by-step breakdown to nail this first step in vocal production.
How to record vocals on BandLab – A step-by-step guide
1. Choose the right gear
Make sure you have the right equipment before you start! At minimum, you’ll need a smartphone and a microphone. Don’t have a professional mic? Using wired earbuds with a built-in mic can still work wonders. These not only capture clear audio but also allow you to hear the instrumental and metronome, keeping your timing precise. If you’re looking for an upgrade, a USB-C mic can provide even clearer recordings with enhanced detail.
2. Set up your project
Adjust the BPM (beats per minute) and key to match your song. Do this by tapping on the settings icon at the top of your Studio project to adjust the tempo, and change your project key to the key of your song. This ensures that everything aligns perfectly, from the metronome timing to any pitch correction you may apply later.
Pro tip: Need to read your lyrics while recording? Tap the Feather icon in BandLab to access the built-in lyrics tab. This lets you paste your lyrics directly into your session so you can stay focused without juggling multiple screens.
3. Apply AutoPitch vocal effects or presets
Raw recordings don’t always sound perfect, so this is where vocal effects come in. Before recording, add a Voice/Audio track to your project and turn on AutoPitch to enhance your performance.
This lets you hear your voice with real-time pitch correction and effects, helping you stay on key and boosting your confidence while singing. Tap the headphones icon so you can hear yourself clearly as you record.
You’ve got 6 free AutoPitch effects to choose from, covering styles like Essentials, Hip Hop, Hyperpop, and Sci-Fi. Want even more? Upgrade to Membership and unlock 10 exclusive effects, including Gorgon, Stone, and Yummy for even more creative possibilities.
Another great way to refine your sound when learning how to record vocals is by applying a vocal preset. Try singing a small section of your track first, then experiment with different presets to match the vibe you’re going for. For example, adding a little reverb can make your vocals feel fuller and more immersive.
Browse 330+ professionally designed and creator-made presets on BandLab. If you want something unique, you can create and save your own custom presets for quick access anytime.
4. Optimize your recording environment
A quiet and echo-free space is key to achieving a clean vocal recording. Avoid rooms with hard surfaces that cause excessive echo, as sound bouncing off walls, ceilings, and floors can make your recording sound distant and unclear.
Instead, choose a space with soft materials like carpets, curtains, or furniture that help absorb sound. If needed, you can hang blankets or place pillows around you to dampen unwanted reflections.
Another trick? Turn on the metronome! This ensures your timing stays locked in with the instrumental, giving your performance a tight and professional feel.
5. Get your mic technique down pat
Even if you’re using a basic earbud microphone, proper mic technique is key. Hold the microphone close to your mouth but not too close – about a fist length away – to prevent your p’s and t’s from popping. If necessary, use a pop filter or place a thin cloth in front of the mic to soften these harsh sounds.
You can also try using wired earbuds, and holding the side with the microphone up slightly for better voice pickup. Some artists prefer keeping one earbud in while holding the mic near their mouth to maintain control over their monitoring.
6. Balance your vocal track with the instrumentals
Your vocals should be the star of the show – not fighting with the instrumental. If the backing track is too loud while you’re recording, it can mess with your pitch and timing. Lower the instrumental volume just enough so your voice sits clearly on top of the mix.
7. Capture multiple takes for the best results
A key technique in how to record vocals like a pro is vocal comping – recording multiple takes and combining the best parts into one seamless performance. Even if you think you nailed your first take, having extra versions gives you more options when editing.
To stay organized, duplicate your vocal track before recording new takes. This keeps your effects and settings the same across all versions. When you’re ready to edit, pick the best takes and stitch them together for the cleanest, most expressive final vocal. If you’re cutting between takes, add a tiny fade at the edges of each clip to keep transitions smooth.
Pro tip: Try out BandLab’s built-in comping tool, Takes, to speed up the process! Start by adding a Voice/Audio track and creating a Cycle area by tapping the red bar on the Time Ruler. Then, tap Record to capture your vocals or instrumentals in cycles. From there, you can edit each take, pick your favorites, and merge them into one polished performance.
8. Remove background noise from your vocals
Once you’ve recorded your vocals, the next step is refining them. BandLab offers two handy features to help you clean up your vocal recordings and enhance their overall quality – Denoise and Voice Cleaner.
Denoise is a free feature that helps eliminate steady background noise, like low electrical hums or fan buzz. It’s a quick and effective way to clean up your vocals without affecting their natural tone.
Got Membership? Unlock Voice Cleaner for even more advanced noise removal. This AI tool can erase all traces of background noise, balance your vocals with EQ, and remove unwanted reverb, giving you crystal-clear vocal recordings.
Mastered the basics of how to record vocals? Now it’s time to create. Experiment with these techniques and start crafting studio-quality sound right here on BandLab.
