Getting a mind blowing vocal track doesn't require thousands of dollars of recording gear. A convincing vocal can be achieved by working with an experienced singer on limited recording gear. Take in to consideration all the unbelievable vocal tracks from the Beatles. They didn't have Protools, computers or anything more than vintage recording gear. While decent gear is necessary it isn't always the critical factor when trying to get a great vocal out of a singer. It really depends on what type of band or artist you are working with. Here are some quick "non-gear related tips" to consider when recording a singer.
1. If you have a home studio then it is more than likely that you don't have a vocal isolation booth that has glass so that you can see in to the isolation booth so that you can make sure the singer in the isn't falling asleep on a stool or chair. I know it sounds crazy but it happens all the time, especially when you as the producer or engineer can't see in to the iso-booth. Double check and make sure your singer is standing up. The voice needs support and that support originates in the mid-section of the body; the diaphram. The diaphram is the central muscle of the human body and is the muscle responsible for breathing. If your singer is crouched over, sitting down or in an awkward position it will be obvious in their tone. So, be on the look out for anomalies in their tone. Especially if their tone is changing as the song progresses. Change in tone will typically be caused by improper posture or them sitting down in the booth.
2. While I don't advocate anyone to start smoking, contrary to what most people think, smoking doesn't really harm your voice. Smoking affects your breathing capacity and as a result hampers a singers ability to sing for extended periods of time. So, if you have a singer that smokes don't get bogged down in trying to convince he or she that their inadequacy to "get the great vocal track" is because they smoke. It simply isn't true.
3. Good microphone positioning is key. You never want your singer's head and neck at an awkward angle. Be diligent to adjust the mic to a position that is sufficient for your singer's height. Just a few inches too high or too low will adversely affect a singers tone. You may wish to experiment a bit to get the desired tone for your singer. I've seen singers struggle in the studio and then I make one miniscule change to the angle or height of their microphone and it makes all the difference in the world.
4. Hot liquids don't help. I've had singers say "Hey, I'm gonna get a hot tea or coffee". When they get back to the studio I make them dilute the hot drink to cool it down to room temperature because most of them don't realize that the heat isn't good for the vocal chords. Heat actually shocks the vocal chords. It is good practice to always drink luke warm water or tea. Keep away from carbonated soft drinks in the studio as the sugar does more harm than good to the chords. Try throat coat tea. Throat coat has slippery elm bark as an ingredient. Slippery elm bark has been known to coat the vocal chords and give singers "a little grease on the pipes" to help them sing for extended periods of time.
5. Make sure your singer is well rested. A tired vocal is a bad vocal. I've recorded vocals when I was dog-tired or hung over. I've never recorded a good one when I was tired or hung over. Remember, you are painting an audible picture for the listener. If the vocal sounds exhausted then you aren't recording a great vocal. Make sure your singer is fresh. If not, send them home to get rest and try again another day.
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