Right after recording vocals, selecting the best takes, removing unwanted sounds, and balancing the level of individual words should come before adding EQ or reverb. Cleaning up the source recording before shaping its tone helps you avoid using excessive processing.
First, duplicate the recorded files and DAW project so you can return to the unedited version.
Select the Best Parts from Multiple Takes
If you recorded several takes, you do not have to choose only one. Joining the best sections into a single performance, such as using the first take for a verse and the third take for the high notes in the chorus, is called comping.
Do not choose based on pitch alone. Also check the clarity of the words, rhythm, emotion, and connection with the surrounding phrases. Switching too frequently can make the breathing and vocal tone sound unnatural, so working in phrase-length sections is generally more natural.
Balance the Level of Individual Words First
Use region- or clip-level gain to make small adjustments to words that are too loud or endings that are too quiet. Smoothing out level differences at this stage makes the compressor less likely to react excessively later.
Do not make breaths and consonants as loud as everything else. Preserve the natural dynamics of the singing. Judge the balance while listening with the accompaniment rather than matching levels by waveform appearance alone.
Clean Up Unwanted Noise and Silence
Remove conversations, clicks, chair noises, and other sounds before and after the recording, then add short fades at the cuts. If the noise or room tone changes abruptly where two takes meet, blend the transition with a short crossfade.
For continuous sounds such as air conditioning or a computer fan, try the Reduce Voice Noise tool. Strong processing can make the vocal’s high frequencies and breaths sound unnatural, so aim to make the noise unobtrusive within the accompaniment rather than removing it completely.
If you only want to clean up long stretches of silence at the beginning and end, you can also use the Trim Silence from Audio tool.
Correct Timing and Pitch Only Where Necessary
Aligning every note perfectly to the grid and exact pitch can remove the energy and movement of a human performance. Start with places that interrupt the flow of the song, such as a consonant that is clearly late against the accompaniment or a sustained note that sounds outside the chord.
After making corrections, always check the vocal with the accompaniment, not only in solo. A slight fluctuation that stands out on its own may sound natural in the song.
Shape the Sound with EQ, Compression, and Reverb
Once the source is cleaned up, use EQ to gently control unnecessary lows and prominent resonances, then lightly reduce louder sections with a compressor. Be careful not to boost too much low end in an attempt to thicken the voice, because it can overlap with the bass and kick in the accompaniment.
Finally, add reverb or delay to place the vocal in the song’s space. Establish a position where the voice remains forward and audible before increasing the depth of the ambience.
Check at a Low Volume Before Finishing
- Are the lyrics intelligible within the accompaniment?
- Are transitions between takes noticeable?
- Have breaths or word endings been cut too short?
- Has noise reduction made the voice sound thin?
- Does the reverb blur the consonants?
For preparation before recording, see What to Check Before Recording Vocals in a DAW. For reducing noise from the room and equipment, also see How to Reduce Noise in a Home Recording.
