The biggest challenge of home recording is acoustics. Here is how to get great vocal recordings without a proper studio.

Acoustic Treatment on a Budget

Hang thick blankets or duvets around your recording space. Record inside a wardrobe full of clothes — the fabric absorbs reflections. Avoid hard, parallel walls.

Microphone Placement

Place the mic about 20-30cm from your mouth. Angle it slightly downward, not directly at your mouth, to reduce plosives (P and B sounds). Use a pop filter.

Recording Chain

Mic → Audio Interface → DAW. Keep your input gain so the signal peaks around -12dB to -6dB. Never clip (go into the red).

Vocal Processing Order

EQ (cut muddiness) → Compression (even out dynamics) → De-esser (tame harsh S sounds) → Reverb/Delay (add space).

Comping Vocals

Record 3-4 takes of the entire vocal. Then comp (combine) the best phrases from each take. This is how professional recordings are made.