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In response to Floyd and HearToLearn about how I record and mix my vocals. First of all, I am by no means an expert. I'm a learner, like all of us here. If anything I share is helpful, use it. If not, ignore it. So here goes...

Nothing fancy to it. That "tutorial" Floyd mentioned and shared a portion of was written several years ago. Like most of you, I have changed some of my ways of doing things over the years, but the most important thing I have tried to hold onto is this: Use your ears.

My Saffire 6 bit the dust a couple of years ago, so now I use a Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 that I picked up in a pawn shop for $150. I recently stumbled across a Shure SM27 at the same pawn shop, that I picked up for about $180. I don't have any expensive equipment. The mic is run straight into the 6i6, and from there, straight into the computer.

I bounce back and forth from Logic Pro, Studio One, and occasionally Reaper (mostly just to keep it interesting, and it helps me to keep learning different ways to do things).

Everyone's voice has its own characteristics, so there are no hard and fast rules. I've found for my voice, I cut the low ends (usually below around 150-200hz - really depends on the song), and slightly boost the upper mids, around 1.5-2k. I usually will stack 2-3 compressors to level everything out, and bring out different characteristics that the compressors have to offer. I try to be careful not to over-compress, and by using multiple compressors lightly, that makes it easier. I also will use multiple reverbs at times (sometimes in bus, and sometimes in the vocal channel, itself) - sparingly, unless the song calls for more. And also the same with delays.

The foundation of the voice is in the eq and compression. Reverb and delays are for enhancement, not foundation (unless the song really calls for it).

Another thing that is easy to overlook is the arrangement. I try to arrange the instrumentation so that is doesn't compete with the lead vocals. The song is usually about the vocals, not the instruments. When the arrangement is not competing with the vocals, people actually notice the arrangement more (positively). If everything is competing, people usually don't notice anything at all.

Also I try to arrange/mix so that frequencies don't compete too strongly with the lead vocals. All of this takes practice and thinking. But it's really pretty simple...
Record your voice in a quiet environment, at a good (not too hot) level.
Eq your voice to suit your "sound" - flatter your voice with the eq.
This will take practice to get it to sound natural (not too harsh, not too muddy).
Compress (lightly) your voice to level it out, and bring out its character - even its flaws can be positive if done right.
Enhance the voice with a touch of reverb/delay to bring it to life.
Arrange the backing around the voice.

Most importantly - use your ears.
Mix at a lower volume. Don't wear your ears out with only one listen!
AFTER you are happy with the mix, turn it up and check it out.

Obviously, there is more to this to make a good vocal mix, but this is the foundation, at least for me. Again, if any of this is helpful to you, good. If not, no worries. The main thing is to keep on writing and playing your music - for your own enjoyment primarily. And if others enjoy it as well, there's nothing wrong with that!

Thanks for putting up with me!

Steve

Thanks for posting that Steve. Your vocals and entire productions have always been high bar setting for us. The more we read, listen and experiment hopefully the more skilled we become. "Use your ears" is so important. There's not a lot left to mine but I try to approach each tune as unique and listen to Janice's vocal in the context of it and go from there. I think your above post is more than worthy of a re-post in the production forum.

Bud

Everything is top quality here: touching lyrics, clear vocals, melody, arrangement, especially the orchestration is amazing, it works very well even without the vocals.

Janne

Excellent song. Write, performance and recording hit on all cylinders. very pro. Thanks you for sharing. It was a pleasure listening to this.

Dave

Steve, this is REALLY REALLY lovely. Do you mind if I play it on my hospital radio show ?
Wonderful lyrics and superb melody

WOW Outstanding the lyrics !! I am speechless.

This song should be a hit, If there is any justice in the music world.

Well done beautiful song, singing, and instruments awesome.

Hello, Steve

Wonderful orchestration!
The charm of the EastWest orchestra is fully demonstrated.
The way to use each instrument is exquisite.
And strings, woodwinds, horns know each other without excess or deficiency.
Tubular Bells and Cymbal rolls around the ending are also very effective.
The piano is played very beautifully, your vocal is really comfortable and the melody is also excellent.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi

Alyn, you are too kind! Thanks so much for the nice words. Much appreciated.



Thanks so much, Deryk! I really appreciate you taking the time to listen and comment. It's always encouraging to have PG staff supporting us.



Hey, John! Always good to hear from you. I am a big fan of your music and productions. Thanks so much for the kind words and well wishes!

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Steve

Here is a link to the song on Soundcloud for those who would prefer to listen to it there...

The Lessons We've Learned

Thanks!

Steve

Beautiful. It's nice to "meet" you this way.

Hi Steve,

I think you have no idea what a special song you have created and shared with us. To fully describe this would bankrupt the English language of all it's best superlatives. I'll admit to wiping a tear from my eye about 2 minutes in - and one a few seconds ago.

My father died in 1969, 2 years after I returned from Vietnam. We didn't have a very good relationship. Your song puts that into a comfortable perspective for me - a way to make peace with it. Thank you.

Alan

Steve,

Glad you're feeling better, your presence in the forum has been missed.

It is difficult to add anything to what has already been written. This song is an instant classic that should be added to every playlist. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Wow, what a song!

Steve in all the years I've been around here, this is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. Awesome brother - straight to the heart.

Glad you are feeling better.

J&B, it is always so good to hear from you. I'm sure you know, I am a big fan of your work. Your generous comments on this song are very appreciated!



HearToLearn, thanks so much for taking the time to listen and to comment! I'm so glad you like this on. Be careful with your driving!



Thank you very much, Ember! Really appreciate your comments.



Floyd, I always appreciate hearing from you. You are a real standard bearer for the forum here. You consistently raise the bar for all of us here. Really appreciate your generous words!

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Steve

Thanks a bunch, Peter! Appreciate your nice words!



Kenny, I really appreciate you taking the time to listen and comment, and appreciate your kind words. Glad you enjoyed this one.



It's always good to hear from you, David! I really enjoy your creativity. I'm a fan of your work. Appreciate your comments on this one!

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Steve

Played this on hospital radio last night Steve

Hi Steve, thanks for your great song, fine arrangements and beautiful vocal.

Steve this one slipped by me. What a lovely song. As with all your songs your vocal is superb. Loved the story in this lyric. Very heartfelt. Loved the production on this song. Sounds very cool on the headphones. Well done

Everything about this is PROFESSIONAL and simply couldn't have been done better!
The piano and orchestration are exceptional, so are your vocals!

Beautiful Steve!!! What an incredible combo of music, lyrics, and production. A very moving song done just the right way. Congrats!! Take care. Greg