Getting the perfect vocal take isn’t just about talent—it’s about technique, positioning, and knowing how to work the mic. Whether you’re tracking in a pro studio or recording in a DIY setup, mic distance can make or break your vocal mix.
In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody break down the art and science of mic positioning and why finding the sweet spot is crucial for getting that clear, full-bodied, and professional vocal sound.
What We’re Covering:
How close should a singer be to the mic? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, but we’ll explain the general rules and when to break them.
What happens when you get it wrong? From muddy, boomy vocals to thin and lifeless recordings, mic distance can have a huge impact on tone and clarity.
Should singers hold the mic? Live performance vs. studio tracking—why holding the mic might seem like a good idea, but often leads to unwanted inconsistencies.
What is the proximity effect? Ever wondered why getting too close to the mic makes vocals sound overly bass-heavy? We’ll break down how this phenomenon works and how to use it to your advantage (or avoid it entirely!).
Fixing common recording mistakes. Whether you’re dealing with plosives, sibilance, or room reflections, we’ll share practical tips to troubleshoot mic placement issues in any recording environment.
Bonus: Don’t miss this week’s Friday Finds—where we share the latest gear, plugins, and tricks that could change the way you record vocals forever.
It’s all about getting the best vocal takes—without the guesswork. Tune in and let’s demystify the perfect mic placement together!
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Gear we used:
Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – Apollo – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA Studer A800
Jody’s Channel Strip: iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E
Chris’ Mic & Voice Chain: Slate ML1 – Apollo – UA – Slate VMR (FG12, FG73, API Eq, SSL 4kE) – iZotope RX Voice – DeNoise
Chris’ Channel Strip: Eventide Precision Time Align – iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E
Master: Oek Sound Soothe 2 – iZotope Ozone Imager – iZotope Ozone Maximize.
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If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com