This week, we (Chris and Steve) are diving into one of the most emotional and surprisingly complicated parts of making music—recording vocals. It all started with a delayed omelet and a questionable bathroom comment, but somehow we ended up exploring everything from mic choice to the psychology of singers. If you’ve ever hit record and wondered why something felt off, this episode’s for you. It’s not just about capturing a voice—it’s about creating the right vibe, building trust, and knowing when to step back or push forward.

• Why vocal performances are more emotional than technical

• The importance of preamp vs. microphone selection

• Tips for managing compression and monitoring while tracking vocals

• The real reason some singers soar while others sink

• Why your talkback mic can make or break a performance

• How to manage singer "maintenance" and build trust

• When and how to comp and pitch-correct vocals
  
  

• Chris and Steve’s breakfast saga and the birth of the phrase "You go boy"

• The magic of choosing the right mic (and why it’s often not the most expensive)

• Monitoring secrets: how much vocal in the cue mix is too much?

• Why compression (recorded or not) can boost singer confidence

• Real talk about tracking reverb for singers

• Singer psychology: understanding pitch problems, fear, and vocal fatigue

• Why first lines matter most—and why they’re often recorded last

• Manual pitch correction workflows and the value of comping immediately

• Studio pranks, honesty, and the art of talkback diplomacy
  
  

Andy Tullus asks: "When using drum samples, should you try to find ones that are tuned to the original drums? Does it matter?" Chris and Steve unpack their philosophy, focusing less on pitch and more on character, vibe, and the "woof woof" vs "ping ping" factor.

Vocal recording is about building trust, emotional safety, and giving the singer an environment that brings out their best. The gear matters—but how you guide and respond to the performance matters more.

If you're ready to craft pro-level vocal mixes using only the tools in Cubase, check out my course:
The Ultimate CUBASE MIXING Masterclass
This course was made to help home studio folks like you take the guesswork out of mixing vocals and finally feel confident hitting export.

What’s your biggest challenge when recording vocals? Drop your thoughts below or tag us on socials!

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We’ll answer as many as we can in upcoming shows.