Getting a clear, professional vocal recording at home is possible with just a few adjustments. Start with mic placement—aim for about six inches away from the mouth, with a pop filter if possible, to reduce plosives. Treat your room to minimize unwanted reverb or echo by hanging blankets, recording in a closet with clothes, or using rugs to dampen sound. Recording levels are important too; aim for a peak around -6dB to -12dB to avoid clipping and maintain clarity. Lastly, keep background noise to a minimum by recording away from noisy appliances, and try to avoid overly reflective surfaces. With these adjustments, you can capture quality vocals right at home.

Mixing and mastering are distinct but equally important stages of music production. In mixing, individual elements like vocals, instruments, and effects are balanced to create a cohesive and polished song. This process shapes the dynamics, EQ, and panning of each track to make everything blend well together. Mastering, on the other hand, prepares the final mix for release by enhancing overall volume, clarity, and consistency, ensuring it sounds great across all listening devices and platforms. Knowing the difference between these processes helps you choose the services best suited to your project, whether it’s just mixing, mastering, or both.

Exporting stems for mixing can seem straightforward, but a few common mistakes can disrupt the process. Always start each track at 0:00, even if there’s silence at the beginning; this keeps all tracks in sync for the final mix. Make sure to export with panning centered and effects (like reverb or delay) turned off, unless they’re integral to the sound. Be mindful of clipping and keep peak levels between -12dB to -6dB to ensure clean audio. For a full walkthrough of stem exporting, refer to the client guidelines you’ll receive from me, which detail all the steps for a seamless, efficient setup. Following these guidelines ensures the best outcome and saves time for everyone involved.

A successful mix session starts with clear direction, so take time to gather any creative notes or reference tracks that can help define your vision. Include details about your genre, overall vibe, and any standout effects or sounds you want highlighted. If there are specific tempos or key signatures, or if certain tracks are particularly important, let me know! You’ll also fill out a consultation form, where you can share any additional notes, preferences, or specific goals for the mix. The more information you include upfront, the better I can shape your mix to match your vision.

You don’t need a professional studio to improve the sound quality of your recordings. Start by placing your mic away from windows and reflective surfaces to reduce unwanted reflections. For simple room treatment, try adding rugs, blankets, or heavy curtains around your recording space—these absorb sound and reduce echo. Setting up some pillows or foam panels behind the mic can further soften the sound, especially in rooms with hard surfaces. These small, inexpensive adjustments can make a noticeable difference, improving your recordings and creating a stronger foundation for mixing.

Click here to read my set up, export, and filesharing guidelines!