Recording vocals for Socials: setup advice needed

[bignc]

Long story but my College daughter’s late partner was a successful creator (movie reviews and anime content actually) who encouraged her to start posting her singing on YT. She is going to start (from scratch she’s already had a few “Shorts” do well so is encouraged) and I’d like to get her a decent microphone and interface. I think that’s what I need but asking AI or search engines has me scratching my head!

Specific recommendations are always appreciated but also a link to an article or post that’s not AI or full of unsubstantiated hubristic claims.

Thanks!

 

[superheavyfunk]

It depends a lot on what type of content she’s making and also on her particular voice.

Will she be singing live and capturing that? Or prerecording the audio and syncing the video later? Does she have a big husky blusey voice, or is she whisper singing? Will she be holding the mic in her hand?

All of these variables will determine the type of mic that might suit her best. If you can share more info, I’d be more than happy to geek out on the topic and provide some recommendations

 

[bignc]

It depends a lot on what type of content she’s making and also on her particular voice.

Will she be singing live and capturing that? Or prerecording the audio and syncing the video later? Does she have a big husky blusey voice, or is she whisper singing? Will she be holding the mic in her hand?

All of these variables will determine the type of mic that might suit her best. If you can share more info, I’d be more than happy to geek out on the topic and provide some recommendations

I was afraid of that lol.

So far she is singing live into her iPhone and capturing that. She has done some Adele belting and some folksy Laufey ( "From the Start")- pretty good range. She is comfortable holding the mic from her "singing live at church and school days." But she is also trying to be pretty chill and stay seated, for example in several videos.

Anyway, I can't go full studio $ on this but a good starter setup for this would be cool- especially modular to grow parts as the need arises. Adding or changing microphones for the particular song and style was something I didn't think about but makes sense. Thanks SHF!

 

[bignc]

I was given the following brands to look into but I'm still a little unsure of WHAT to look for- I mean honestly just thought I needed something to plug a mic into to convert it to something that works for the MacBook lol.

Audient or Lynx as the best sound for the $.
AKG414s and the XLS. Aston SE and Lauten as decent $300 stuff.

 

[EvilJ]

Lewitt makes some of the best bang-for-your-buck condenser mics.

 

[bignc]

To be clear, I am assuming that I need some sort of interface and a microphone? But any amount of input into what to get her to get her setup improved asap would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Wasnex]

I am not really a studio guy, but I have lot's of experience with live sound. Some ideas for your consideration. Sorry if it's TLDR...I have a tendency .

IMHO, the first priority is set a budget. The budget will limit the options.

There's a difference between studio mics and live performance mics. I would lean towards a studio mic for this type of work.

For studio work; if the budget allows consider some sort of large diaphragm condenser (LDC) mic, a pop filter, possibly some sort of reflexion filter, and some decent headphones.

• An LDC tends to have it's own baked in qualities. The trick is to find an LDC that accentuates and flatters the voice. In other words different mics would be chosen for different singers.
• Audio Technica makes a range of studio mics at different price points you could consider: Invalid Link Removed
  • An LDC is mounted rather than hand held. This reduces handling noise.
    • Some LDCs will include a shock mount. This is a value added accessory. Basically it prevents vibrations from being transmitted from the floor through the mic stand to the mic. Live performance mics often have a built in shock mount. Less common in studio mics.
• A pop filter stops air flow from certain sounds from reaching the mics diaphragm and producing a pop. This is useful for when you sing close the mic to get an intimate sound. Mics made for live performance have built in pop-filters. Studio mics typically don't
• A reflexion filter shields the mic from sound that is bouncing around the room. Especially useful in rooms with poor acoustics. Reflexion Filters - sE Electronics See video below.
• Headphones are used to monitor. The idea is to allow the singer to hear the music without it bleeding into the mic.
• Obviously some sort of computer interface will be a requirement. There are lots of threads you can find on budget audio interfaces. Here's a recent example: Best budget audio interfaces 2025: Cheap USB interfaces for home recording, streaming, podcasting, and more I suggest reading some other articles to see if recommendations are similar.

If the budget limits you to live mics, consider the Shure SM86. The SM86 is an older mic, but I think it sounds better than Beta 87. To my ears the Beta 87 is more aggressive and edgy. The SM86 is smoother and more natural.

You might consider something like a Heil PR35 for a dynamic that mimics the qualities of a condenser. The PR35 is somewhat bright and extremely detailed. I can be a bit too revealing.

I have never used one, but the Se Electronics V7 (dynamic) is relatively cheap and seems to get a lot of love.

Some music stores may have a mic testing setup. Basically you plug in a mic and they have a little interface with headphones. Ideally she would try some mics to hear which are flattering to her voice, and which are not.

 

[bignc]

I am not really a studio guy, but I have lot's of experience with live sound. Some ideas for your consideration. Sorry if it's TLDR...I have a tendency .

IMHO, the first priority is set a budget. The budget will limit the options.

Thank you very much! This is great info.

 

[bignc]

It depends a lot on what type of content she’s making and also on her particular voice.

Will she be singing live and capturing that? Or prerecording the audio and syncing the video later? Does she have a big husky blusey voice, or is she whisper singing? Will she be holding the mic in her hand?

All of these variables will determine the type of mic that might suit her best. If you can share more info, I’d be more than happy to geek out on the topic and provide some recommendations

I felt like you had some info to share. I think Was gave me some great advice but if you know anything to look out for, LMK.

I am looking at the $2-400 range on LDC Unless you folks think I could get better Live mic performance for that same money or some other idea. Sweetwater does those bundles and have a few in the price range. Aston Origin bundle for $350 comes with a pop filter and shock mount. For example.

I am looking at the Audient ID4 Mk2 and the UA Volt 2 as for interface.

 

[bignc]

Thanks @Wasnex for your help and the links. Got the basics coming and will see what kind of treatment we’ll need once it is here and set up!

AKG C214, Universal Audio Volt 2, stand and cable to start. We have tons of studio headphones to try.

 

[superheavyfunk]

I felt like you had some info to share. I think Was gave me some great advice but if you know anything to look out for, LMK.

I am looking at the $2-400 range on LDC Unless you folks think I could get better Live mic performance for that same money or some other idea. Sweetwater does those bundles and have a few in the price range. Aston Origin bundle for $350 comes with a pop filter and shock mount. For example.

I am looking at the Audient ID4 Mk2 and the UA Volt 2 as for interface.

Hi, sorry. I’ve been trying to ignore my phone and create better habits for myself.

It seems like you and your daughter and well on your way now, with the new mic and interface on the way. @Wasnex has provided some great tips, as usual.

The last thing she’ll need is a digital audio workstation (DAW) if she wants to mix the vocals with the backing track. If she’s using an Apple device, GarageBand is free and easy to use, plus there are a ton of “getting started” videos on YouTube.

If she’s on a windows machine, a simple and free tool to check out is Audacity. It doesn’t offer a ton of options but it’ll get the job done.

For a platform-agnostic DAW, there is BandLab. You can use the tool entirely online if you want.

If she wants to jump headfirst into the deep end of recording, the most popular DAW these days is Ableton. They offer a ‘lite’ version which often comes for free with many gear purchases. Myself, I use Reaper but I would recommend that an absolute beginner starts with something that has fewer options and more ‘hand-holding.’

There are a ton of other popular options, including Cubase, Logic, and ProTools. They all do basically the same thing, just in slightly different ways and with a focus on different types of music/performance. For example, Ableton has a big focus on loops (they call them clips) and live performance (Ableton has lots of options to control lights and video directly from the DAW) and is excellent for electronic genres but their linear recording options (typically preferred by those who come from analog recording days or are recording a band) are a bit limited.

In the end, it just comes down to preferred workflow and that’s something that your daughter will just need time and experience to figure out.

 

[bignc]

Hi, sorry. I’ve been trying to ignore my phone and create better habits for myself.

It seems like you and your daughter and well on your way now, with the new mic and interface on the way. @Wasnex has provided some great tips, as usual.

The last thing she’ll need is a digital audio workstation (DAW) if she wants to mix the vocals with the backing track. If she’s using an Apple device, GarageBand is free and easy to use, plus there are a ton of “getting started” videos on YouTube.

If she’s on a windows machine, a simple and free tool to check out is Audacity. It doesn’t offer a ton of options but it’ll get the job done.

For a platform-agnostic DAW, there is BandLab. You can use the tool entirely online if you want.

If she wants to jump headfirst into the deep end of recording, the most popular DAW these days is Ableton. They offer a ‘lite’ version which often comes for free with many gear purchases. Myself, I use Reaper but I would recommend that an absolute beginner starts with something that has fewer options and more ‘hand-holding.’

There are a ton of other popular options, including Cubase, Logic, and ProTools. They all do basically the same thing, just in slightly different ways and with a focus on different types of music/performance. For example, Ableton has a big focus on loops (they call them clips) and live performance (Ableton has lots of options to control lights and video directly from the DAW) and is excellent for electronic genres but their linear recording options (typically preferred by those who come from analog recording days or are recording a band) are a bit limited.

In the end, it just comes down to preferred workflow and that’s something that your daughter will just need time and experience to figure out.

Thank you! I know there is some free software stuff that comes from the UA interface purchase but yes- Apple girl so probably Garage Band! If there is something that she wants or needs that isn't included we'll check out other options. I do have a family friend that produces his own stuff and has had some success- but he is WAY more advanced and a one man band. He plays all the instruments live and tracks one at a time so had some helpful encouragement but some went way over what we need at this time. Thanks again !!!!

Also, Bravo on ignoring the internet occasionally!

 

[hbarcat]

It seems like you have the microphone options figured out, but as far as headphones go, I'd recommend getting a pair that are closed back design, which is important when isolating the sound in studio from the sound in her ears, and vice versa.

For starters, these three headphones are all closed back, have a decent, flat frequency response, and are priced at $100, new.


Sennheiser HD280
Shure SRH440A
Sony MDR 7506

 

[bignc]

It seems like you have the microphone options figured out, but as far as headphones go, I'd recommend getting a pair that are closed back design, which is important when isolating the sound in studio from the sound in her ears, and vice versa.

For starters, these three headphones are all closed back, have a decent, flat frequency response, and are priced at $100, new.


Sennheiser HD280
Shure SRH440A
Sony MDR 7506

Thank you! I have several levels of audio Teknika headphones available that are closed back. But if she doesn’t like them for some reason, I am glad to have options! Thank you for that.

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

If you're going for quality, don't forget to sound treat the room where recording will occur. May be as simple as a bass trap in one corner with sound panels on the walls and ceiling, and a rug. Maybe more? Reverberations and other negative phenomena can degrade the recording no matter how good your gear is (and presuming you know how to use it!).