If you’re looking to take your music production skills to the next level, check out my course, Spare Bedroom Studio! It’ll teach you everything you need to know to start recording your music at home. Join our community and start your journey today! www.sparebedroomstudio.com 🎤✨
8:33 The breath support needed to hold that note AND go down a register in one breath without breaking up, wavering, etc. Like holy moly my dude you’re amazing!
I've been in the music biz for fifty years Spencer and I have to say that you share absolutely amazing tips. I really hope newbies to production discover your channel and take on board your guidance. Fabulous channel. Many thanks.
One day a professional audio engineer showed me that you can record without a pop filter when you don't have one: just put your microphone 45 degres or so down and the capsule above your mouth (so adjust your stand quite high); with the cardioid cone the sound will still be well captured but the "wind" from mouth will go past the microphone. Done. Make sure you mic stand is on a carpet to avoid reflections from the floor
You are quickly becoming my favourite music making guru. I am very much an amateur but have been doing music for a few years (home studio just for fun). Your videos sometimes teach me things, sometimes make me feel confident, but always entertain and give me inspiration to make the next track and try something new. Thank you.
You're one of the first non-mixer people on youtube who i've seen use a compressor and just slam it, the way people SHOULD be compressing. Sounds incredible. Thank you for this amazing video. Just stumbled across your channel today, gotta say I'm loving the little jingle examples haha.
seen 15 mic videos now - this is the only one that didn't feel like a filmed car manual - entertaining, factual, interesting. Subscribed. Good one sir!
I'd add something: compress A LOT in multiple stages - I usually run the vocal into a distressor, then the SSL channel compressor, then the CLA-76 and lastly I shave off the peaks with a limiter: all added it's 30-40 db of gain reduction! And also: don't cut by default, do it if you need! Maybe your vocals sound muddy at the beginning, but once you boost the top end the low end on them sounds fine. I'd give those indications for EQ on vocals: boost at 8k with a shelf for brightness, 4k for presence and 1-2k for upfrontness, cut if you need 2-3 db with a low shelf at 200. If I want more body I use saturation - love BSA's Escalator for that! And lastly: I'd highly suggest to use effects like reverb, delay, chorus... on an auxiliary channel: more control over the return and less CPU usage if you share the same effect among different tracks!
What first? Eq pr compressor? Or mayeb please share the whole vocal chain I usually Rvox (the noise gate is so good) eq comp. de-ess comp.(Again) Multibrand (c6)
I agree about the multiple stages of compression. But I'd go a step further and add doing gain automation BEFORE the compression. It's a real game changer because it gives you total control over the process. And it's completely transparent, unlike a compressor. It only takes about 15 minutes to go through an entire lead vocal and use clip gain or gain automation to turn up the quiet parts and turn down the loud sections. That way your compressors are working less hard. BTW, the reason I say to use gain automation instead of volume automation is that volume automation comes after your effects chain. It can be a great tool too, but in the case of a vocal that's going to be fed into multiple compressors, I think it makes more sense to even out the level beforehand.
I have NEVER hit the Subscribed button so fast as when I heard not only the incredible difference in mic sound quality in the opening seconds of your video, but that you are a BETTER sounding version of Weird Al Yankovic !! MY DUDE !!
Even better than foam: get some moving blankets and hang them from clothes racks. You can make four absorbent walls that way. It's kind of like a mobile, modular vocal booth. The problem with cheap foam is it really only absorbs a limited number of frequencies. While moving blankets aren't perfect either, they're a lot more effective (and still very cheap). Plus, by surrounding yourself on all sides instead of just surrounding the mic, you're eliminating more reflection points.
2:30 I put a matress upright against one of the corners of the room while recording and it solved all of my echo issues. If you don't mind moving it every time or have a spare one, works great.
Mattresses are the GOAT. They're used by a lot of professionals. I remember seeing mattresses in the BTS video of Jay-Z and Rick Rubin recording 99 Problems.
My friend I see you reading every comment and helping everyone out, you are too good to be true! You truly deserve more love and support, I hope you keep it up.
Awesome video! Especially love the sung illustrations before and after applying an effect. Also shoutout to the great additional hints in the comment section!
Me too! I've been doing this for over a decade and I still get 90% of my sounds from presets. There are so many good ones in every plugin. I just find one that already sounds good and tweak it from there.
Bedsides the already amazing background, information, editing, and song examples you made you got some pretty good humor dude! I’m glad to see you on your journey.
Little tip for those of you interested in producing som EDM vocals: Look up some reverb/delay sidechain compression tutorials. This makes your FX really shine in pauses between vocal signal (if needed) while not disturbing the "dry" vocal as the FX ducks down when the vocal signal is playing.
A lot of people think that having the newest piece of gear is going to sudden make a huge difference in their music, but it never will. Simple techniques coupled with good songwriting is all it takes!
Good stuff, once again! Just a quick note for those who might find the ambience overwhelming: Put the delay before the reverb. While what you did in this video sounds great, there is a difference between having the source with reverb repeat and having the source repeat into the reverb. Anyway. Thanks for a great video.
@songsbyspencer Sorry for the joke. At least I subscribed. You're a great producer. I sent this video to a friend who record at home with the problems you mention.
I'm really glad youtube recommended your video, those were some killer tricks. BTW I love the name of your course it made me laugh, it's what so many people need, it fits great. Subbed for more!
I just found your video by chance and I love it. Simple explained the plug-ins before and after with your voice. And you also use Logic which makes things easier for me. Subscribed !
Thanks Spencer, more great stuff to think about. I was going to get a new mic, but I will try some of this first. I love your channel. You always inspire loads of ideas.
The best video that sums it up, the whole kit, great video. Not only is it helpful but it was well thought, you also used the mic i have to rec mics which is the sm58 and i didn't know how to eq it and you also made me laugh on the songs, loved it.
I try! They say the first 5 seconds are crucial, and I always challenge myself to make the most attention grabbing intros I can (while still be relevant and musical). They're by far my favorite parts of the videos to make!
@songsbyspencer honestly it's actually very good, keep up the good work, pls I want you to make a video on how to make a voiceover recorded on mobile device sound good
In the middle of corporate hellhole season trying to learn to make music as to quit my 9-5 haha, You're videos are great dude they always keep me engaged
Also in your DAW. Use a noise gate tweak settings on Noise gate plugin try it may help also with your untreated room. It should illiminate all sounds not intended on your mic recording. Also I put a noise gate in the beginning or security ng of my vocal chain
I record with compression applied as it makes getting a good vocal take a lot easier. Keep in mind, having compression applied when you record DOES NOT bake it into the recording. You can always remove or change it after you record!
@ I did a shoot out with a mic I found in a suitcase I bought for a few dollars at a thrift store and my Lewitt LCT 440 pure and with the processing in the daw I actually liked the way my voice sounded a little bit better with the cheap mic so I sold my Lewitt😆 one of the things I used was Antares warm plug-in, which really made it sound very professional.
Careful with foam and carpet. They will only absorb higher frequencies which can some times lead to things sounding woofy and reverberant in the low mids
Also sometimes better to place the foam *behind you* rather than behind the mic, as a cardiod pattern isn’t picking up things behind the mic anyway. Sounds counterintuitive but it works!
If you’re looking to take your music production skills to the next level, check out my course, Spare Bedroom Studio!
It’ll teach you everything you need to know to start recording your music at home. Join our community and start your journey today! www.sparebedroomstudio.com 🎤✨
Bro this is the best channel by a long shot !
How may I reach you please?
You're just a gifted in everything.. every word every explanation is done musically. Can you help me go about worship songs please
Brilliant! Love the channel. I have a Lyra Mic, made by Mark Harman. It is a condenser mic, so I'd like to see a video from you on it.
This is by far the best intro of a RUclips video I’ve seen so far.
Congratulations 😄
Wow, thanks!
Truly the most epic youtube video intro I've seen a very long time
Thanks!
8:33 The breath support needed to hold that note AND go down a register in one breath without breaking up, wavering, etc. Like holy moly my dude you’re amazing!
It took a lot of tries but eventually I got it! Thanks for the kudos.
I've been in the music biz for fifty years Spencer and I have to say that you share absolutely amazing tips. I really hope newbies to production discover your channel and take on board your guidance. Fabulous channel. Many thanks.
Great to hear!
One day a professional audio engineer showed me that you can record without a pop filter when you don't have one: just put your microphone 45 degres or so down and the capsule above your mouth (so adjust your stand quite high); with the cardioid cone the sound will still be well captured but the "wind" from mouth will go past the microphone. Done. Make sure you mic stand is on a carpet to avoid reflections from the floor
Changes the sound a little bit, but still a nice hack.
The Lemmy Position lol
Yes this is an old trick and works very well 😊😊😊💯💯💯
Thank so so much 😂
Mmm -- you'll get more feedback from your floor wedge monitor with your suggestion.
You are quickly becoming my favourite music making guru. I am very much an amateur but have been doing music for a few years (home studio just for fun). Your videos sometimes teach me things, sometimes make me feel confident, but always entertain and give me inspiration to make the next track and try something new. Thank you.
That's why I make them, and I would love to hear some of the stuff you're making!
You're one of the first non-mixer people on youtube who i've seen use a compressor and just slam it,
the way people SHOULD be compressing. Sounds incredible. Thank you for this amazing video.
Just stumbled across your channel today, gotta say I'm loving the little jingle examples haha.
Thanks for watching and the kind words! It really means a lot. Glad you like the dorky jingles, I had fun making them!
seen 15 mic videos now - this is the only one that didn't feel like a filmed car manual - entertaining, factual, interesting.
Subscribed.
Good one sir!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I'd add something: compress A LOT in multiple stages - I usually run the vocal into a distressor, then the SSL channel compressor, then the CLA-76 and lastly I shave off the peaks with a limiter: all added it's 30-40 db of gain reduction! And also: don't cut by default, do it if you need! Maybe your vocals sound muddy at the beginning, but once you boost the top end the low end on them sounds fine. I'd give those indications for EQ on vocals: boost at 8k with a shelf for brightness, 4k for presence and 1-2k for upfrontness, cut if you need 2-3 db with a low shelf at 200. If I want more body I use saturation - love BSA's Escalator for that! And lastly: I'd highly suggest to use effects like reverb, delay, chorus... on an auxiliary channel: more control over the return and less CPU usage if you share the same effect among different tracks!
Hi, you always have something interesting to write, is it possible to hear any of your own production ? 🙏😎
I'd even love to learn the whole process
30-40db omg
What first? Eq pr compressor?
Or mayeb please share the whole vocal chain
I usually
Rvox
(the noise gate is so good)
eq
comp.
de-ess
comp.(Again)
Multibrand (c6)
I agree about the multiple stages of compression. But I'd go a step further and add doing gain automation BEFORE the compression. It's a real game changer because it gives you total control over the process. And it's completely transparent, unlike a compressor. It only takes about 15 minutes to go through an entire lead vocal and use clip gain or gain automation to turn up the quiet parts and turn down the loud sections. That way your compressors are working less hard.
BTW, the reason I say to use gain automation instead of volume automation is that volume automation comes after your effects chain. It can be a great tool too, but in the case of a vocal that's going to be fed into multiple compressors, I think it makes more sense to even out the level beforehand.
Your videos are so easy to understand and so incredibly helpful. Thank you for making them!
Thank you. If y'all keep watching them, I'll keep making them!
you inspired me, thanks a lot!
So glad to hear it! I'm here to help
These intros❤❤❤❤❤❤🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
They're so fun to make. Next video's intro is a good one too!
Those EQ setting were magical. Big thanks!
So glad to help!
I have NEVER hit the Subscribed button so fast as when I heard not only the incredible difference in mic sound quality in the opening seconds of your video, but that you are a BETTER sounding version of Weird Al Yankovic !! MY DUDE !!
Your sub is greatly appreciated and thank you so much for the support!
Great Video, the sample jingles are perfect!
Glad you think so!
This is one of the best pro tutorials ever. I love your sense of humor. You made my day 😂❤
Thanks for the love! Glad I could help you out!
Phenomenal, to the point, with clear cut examples. I need more of your vids in my life
They're coming!!
Even better than foam: get some moving blankets and hang them from clothes racks. You can make four absorbent walls that way. It's kind of like a mobile, modular vocal booth. The problem with cheap foam is it really only absorbs a limited number of frequencies. While moving blankets aren't perfect either, they're a lot more effective (and still very cheap). Plus, by surrounding yourself on all sides instead of just surrounding the mic, you're eliminating more reflection points.
Also a good strategy!
I did this in a closet. Works wonders. High ceiling but I went over head and it works.
I love your explanations of compression and equalization. When I was trying to figure that out last year, your visuals would’ve helped me out a lot.
I'm glad you found it helpful!
That was incredibly clear and concise. Great voice too! 🙌🏼
Thank you so much!
So helpful and well produced, and brilliant to demonstrate each concept with your own singing!
Glad you found the video helpful!
Just that intro alone deserves my like!
I appreciate that!
2:30 I put a matress upright against one of the corners of the room while recording and it solved all of my echo issues. If you don't mind moving it every time or have a spare one, works great.
Mattresses are the GOAT. They're used by a lot of professionals. I remember seeing mattresses in the BTS video of Jay-Z and Rick Rubin recording 99 Problems.
Love your intro Bro. Thank you
Much appreciated!
You are Awesome, Sir Spencer.
You are more awesome, Sir Albin James!
I really love how u sing each line
Thanks!
My friend I see you reading every comment and helping everyone out, you are too good to be true! You truly deserve more love and support, I hope you keep it up.
Your support makes me feel like I can do anything! Thanks for the love!
I don´t know if I ever saw a better intro to a YT video... 👏👏👏
Thanks!!
This channel is pure art, very high vibes
That means a lot! I LIVE for this- and it's officially my full time job!
Wow, both educational n entertaining. Real Pro level. Subscribed.
Awesome, thanks for subscribing!
Dude you explain everything so easy, I learnt so much from this thank you
Thank you so much for watching. I'm so happy to help!
I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Aside from the good info, the tone, the flow of the video and songs are great.
Thank you so much! I appreciate you taking the time to watch.
Awesome video! Especially love the sung illustrations before and after applying an effect.
Also shoutout to the great additional hints in the comment section!
Thanks for watching and commenting for the algorithm!
Great video. “Presets are the way to go.” phew! I’m thankful for presets.
Me too! I've been doing this for over a decade and I still get 90% of my sounds from presets. There are so many good ones in every plugin. I just find one that already sounds good and tweak it from there.
Great video. Useful advice. Thanks.
Appreciate you watching!
This video is just amazing!
Thank you so much!
Bedsides the already amazing background, information, editing, and song examples you made you got some pretty good humor dude!
I’m glad to see you on your journey.
Glad you're enjoying the content! It's super rewarding and keeps me motivated.
Best intros on RUclips fr fr
It means so much coming from you, Andrew!
Thx Man, keep your style! - videos are useful/informative + Fun and quick to the point. Well done! 🙌
Thanks, will do!
The intro got me hooked
Totally worth it. I learned new tricks.
Nice job is an understatement...You rock also won't do.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I really appreciate it! It means a lot to me.
So interesting! Thank you for explaining it so well. I love how you make a song out of everything to demonstrate the effects!
Thanks! It's my favorite way to make a point!
Little tip for those of you interested in producing som EDM vocals: Look up some reverb/delay sidechain compression tutorials. This makes your FX really shine in pauses between vocal signal (if needed) while not disturbing the "dry" vocal as the FX ducks down when the vocal signal is playing.
You have to follow this guy
Yes please!
Great video Spencer
Thanks so much!
That intro song. Fire
Thanks!!
One of the best videos about song production I’ve ever seen. Very pleasant voice
Thanks for the kind words! Glad you enjoyed it. I've got a lot of other videos about production just like this, so be sure to check them out!
Finally somebody doing something against gear acquisition syndrome! I always say production does A LOT. I would give the same tips :)
A lot of people think that having the newest piece of gear is going to sudden make a huge difference in their music, but it never will. Simple techniques coupled with good songwriting is all it takes!
Knowledge with entertainment ♥️a very informative and fun to watch video!
Glad you found it both entertaining and informative!
Nice delivery ; musical instructions, might catch on. You adressed alot of the issues I'm dealing with.
Glad to help!
Wah. I already knew this tricks but your presentation is so good. Nice work, every musician needs to watch this.
The support means a lot, thanks!!
that was an awesome lesson and intro, thank you for sharing
So glad to help!
The most awesome hook that I’ve heard this month I’m sold
Thanks for watching! I'm glad you dig the intro, I have a lot of fun with them.
Honestly that intro was a banger, nice.
Thanks! I had a lot of fun with this one.
Good stuff, once again!
Just a quick note for those who might find the ambience overwhelming: Put the delay before the reverb. While what you did in this video sounds great, there is a difference between having the source with reverb repeat and having the source repeat into the reverb.
Anyway. Thanks for a great video.
Good point! You can always play around with the order of the chain too- if you're feeling creative.
You’re killing it !
Thanks, man! I've got lots more coming and I'm so happy people are finding it helpful.
Absolute best intro i have ever seen on youtube
Thanks!
what the... how cool is that? edutainment at its best. 😍
Thanks! That's the goal.
You're quite inspiring.
I subscribed.
Thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Wow. what a hook! The intro alone pulled me in 😂
Thanks! I have so much fun making my intros.
Awesome teaching bro....🎉
Thank you so much!
Huge probs for your very creative intro, exceptional! ;)
Big thanks
Thank you, McLoving!
You're welcome!
@songsbyspencer Sorry for the joke. At least I subscribed. You're a great producer. I sent this video to a friend who record at home with the problems you mention.
🥳😂👏🏻 Nothing new to me but so much fun to watch. Great style!
Yay! Thank you!
musical and humor genius! subbed!
Thanks!!
This is gold. Thank you.
You bet!
This was extremely helpful. Thank you.
So glad to hear this
This is rad. Subscribed!
Thanks!
@songsbyspencer When something is this good, it has to be said! 🙏
Thank you Sir, this video is very well put together 👍🏼👍🏼
I appreciate that!
I'm really glad youtube recommended your video, those were some killer tricks. BTW I love the name of your course it made me laugh, it's what so many people need, it fits great. Subbed for more!
Thanks for the kind words- I'm glad you found it helpful!
You certainly have a way to hook us from the very first frame of your videos LOL
I like to start strong! 😂
I love this dude!
The feeling is mutual
I just found your video by chance and I love it. Simple explained the plug-ins before and after with your voice.
And you also use Logic which makes things easier for me.
Subscribed !
So glad you enjoyed it- and your sub is greatly appreciated!
Great! thank you
Glad you liked it!
intro was crazy, actually subbed just for that
Much appreciated! Thanks for watching and subbing it means alot!
Entertaining, useful, and clear.
That's what I'm aiming for!
very very cool intro and overall format !
Thanks so much! There's a lot more where that came from.
Thanks Spencer, more great stuff to think about. I was going to get a new mic, but I will try some of this first. I love your channel. You always inspire loads of ideas.
Glad to hear it! I'm here to help
Awesome, Man ❤
Thanks! Glad you liked it.
The best video that sums it up, the whole kit, great video. Not only is it helpful but it was well thought, you also used the mic i have to rec mics which is the sm58 and i didn't know how to eq it and you also made me laugh on the songs, loved it.
Thanks man, I appreciate it!
New subscriber not for your tricks but for your beautiful songs.
Keep the good work. 🙌
I'm glad you like the music!
@@songsbyspencer that doesn’t mean that the tricks weren’t useful, I liked those as well and will use them every time.
Very nice information provided. One point could be distance from mic during recording. But your pointers are solid.
True!
The compression singing examples were awesome! 😂😂😂
Thanks!
This was very helpful. Thank you so much
I'm here to help!
Dude took youtube intro to another level 👏👏👏👏
I try! They say the first 5 seconds are crucial, and I always challenge myself to make the most attention grabbing intros I can (while still be relevant and musical). They're by far my favorite parts of the videos to make!
I'm a new subscriber but your energy is great ❤
Thanks, it truly means a lot!
You're funny! And informative! I learned a lot about EQ and plosives.
Glad you enjoyed the tips!
I subscribed bro❤ what a unique style of intro
Thank you so much for the sub! It means alot, and I take my intros very seriously!
@songsbyspencer honestly it's actually very good, keep up the good work, pls I want you to make a video on how to make a voiceover recorded on mobile device sound good
In the middle of corporate hellhole season trying to learn to make music as to quit my 9-5 haha, You're videos are great dude they always keep me engaged
I'm happy to help! It's never too late to pursue your musical dreams.
awesome work
Thanks! I appreciate it.
Another Bang Up Video Spencer ! 😎👍🏽🎶🎙🎹🎸
Glad you're enjoying the content!
Also in your DAW. Use a noise gate tweak settings on Noise gate plugin try it may help also with your untreated room. It should illiminate all sounds not intended on your mic recording. Also I put a noise gate in the beginning or security ng of my vocal chain
It's definitely worth a try. I've had mixed results with noise gates. As long as the noise in the room is at a minimum they work great!
I've never seen a sung tutorial but it's so damn useful! Thank you! I'm here for voice recording of voice overs on my videos. Some nice tips!
So glad to help!
Upvote for the songwriting! That intro is dope.
Glad you enjoyed the intro! Hopefully the rest of the video helped too.
Awesome !!! thanks !
intro deserved a sub
Thanks! I put everything I've got into my intros
BEST INTRO ON RUclips PERIOD
Thanks! I love making these intros, they're so fun!
Do you already record with compression or apply afterwards?
I record with compression applied as it makes getting a good vocal take a lot easier. Keep in mind, having compression applied when you record DOES NOT bake it into the recording. You can always remove or change it after you record!
Tube saturation sounds great after the EQ as well
True!
@ I did a shoot out with a mic I found in a suitcase I bought for a few dollars at a thrift store and my Lewitt LCT 440 pure and with the processing in the daw I actually liked the way my voice sounded a little bit better with the cheap mic so I sold my Lewitt😆 one of the things I used was Antares warm plug-in, which really made it sound very professional.
Careful with foam and carpet. They will only absorb higher frequencies which can some times lead to things sounding woofy and reverberant in the low mids
Also sometimes better to place the foam *behind you* rather than behind the mic, as a cardiod pattern isn’t picking up things behind the mic anyway. Sounds counterintuitive but it works!