RECORD YOUR OWN VOCALS | Quick Tip Cubase 13

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of recording and editing your own vocals using Cubase 13. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced musician, these steps will help you capture high-quality vocal tracks and enhance them with Cubase's powerful features.

Step 1: Set Up Your Recording Environment

Creating the right environment is crucial for high-quality vocal recordings.

• Choose a Quiet Space: Select a room with minimal background noise.
• Use Acoustic Treatment: Consider using a reflection filter or soundproofing panels to minimize echo and outside noise.
• Gather Your Equipment: Ensure you have the following:
  • Microphone
  • Headphones
  • Audio interface
  • Preamp (if needed)

Step 2: Install and Configure Cubase 13

Make sure your software is ready for recording.

• Install Cubase 13: Download and install the latest version from the official Steinberg website.
• Configure Your Audio Interface:
  • Connect your audio interface to your computer.
  • Open Cubase and go to the Studio menu.
  • Select Studio Setup and choose your audio interface from the list.
• Set Up Your Project:
  • Create a new project.
  • Set your sample rate (typically 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz) under Project Settings.

Step 3: Create a Vocal Track

Now it's time to prepare a track for your vocals.

• Add an Audio Track:
  • In the main project window, right-click in the track list area and select Add Audio Track.
  • Name your track appropriately (e.g., "Lead Vocals").
• Select Input Source:
  • Click on the track's input section and choose the input from your audio interface that your microphone is connected to.

Step 4: Record Your Vocals

Capture your vocal performance with these steps.

• Check Levels:
  • Speak or sing into the microphone and monitor the input levels on the Cubase mixer. Aim for levels around -12 dB to -6 dB to avoid clipping.
• Enable Recording:
  • Click the record-enable button on your vocal track.
• Press Record:
  • Hit the record button in the transport bar and perform your vocal parts.

Step 5: Edit Your Vocal Takes

Once you have your recordings, it’s time to refine them.

• Listen to Your Takes: Play back your recordings and identify the best sections.
• Comping:
  • Use the comping tool to select the best parts from multiple takes and create a single cohesive track.
• Basic Editing:
  • Trim any unwanted silence or noise at the beginning and end of your recording.
  • Use the fade tool to smooth out any hard cuts.

Step 6: Apply Effects and Mixing

Enhance your vocals for a polished sound.

• Add Effects:
  • Insert plugins such as reverb, compression, and EQ to enhance your vocal sound.
  • Adjust the settings to fit the style of your track.
• Mixing:
  • Balance your vocal track with the rest of your instruments by adjusting volume levels and panning.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can successfully record and edit your own vocals in Cubase 13. Remember to experiment with different effects and settings to find the sound that best suits your music. Once you're satisfied with your vocals, consider exploring distribution options to share your music with the world!