5 Tips For Smooth Vocals | Cubase Secrets with Dom

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore five essential tips for achieving smooth vocals using Cubase. These techniques will help you enhance your vocal recordings, eliminate harsh frequencies, and ensure your vocals blend seamlessly into your mix. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, these tips will improve the quality of your vocal tracks.

Step 1: Use Proper Microphone Technique

• Positioning: Place the microphone at an appropriate distance from the vocalist (around 6-12 inches) to capture a balanced sound.
• Pop Filter: Use a pop filter to reduce plosive sounds caused by hard consonants like 'p' and 'b'.
• Room Treatment: Ensure your recording environment is acoustically treated to minimize unwanted reflections and background noise.

Step 2: EQ to Remove Harshness

• Identify Problem Frequencies: Use a parametric EQ to find and reduce frequencies that sound harsh, typically around 2kHz to 4kHz.
• Cut Rather Than Boost: Instead of boosting pleasant frequencies, focus on cutting the harsh ones to achieve clarity.
• Use a Gentle Slope: Apply a gentle slope (e.g., -12dB per octave) to maintain a natural sound while reducing unwanted frequencies.

Step 3: Add Compression for Consistency

• Threshold Setting: Set the compressor's threshold to catch the louder peaks without affecting the overall dynamics.
• Ratio Adjustment: Use a ratio of around 3:1 to 5:1 for gentle compression, keeping the vocals present without sounding overly processed.
• Makeup Gain: After compression, use makeup gain to bring the overall level back up, ensuring your vocals sit well in the mix.

Step 4: Utilize Reverb Wisely

• Choose the Right Reverb Type: Select a reverb that complements the vocal style. For smooth vocals, opt for a plate or hall reverb.
• Keep it Subtle: Apply reverb sparingly to avoid washing out the vocals. A short decay time can add depth without overwhelming the mix.
• Pre-Delay Setting: Adjust the pre-delay to enhance clarity, allowing the vocal to cut through the mix before the reverb effect kicks in.

Step 5: Automate Vocal Levels

• Volume Automation: Use automation to adjust vocal levels throughout the track, ensuring that the vocals remain consistent and prominent.
• Listen in Context: Always make automation adjustments while listening to the entire mix to achieve a balanced sound.
• Fine-Tune: Regularly revisit and fine-tune automation as your mix evolves to maintain vocal clarity.

Conclusion

By following these five tips—employing proper microphone technique, using EQ to reduce harshness, applying compression, utilizing reverb, and automating vocal levels—you can significantly improve the quality of your vocal recordings in Cubase. Practice these techniques and experiment with different settings to find the best sound for your projects. Happy mixing!