Before sending your song for online mixing and mastering, it's important to focus on the heart and soul of your song: the vocals. Before those stems reach the mix engineer, there's one more crucial step – comping the perfect vocal performance.
Comping is the process of selecting the best parts from your vocal takes to create a cohesive and appealing sound. The following are some tips on how to navigate the comping process:
1. Record with freedom: Before comping, let your creativity flow! Encourage multiple takes with different nuances and energy. The engineer needs options to work with.
2. Mark your favorites: While listening back, write down your favorite phrases, verses, or even single words. Don't worry about minor imperfections – focus on capturing the emotion and delivery.
3. Trust your instincts: Ultimately, choose takes that best embody your artistic vision. Don't get caught up in technical perfection; sometimes, raw emotion trumps pristine notes.
4. Leave room for magic: Don't overdo it! Leave some breathing room for the engineer to subtly enhance your performance with their expertise.
5. Collaboration is key: Discuss your comping choices with the engineer. Their professional ears can offer valuable insights and help refine your vision.
Bonus tips:
By taking charge of your vocal comping, you can actively shape the heart of your song. Trust your instincts, collaborate effectively, and watch your vocal performance blossom into a masterpiece.
I hope this helps!
