Recording Tips

RECORDING VOCALS IN YOUR CAR?? What?? YES! A GUIDE TO CAPTURING GREAT SOUND ON THE GO!

Recording vocals can be a challenge, especially if you don't have access to a professional studio. But what if you could capture great sound on the go, using only your car?

Photo of Actual Vocal Set Up!

Recording vocals can be a challenge, especially if you don't have access to a professional studio.

But what if you could capture great sound on the go, using only your car?

Let's explore the benefits of recording in your car, the equipment you'll need, and some tips for getting the best possible sound.

This post was inspired by the true story of a musician in college that didn't have access to a rehearsal or recording studio. He did have some gear and was able to record most of his material with us and in his apartment. However, cranky neighbors made vocals impossible and uncomfortable to record. He did note that the parking garage on campus was safe, quiet, and sometimes empty.

A plan was put together on how to record vocals in his car. It should be mentioned that the musician is in California where it can get hot. So we had to keep running the car and its air conditioning in mind. Also, the main concern here other than recording quality, of course, was his safety.

YOU HAVE TO BE IN A PLACE WHERE YOU FEEL SAFE AND COMFORTABLE.

Choose your location carefully. When recording vocals in your car, it's important to find a location that provides minimal background noise and distractions.

Consider parking in a quiet area away from traffic, and avoid recording during rush hour or in areas with heavy foot traffic.

THE BENEFITS OF RECORDING IN YOUR CAR

Acoustics: Cars are typically designed to reduce noise and vibration, making them a great environment for recording. Take advantage of the acoustics. Believe it or not, the acoustics of your car can actually be beneficial for recording vocals. The enclosed space can provide a natural reverb and dampen outside noise. Experiment with the placement of your microphone to find the best sound.
Privacy: Recording in your car can provide a private and distraction-free space to work on your music.
Convenience: You can take your recording setup on the go, without the need for a permanent studio.

EQUIPMENT YOU'LL NEED

Microphone: A high-quality microphone is crucial for capturing clear vocals. Look for a cardioid or supercardioid microphone that can reject ambient noise.
Audio Interface: You'll need an audio interface to connect your microphone to your computer or mobile device. Look for one with low latency and high-quality preamps.
Pop Filter: A pop filter can help reduce plosives and sibilance in your recordings.
Headphones: You'll need headphones to monitor your recordings and ensure you're capturing the best possible sound.

TIPS FOR GETTING THE BEST SOUND

Find the right spot: Park your car in a quiet location with minimal ambient noise and good acoustics.
Eliminate vibration: Use a shock mount or foam pad to eliminate vibration from your car's engine or other sources.
Reduce noise: Turn off your car's engine, AC, and other sources of noise. Use a noise gate in your recording software to eliminate background noise.
Use a high-quality microphone. As with any vocal recording, the quality of your microphone is crucial. Invest in a high-quality mic that can capture the nuances of your voice and provide clear, accurate recordings.
Practice good mic technique: Position the microphone close to your mouth, but not too close. Speak clearly and avoid excessive movements.
Monitor your levels: Use headphones to monitor your recordings and ensure you're not clipping or distorting.
Be mindful of the weather. Extreme temperatures and weather conditions can affect the quality of your recording. Avoid recording in extreme heat or cold, and be aware of any wind or rain that could cause unwanted noise or interference.

Actual Gear Used Here: Mic is a Shure sm7b, the program is Logic Pro x, the interface is a Focusrite Scarlett solo 3rd gen, headphones are Bose noise canceling but a headphone jack was used instead of Bluetooth. As you can see, blackout curtains were used for privacy.

Focusrite Scarlett | Sweetwater

Focusrite Scarlett Audio InterfacesWhether you’re a mobile musician needing to record on the go or a studio vet looking for a multi-format rackmount interface with enough inputs to track a full band, the Focusrite Scarlett series brings legendary studio sound to any DAW-based setup. Focusrite — founded by legendary audio designer Rupert Neve — captured the attention of the recording world with the sound of their ISA 110 and ISA 130 input modules, developed for Sir George Martin’s AIR Studios. Fast forward a handful of decades, and Focusrite has been a leader in creating solutions for modern hybrid studios. In addition to world-class preamplification, the Focusrite Scarlett series offers stellar AD/DA conversion quality, high-quality headphone amplification, and high-headroom instrument inputs. And thanks to the Focusrite Control app, it’s easy to set up channel routing and create cue, loopback, and monitor mixes from your Mac, PC, or iOS device.

Recording vocals in your car may seem unconventional, but it can actually be a great option for musicians who are constantly on the go. By following the tips and using the right equipment, you can produce professional-quality recordings from the comfort of your own vehicle.