Module 1 - Recording Theory:

Getting a decent vocal recording is not hard if you know how to do it. In this early module you will learn all of the basic principles of recording vocals, setting up microphones, the different types you may want to use and how to set up your environment to get the best possible recording. Almost more importantly is getting the best performance out of the singer and making sure that the performance they give is emotive, so we'll look at ways to make the session go easier on the day. You'll learn about standard recording setups as well as how to record in mid/side stereo configurations, how to record multiple singers in one go and gain an overall understanding of the process so you will be better equipped when it comes to the recording stage.

Module 2 - Recording Setup in Cubase:

Here we will dive into Cubase 10 and start looking at how to setup for recording a vocal. You will learn about the different recording modes Cubase offers and how to use the Cubase 'Control Room' for recording more than one person at a time and even how to send different mixes to each person's headphones.

A lot of singers want to hear reverb in their headphone mix to make their voice sound more natural as they perform; you will learn how to do this in Cubase and/or in your soundcard interface. Finally we will go through some best practises and tips for the recording day so you can get the most out of your singer and have a neat and tidy session.

Module 3 - Perfecting the Performance in Post:

Post production on vocals is super powerful in Cubase and you will learn how to comp together the best possible performance out of many different recordings and then use the left over recordings to create extra takes which you can use later to fatten and thicken up the vocal (known as doubled takes). We will look in depth at 'Vari Audio 3' which is new in Cubase 10 Pro and you will learn how to use it to maximum effect to control almost any aspect of the vocal performance. Formant shifting is now available and can be used both as a corrective measure and also as a creative effect & you will learn all about it in this module. You will also learn how to correct timing errors in the vocal performance.

Module 4 - Getting a BIG Vocal Sound: 

Although getting a BIG vocal sound has to do with all aspects from recording to mixing there are still things you can do to help get even bigger, wider and deeper vocals. Here you will learn how to add a very natural and super wide vocal sound using the left over vocals from the comping stage (doubled takes). This is the single best technique you can use to make your vocal sound thicker, wider and deeper. You will also learn how to process 'mid/side' recordings to add width to your vocal and a few tips that might help you get better results. You will learn how to use Cubase and the Chord Track to create extra harmony voices on any vocal you want and how to change the structure of them musically at any time.

Module 5 - Vocal Mixing:

You will learn step by step the fundamental processes of mixing vocals. You don't need any fancy plugins, just an understanding of the basic tools you already have in Cubase like EQ, compression, saturation and from time to time distortion. There are certain things that each vocal recording must have done on them to get them ready for further/heavier processing and once you have that down then you can take it many different directions depending on the vocal itself. Jon demonstrates this on a few different style vocal projects to show which processing you would want to use and how you go about doing it. Of course the sense of space is a huge part of vocal mixing and you will learn how to use reverb and delay or a mix of both to get great results.

Module 6 - Chopping & Pitching Vocals:

Vocal chops and pitch shifting has become a staple of the modern producer but it can be difficult to consistently get good results when you don't know what you are doing. In this final module you will learn about the different ways in which you can do this, whether it is creating one off vocal chops to embellish your vocal performance or if you want to create an entire section (like a chorus) out of chopped and pitched vocals. We'll look at editing and easily making vocal segments that can then be made into a playable MIDI controlled instrument so you can jam out any performance you like and also we will look at doing this in pure audio as well if you prefer to work that way. Both ways can give amazing results.