What Equipment Do I Need to Record Vocals at Home?
To record vocals at home you need six things: a cardioid microphone, a pop filter, a mic stand, an audio interface with phantom power, closed-back headphones, and a computer running a DAW. A USB mic rolls the mic and interface into one box.
The minimum vocal chain
| Item | What it does | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Cardioid mic | Picks up the voice, rejects sound behind it | AT2020 condenser, needs 48V |
| Pop filter and stand | Stops plosives, holds the mic at a fixed distance | Any mesh or metal screen |
| Audio interface | Mic preamp, phantom power, converter to USB | Scarlett Solo: one mic input, 57 dB of gain |
| Closed-back headphones | Hear the track without it leaking into the mic | ATH-M50x |
| Computer and DAW | Records and edits the takes | GarageBand, Audacity, or the DAW bundled with your interface |
The AT2020 needs 48V phantom power, per Audio-Technica's spec sheet, so check that your interface supplies it. Neumann's home vocal guide wants closed-back headphones (no leakage) and 24-bit recording.
Dynamic or condenser
Either works, but in an untreated bedroom a dynamic worked close keeps more room out. The Shure SM7B is a cardioid dynamic built for vocals and speech, and its user guide says to work it 1 to 6 inches away to block off-axis noise. The catch: it lists a low output of minus 59 dBV/Pa, so it wants a preamp with plenty of clean gain.
Mic picks are on best microphone for recording vocals, tradeoffs on condenser vs dynamic microphone. Setup is on how to record vocals at home, and the full workflow on how to record music at home.
Related questions
Can I record vocals without an audio interface?
Yes, with a USB mic, which has the preamp and converter built in. An XLR mic needs an interface or another preamp to reach the computer.
Do I need a condenser mic for vocals?
No. A cardioid dynamic such as the Shure SM7B, used 1 to 6 inches from the mouth, is built for vocals and keeps the voice well above room noise.
Do I need acoustic treatment to record vocals?
Not to start. Neumann suggests keeping the mic out of room corners and says an open closet full of clothes behind the singer works as a large absorber.
More answers: Home recording FAQ