Logic Pro
I’ve been recording my vocals for over 10 years now and my setup has stayed pretty much the same. Logic Pro will always have my heart, and my trusted Shure SM7B has been my sidekick for as long as I can remember. (Obviously not forgetting the Focusrite Scarlett, which stays plugged into my mic and comes everywhere with me on a leash!)
This trio has travelled with me from city to city, studio to studio and bed to bed. So why fix something when it isn’t broken?
Almost all of my releases, including some of my biggest – Lose Control, Lo Lo, Run To You, Mesmerised, Saviour even my new tune with Skepsis etc were recorded on this mic with this setup. It’s something I know inside out now and I think there’s a lot to be said for getting to know your equipment rather than constantly chasing the next upgrade. When I wrote my first EP ‘Feel Something’ I felt more confident going into it because I felt comfortable with my trusty set up.
I never really used to fiddle around too much with my vocal chain. I’d throw on a bit of Logic stock reverb and compression and you’re good to go. But over the last 10 years I’ve experimented more and more with my chain and now, if I say so myself, I’ve perfected it.
So I’ll tell you a little secret: delay makes everything sound better.
I actually use Logic’s Stereo Delay and I’ll never record vocals without it. Pair that with Valhalla VintageVerb, MetaTune, Channel EQ and a Dance Vocal Compressor and you’re good to go. It gives me the space and character I want without making the vocal feel like it’s drowning in effects.
So I guess, my biggest piece of advice is that you don’t need the newest, fanciest microphone or setup to create good music. Sometimes it’s about finding something that works for you, sticking with it and learning how to get the absolute best out of it. After 10 years I still love this setup and I still think some of the best vocals I’ve recorded have come from it.
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