Record Vocals In Logic Pro Everything You Need To Know
Are you ready to take your music production to the next level by recording your own vocals in Logic Pro? Whether you’re just starting out or maybe you know some audio basics, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to set up and record vocals seamlessly. From selecting the right equipment to configuring your software, we’ve got you covered.
What You'll Need to Get Started
Before diving into Logic Pro, you’ll need to gather some essential gear. Here’s what you’ll need:
Microphone: A good vocal mic is crucial. I use the Shure SM7B, but there are many excellent options to fit various budgets and styles.
Audio Interface: This connects your microphone to your computer. I’m using the SSL 12, but any reliable interface will work, such as a Focusrite Scarlett.
XLR Cable: This cable connects your microphone to your audio interface.
Headphones: I recommend studio headphones like the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro for accurate monitoring.
Mic Stand: Unless you want to hold your mic during recording, a stand is a must.
Pop Filter (Optional): This reduces plosive sounds (like strong “P” and “B” sounds) for cleaner recordings.
Missing something? Find what you need on my Amazon storefront.
Physical Setup
Connect Your Audio Interface: Use the provided cable (USB-C, USB-A, or Thunderbolt) to connect your audio interface to your computer. Ensure it’s powered on.
Set Up Your Microphone: Attach your mic to the stand and position it appropriately.
Connect the XLR Cable: Plug one end into your microphone and the other into your interface’s XLR input. Choose any input; for this guide, I’ll use Input 1.
Plug in Headphones: Connect your headphones to the audio interface so you can monitor your recording in real-time.
Configuring Logic Pro
Once your physical setup is complete, it’s time to configure Logic Pro for vocal recording:
Open Logic Pro: Launch the software and create a new project. Select “Audio” when prompted to create a new track.
Set Audio Device Preferences:
Go to Settings > Audio.
Under “Input Device” and “Output Device,” select your audio interface (e.g., SSL 12).
Adjust the I/O Buffer Size to 64 or 128 to minimize latency.
Click “Apply” if you made changes.
Select the Input for Your Track:
Highlight your audio track, press I to open the side panel, and choose the correct input (e.g., Input 1).
Name your track (e.g., “Vocal”) for easy reference.
Arm Your Track:
Click the “R” button to arm the track for recording.
Enable input monitoring by clicking the “I” button if you want to hear your voice in real-time.
Setting the Correct Levels
Proper input levels are critical for a clean recording:
Begin speaking or singing into the microphone.
Aim for the input meter in Logic Pro to stay between -12 dB and -18 dB. Adjust the gain on your audio interface if necessary.
Avoid levels that are too high, as they may cause distortion, or too low, which may introduce noise during post-processing.
Optional: Set Up a Pop Filter
If you’re using a mic without a built-in pop filter, position the filter a few inches in front of the microphone. This will help reduce plosive sounds and protect your recording quality.
Start Recording
Once everything is set up:
Press the Record button or hit the space bar to start recording.
Perform your vocal part.
When finished, press the space bar again to stop recording.
Review your recording by playing it back and checking for clarity and consistency.
Post-Recording Tips
Expand the waveform view in Logic Pro for a better look at your recording.
Save your session and consider labeling your takes for organization.
Troubleshooting and Additional Help
If you’re experiencing issues or have questions, feel free to reach out in the comments or consider booking a 1-on-1 coaching session. I offer personalized guidance for Logic Pro, mixing, mastering, and more—all conducted remotely via Zoom.
Final Thoughts
Recording vocals in Logic Pro doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these steps, you’ll have a professional setup that allows you to capture clean and polished vocal tracks. If you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend or explore my private music production classes to dive deeper into music production.
If you’d rather watch this information, check out the video!
Happy recording!
