#6: Vocal Editing and Tuning | With Special Guest Max Smith

Podcast Summary

In this episode, we bring you Max Smith, Vocal Producer at Numen Studios, to talk about vocal editing and tuning.

Max Smith, Jordan Timms, and Liam Dean form the songwriter/producer trio, Spacemen, working out of Numen Studios. They have worked with major artists, including Dua Lipa, Sigrid, and Dermot Kennedy. 

Today, you’ll hear about Max’s recording and editing process, compressing vocal breaths, using Melodyne, Max’s workflow, and get Max’s advice to his younger self.

Episode Timestamps

• [01:30] Max’s process.
• [09:29] The recording/editing process.
• [14:09] Compressing vocal breaths.
• [16:10] Timing.
• [17:16] Using Melodyne.
• [20:18] Tuning.
• [25:32] Backing vocals.
• [35:25] Max’s workflow.
• [40:08] Quirky recording mics.
• [49:33] Max’s advice.

Notable Quotes

• “If you have great production but a bad song, it’s not going to do well.”
• “If you’re using autotune for the sound, then that’s what you’re going to get.”
• “You could record a No.1 record on a potato nowadays.”
• “The moment someone walks into the room, your job starts.”
• “Don’t overthink it.”

Connect with Max

Instagram:@maxsmithproductions.