The Invisible Enemy: Reverb
Reverb (echo) is beautiful on a final song, but it is a nightmare for AI training. If you record your dataset in a room with bare walls, the AI will build that specific echo into the voice model. This makes the final covers sound like they were recorded in a cathedral, and you won't be able to remove it.
1. Location, Location, Location
- Worst Rooms: Bathrooms, kitchens, empty hallways (Too many hard, reflective surfaces).
- Best Rooms: Bedrooms with carpets and heavy curtains, walk-in closets.
2. The "Clothes Closet" Trick
You don't need an expensive booth. One of the best ways to record dry vocals is to stand inside a closet full of clothes. The soft fabric absorbs almost all the echo, providing a "dead" acoustic environment that AI models love.
3. Use DIY Sound Absorption
If you can't record in a closet:
- Hang heavy blankets on the walls behind your microphone.
- Place a rug on the floor if you have tiles or hardwood.
- Avoid recording directly in the middle of a room; corners (if padded) are often better.
4. The Distance From the Mic
For a professional dataset, stay 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) away from the microphone.
- Too close: Excessive "bass" (proximity effect) and saliva noises.
- Too far: You'll pick up more of the room's bad acoustics and background noise.
5. Kill the Computer Noise
Modern computers have fans. Make sure your microphone is pointed away from your PC tower or laptop fan. Even a subtle hum can degrade the AI training quality.
Summary: For AI, a "dry" vocal is a "perfect" vocal. Spend 5 minutes dampening your room with cushions and blankets, and your voice clone will sound 10x more professional.