How to Record Modern Metal Scream Vocals Like a Pro

Vocal Recording
Written By Parker XLNT

If you’re a producer, engineer, or vocalist working in heavy genres like metalcore, deathcore, or hardcore, recording scream vocals the right way is non-negotiable.
There are too many great tracks getting trashed by muddy, thin, or harsh scream vocals — and it’s usually not the performance, it’s the engineering.

In this blog, I’m breaking down exactly how I record scream vocals — from mic selection, preamps, compressors, and vocal layering, to session structure and tracking strategy. This is the exact vocal chain I used on “Control Alt Delete” by Elitist, recorded right here at XLNT Studios in Hollywood, CA.

🎤 Step 1: Mic Shootout – U87 vs Manley Ref C

When it comes to scream vocals, condenser mics are king. They offer the clarity, body, and high-end detail needed to cut through dense mixes. I always do a quick shootout, and for this session, the Neumann U87 beat out the Manley Reference Cardioid by a hair — mainly for its fuller low-mid response.

🎯 Pro Tip: Use the -10dB or -20dB pad on your condenser to prevent peaking when your vocalist starts going full beast mode.

🎙️ Honorable Mention: Upton 251

During the session, I also gave a shoutout to the Upton 251 — a beautifully built tube condenser mic modeled after the legendary Telefunken ELA M 251. It’s known for its warm low end, silky top, and open midrange, making it an incredible option for aggressive vocals that still need to sit cleanly in a modern mix.

I first heard it on Courtney LaPlante’s vocals from Spiritbox, tracked by Daniel Braunstein — and ever since, it’s been on my wishlist. If you’re after something with a little more tube character and vibe than the U87 or Ref C, the Upton 251 is definitely worth checking out.

Upton, if you’re reading this — let’s talk sponsorship. 😎

🎚️ Step 2: Preamp – BAE 1084

For this session, I ran the mic into the BAE 1084 — one of my all-time favorite preamps.
Think Neve 1073, but with expanded EQ control. It gives the vocal a rich, musical character that sits beautifully in the mix, even before compression.

I set the input gain around 20, and output at 11 o’clock — dialing everything in by ear to get the vocal signal hitting yellow in the Apollo.

🔒 Step 3: Compression – Tube-Tech CL1B

Next in line: the legendary Tube-Tech CL1B.
This compressor gives scream vocals chunk, aggression, and glue, while keeping things smooth and musical. I ran a high ratio, fast release, and moderate attack — basically using it like a limiter to prevent peaks while preserving bite.

🔊 Tried the EL9 Mike-E by Empirical Labs, but it was too saturated for this vocalist. Great for beginners who need extra grit, but for pro-level screams, clean capture wins.

🗣️ Step 4: Vocal Tracking Strategy

Scream vocalists burn out fast, so planning your session is critical. We tracked in this order:

  1. Mids (most aggressive, hardest on the voice)

  2. Highs + Gutturals

  3. Cleans (different session)

We kept sessions under 4 hours — any more and you’re fighting vocal fatigue.
Line-by-line tracking with immediate doubles helps keep the energy tight while building confidence early in the session.

🔁 Step 5: Layering, Stacks & Stereo Field

The key to wide, massive screams? Strategic vocal stacking:

  • Center: main scream

  • Left/Right: tight doubles

  • Highs + lows: sprinkled for impact

  • T-Rex stack: dense, aggressive overdubs for breakdowns

We used minimal reverb and EQ to keep the layers clean and focused. Just a touch of UAD EMT 140 on the center channel.

⚡ Step 6: Parallel Compression with Serum 2 FX OTT

Here’s the secret weapon: parallel compression using OTT inside Xfer Serum FX.
It’s the same style of multiband compression you get in EDM — but applied subtly as a send effect to keep scream vocals cutting through without getting harsh.

This trick alone makes your screams sound crisper, louder, and tighter — without losing dynamics.

🎧 Final Touches – Reverb, Delay & Clean Stem Delivery

We wrapped the session by printing reverb and delay (for reference only), but delivered dry stems to the mix engineer (shoutout Julian from Elitist).

Delays were done with FabFilter Timeless 2 (RIP to that tone — Timeless 3 is good, but different vibe).

Label everything cleanly. Keep your session organized. Make your mix engineer’s life easy.

📍Book Studio Time at XLNT Studios in Hollywood

Want to record your own scream vocals using this exact chain?
Come work with me in-person at XLNT Studios in Hollywood, CA.

🎙️ Book your session here: 👉 www.xlntstudiosla.com

Whether you’re a vocalist, band, or producer, we can bring your sound to life — with pro gear, creative direction, and industry-level engineering.

🔁 Recap: My Vocal Chain for Scream Vocals

If you found this helpful, check out my full YouTube breakdown here.
Let’s make vocals that shake walls.

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XLNT Studios | Hollywood, CA
Book Now 👉 www.xlntstudiosla.com

Parker XLNT