How to record vocals over a beat

Open the beat in Genie Studio and choose Add → Vocal track, ready to record. The studio opens the microphone, turns on a one-bar count-in and starts the take with a vocal chain (clean, pop, rap, airy R&B or tuned). Put on headphones, press R, sing, and record as many takes as you like; then pick the best take or use a different take for each part with a loop region. Recording is free; exporting needs Starter or above.

Melody Genie team · Published · Updated · 6 min read

Melo singing into a studio microphone in front of a laptop recording session

Steps

  1. Open the beat

    Open a song or instrumental from your library, upload a beat you own or may use (MP3, WAV, M4A or FLAC up to 60 MB), or start a project from a template. If the song already has vocals, split it first to keep only the instrumental.

  2. Add a vocal track in one click

    Choose Add → Vocal track, ready to record. Genie Studio opens the Record panel, turns on your microphone and a one-bar count-in, and prepares a new track. On a phone, allow the microphone when asked (Settings → Melody Genie → Microphone if you said no before).

  3. Choose a vocal chain

    The vocal chain is the sound your takes start with: clean, pop, rap, airy R&B or tuned. Use headphones and turn on Hear myself to monitor through it; without headphones the speakers feed back into the mic.

  4. Calibrate the latency once

    Every device adds a small delay between what you hear and what the mic records. Measure it once (no headphones, volume up, mic near the speaker) and Genie Studio moves every take back by that amount so it lands on the beat.

  5. Record your takes

    Press R (or Record). Sing after the count-in, stop, and record another take when you want a better one. Turn on Punch in / out to record only inside the loop region, with one bar to get ready.

    Tip: Use the metronome while recording if the beat has a quiet intro.

  6. Comp the best performance

    Use Pick the best take, or set a loop over one line and choose Use this take in the loop region to build one performance from the best parts of several takes.

  7. Mix and export

    Balance the vocal with the beat (Auto Mix is free), add effects if you need them, then export MP3 or WAV, or save it as a new version. Exports need Starter or above.

What you need

  • Headphones (to hear yourself without feedback)
  • Any microphone: the built-in mic works, a USB or audio-interface mic sounds better
  • A quiet room
  • A beat: from your library, an upload, or a template

Record MIDI instead of audio

The same Record panel records MIDI: connect a MIDI keyboard (Chrome or Edge on a computer) or use the computer keys as a piano, and the notes land on a new MIDI track.

Common mistakes

  • Recording without headphones. The beat leaks into the vocal. Use headphones, or keep the monitor off.
  • Skipping latency calibration. Takes land a little late. Measure it once per device.
  • Recording too hot. If the meter hits the top, move back from the mic or lower the input.
  • One take and done. Record three or four and comp the best lines.

Questions

Is recording free?

Yes. Recording, takes, comping, effects and mixing are free in Genie Studio. Exporting the result needs Starter or above.

Can I record on my phone?

Yes, in the iPhone and Android apps and in a mobile browser. Allow microphone access, and use wired headphones for the lowest delay.

Can I auto-tune my voice?

Yes. Choose the tuned vocal chain before recording, or add pitch correction to the track afterwards.

Can I use my own beat?

Yes. Upload an MP3, WAV, M4A or FLAC up to 60 MB that you own or are allowed to use.

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