A system and method for creating more realistic lip syncing to pre-recorded vocal tracks during live performance, music videos, film, television, and the like. During a lip synchronized performance, the system and method simulates signal level, proximity effect, and other parameters normally associated with a live performance. A proximity sensor attached in a fixed relationship with a microphone dynamically detects the distance between a microphone and the vocalist. A control data stream that includes dynamic distance information sensed by the proximity sensor is used to increase the signal level of the pre-recorded vocal track as the sensed distance between the microphone and vocalist decreases and decrease the signal level of the vocal track as the distance between the microphone and vocal track increases.