musical idiot/computer illiterate

[spinballa]

I rap. I have no other musical talent. I am looking for a program or procedure that will let me build music using my vocals as a foundation. Desired program would allow me to record vocals to track 1, then, using simple controls like those of the hammerhead rhythm station, to create and easily change accompaniment to my jams. I have no clue in the areas of music theory, mixing, and pc use. Basically, I am no musician, just a guy with rhymes in his head, looking to put those rhymes to music as easily as possible... seeking instant gratification for my rhyming jones. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Spinnie

[esactun]

It'll probably work better to lay down the beats in your Hammerhead or other program first, and then rap over it. Or at least set up a "click track," just a basic one-sound beat to keep the time while you record the vocals. Otherwise your vocal track and the drum track won't sync up right.

With a visual interface like the old hammerhead Beat Box or like Drums!2.0 (shareware, $50 from downloads.com), you can program pretty good beats even without any understanding of music theory. You can slide beats that sound wrong into place.

The thread "I wanna do that!!" (http://homerecording.com/bbs/showthr...threadid=47856) mentions other things you may need-- multitrack software, a wave editor, a preamp... The first version of Goldwave was a simple, intuitive multitracker, so I bet their newer versions are too. www.goldwave.com --cheap too! Asia is a wave editor that I think is free. Search around the boards for discussions about this preamp vs that preamp, etc. There's a lot of great info on this site. Folks on the Rap/DJ/Beats forum can help you too, esp with beats software suggestions.

[SPINSTERWUN]

Check out the previous link that was posted for you, then check out Sonic Foundry Acid Pro 3.0

[SPINSTERWUN]

Here is the Acid website.....

http://www.sonicfoundry.com

peace...

[spinballa]

Thank you for the fast responses. Esactun, you suggested a click track, would this be used as a metronome or as a "yardstick" to sync other tracks into my vocals? I should reiterate, my computer and recording skills are about zero, or at least that is about the total of success thus far. Probably should also mention budget(way low) and musical aptitude(lower). Your advice and time are beaucoup good karma and much appreciated. THANK YOU !!! Looking forward to checking out these links.

Thanks again, Spinballa

[esactun]

"Esactun, you suggested a click track, would this be used as a metronome or as a "yardstick" to sync other tracks into my vocals?" --Spinballa

Yes it would! If you do vocals first, it's practically a must. Without one, you're bound to speed up/slow down slightly throughout the track, and only heroics with a wave editor (and the patience of a saint) would save the tracks. I've tried repairing tracks like this before, and quickly realized I should have just retracked.

Ferinstance, you can set the click track on track one in your multitracker. Since you set up the clikc track in a beats program, you'd know the tempo, time signature, BPM, etc. So when it's time to make the rhythm and beats tracks that'll go in your mix, you can set it for the right tempo, BPM, and all that. Since the vocals were recorded in time with the click track, they'll also be in time with the beats and rhythms you add.

You're very welcome for the help. I've recorded with all sorts of appalling equipment on fabulously low budgets, so I see where you're at. But you can learn a lot by recording with cheap-o-matics and some decent software, and as you learn it'll become apparent when it's time to upgrade.

[spinballa]

WHOA!!!! MY ignorance is so huge! Maybe Daddy needs a flow chart starting with "FREESTYLE RHYMES INTO CHEAPO MIKE CONNECTED TO (?) PROGRAM". Sorry for my density, thank you for being patient.

Still jonesing,
SPINBALLA

[spinballa]

Maybe someone could recommend some kind of pc recording primer. Sort of a "Home Recording for (total) Dummies", believe me, I am starting from a ZERO knowledge point.
Thanks again
for much needed patience and help,
SPINBALLA

[Bongo Boy]

Originally posted by spinballa
WHOA!!!! MY ignorance is so huge!

You're 90% of the way 'there', then.

[spinballa]

Just HAD to make my tenth post! Couldn't restrain myself.
SPINBALLA

[Chris Shaeffer]

Since you mentioned it, spinballa :

http://catalog.dummies.com/product.asp?isbn=0764516345

I've actually never read that book, but maybe it would help. Now, on to the free stuff on the web...

Here's a link to a page on a really cool site that I know of- MIDI basics for you to get that keyboard working with your computer:

http://homerecording.com/midi.html

(I'll post more details on your other thread...)

Lots of good reading found here (head for the "newbie" section first) :

http://www.phys.tue.nl/people/etimme...ordingFAQ.html

Also, if you haven't done so already, scoure www.homerecording.com for every scrap of information it has. Follow every link and look it over even if it doesn't make much sense.

Read everything you can, basically. I don't know much about the specific process for recording rap, though I know how I would go about learning it. Do all the reading you can and you'll begin to get an idea of where to start.

And, of course, continue to ask questions for clarification here. Its really hard for most folks to coach someone who is completely new- the more reading you can squeeze in, the more focused your questions will be, the more useful answers you will get.

Now then- back to your other thread...

Chris