What setup should I have for a recording studio strictly for hip hop vocals.

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mc98matt

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I am looking to get a new microphone and interface. My current setup is a MXL 990 and a M-audio Fastrack. I have a behringer mixer but it isn't in use because of my 1 port interface. I am ready for a upgrade. I master pro tools Se and am ready for a new pro tools software too. Budget is 800. Thanks everyone
 
At the risk of giving the HR stock answer, how are the acoustics of your recording space?

The MXL990 isn't a great mic and wouldn't be my first choice for hiphop vocals--but, unless you've already treated your room, you can probably get more improvement for you buck by improving the room than by improving your mic. Indeed, as you mics get better, they also do a better job of showing up the problems with your recording space.
 
mc98matt said:
I am looking to get a new microphone and interface. My current setup is a MXL 990 and a M-audio Fastrack. I have a behringer mixer but it isn't in use because of my 1 port interface. I am ready for a upgrade. I master pro tools Se and am ready for a new pro tools software too. Budget is 800. Thanks everyone
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First off, I would like to point out that 'strictly hip hop vocals' is a statement that really doesn't have anything unique. I find it odd that so many in this genre like to place themselves in a unique category...

I work with a few guys in this genre. It is no different than recording vocals for any other style of music.


#1, Your room is likely going to be the thing that determines how well your vocals come out. If you do not address this, then no mic is going to give you 'great' results, as the issues with the acoustics of your room are going to destroy any attempt at trying.

#2, address #1 and then learn what your monitors are telling you. The mike you have now may be fine for your voice. Maybe not. No way to tell if you are recording with it in an environment that does not give you the ability to make a good judgment.

I hope this makes sense. I am not trying to bring you down. This is just honest truth from my experience.
 
Is there a good thread or article you know of addressing room treatment?

EDIT: Just noticed there is a whole section on this topic. I'll go there and check it out. :)
 
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Bobbsy said:
At the risk of giving the HR stock answer, how are the acoustics of your recording space?

The MXL990 isn't a great mic and wouldn't be my first choice for hiphop vocals--but, unless you've already treated your room, you can probably get more improvement for you buck by improving the room than by improving your mic. Indeed, as you mics get better, they also do a better job of showing up the problems with your recording space.
Click to expand...

jimmys69 said:
First off, I would like to point out that 'strictly hip hop vocals' is a statement that really doesn't have anything unique. I find it odd that so many in this genre like to place themselves in a unique category...

I work with a few guys in this genre. It is no different than recording vocals for any other style of music.


#1, Your room is likely going to be the thing that determines how well your vocals come out. If you do not address this, then no mic is going to give you 'great' results, as the issues with the acoustics of your room are going to destroy any attempt at trying.

#2, address #1 and then learn what your monitors are telling you. The mike you have now may be fine for your voice. Maybe not. No way to tell if you are recording with it in an environment that does not give you the ability to make a good judgment.

I hope this makes sense. I am not trying to bring you down. This is just honest truth from my experience.
Click to expand...
Man, you guys are awesome. If I gave those kinds of answers, I'd get attacked in every direction by a bunch of blow hards for not "encouraging a noob". How do you do it? I am not worthy.

From now on, I'll end all my posts in this section with:

Attaboy!!!
You can do it!!!!!
Go get 'em Tiger!!!!!!!


:D :D :D
 
Just tell it like ya know it, RAMI and let the blow hards blow hard.

Way to go!
Atta Boy!
 
jimmys69 said:
The mike you have now.....
Click to expand...


(ahem)

mic



:D

OP...

pretty much like they said. If you've got a dedicated space for recording, the best bang for the buck you'll get is gonna be room treatment. Bass traps usually come first.
More bang for the buck than pretty much any piece of gear you'd buy.
:)
 
But what about micing/miking?

I hate those meeces to pieces....
 
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