Basic Home Setup?

  • Thread starter Thread starter MrFif
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MrFif

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I've been going back and forth over what to get and what not to get, as far as equipment goes for my home studio.

I'm a rap artist, I will do miminal mixing (just send it off to my engineer.) However, I do plan to teach myself eventually.


How far do I really need to go as far as recording vocals is concerned?

I am thinking pre-amp/interface, mic/mic stand/reflection filter, monitors. Do I really need that much more than that?

Any other rap artists on here?? What type of set ups do you guys suggest?
 
If you're just recording rap vocals there isn't really a need for a big elaborate set-up. You will want to make sure you have a good area to do the recording. A good iso booth is probably the best option, but not sometimes hard to afford or fit into an existing space. I've gotten good results in a walk-in closet with clothes on each side. If you have the space set up you're in good shape.

If you get a good interface with good preamps in it then you should be in good shape by just adding a good mic. My recommendation is the Rode NT1a ($235ish) if you don't have a mic already.

As far as your interface is concerned you will want to think about what you are wanting to do in the future. Right now if you only intend of recording vocals you just need an XLR input. If later down the road you want to do more you may want some other options. If you get into the production side you may want some more inputs so you could record turntables, samplers and so on and possibly even MIDI.

I personally have an Mbox 2 Mini. It would be great for a simple rap set-up. It has the XLR input for the mic, but also has two 1/4" inputs that could be used to record a stereo turntable or anything else along those lines. The preamps aren't terrible. It comes with ProTools software which is pretty much industry standard when it comes to recording. Though not having ProTools doesn't mean that you can't have a good recording but it opens up options as far as working with other studios and being able to take your files and use their gear. It can be complicated to run if you are a novice however. There are plenty of other programs that are easier and do essentially the same thing.

If you can afford a good preamp to add to your set-up it wont hurt.
 
Thanks for the input fam, that's what I really wanted to know. Which way to go as far as mics are concerned. I was leaning towards Mbox as I am familiar with them already. I am also familiar with ProTools and will be working with ProTools when I go to other studios, as you mentioned.

I am going to check out the mic you mentioned. What about reflection filters and things of that nature?
 
With a good space to record you wouldn't really need a reflection filter. If the space isn't great, it would probably help. You definately need a pop filter for in front of the mic. The walk-in closet I've used worked fine without a reflection filter. There were clothes in there that took care of a lot of the reflections. If you are going to be in a more open room it would be a good purchase.

As far as that mic is concerned you can find a package at most of the online music retailers that comes with a shockmount, dvd, and a cable I believe. You can also find some a lot cheaper if your budget is limited. My experience with that mic has given great results for the price though.
 
Bumping this thread, I'm finally getting off my ass and getting my home set up together. Anyone familiar with BlueBird Condensor Microphones, how are they for recording vocals? My set up will be used mainly for hip hop/rep records.
 
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