Hip-Hop/Rap Home Recording Microphone Questions

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misterkid10

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Thank you for reading.

I have been writing lyrics for quite some time and only recently have become serious about trying to develop my recording acumen and put my music out there.

First of all, so you have a basic understanding of my style and background... I love good rap and I hate shitty rap. I don't think there is a music genre with a larger disparity in talent than that which exists in rap music. And often times the terrible rappers, with their commercialized appeal and punchline antics, are the most successful. This is why I believe many people hate rap and I understand it completely. But I have a deep respect and passion for the rappers that take the trade seriously. My favorite rapper is Lupe. He is a genius in my opinion. I don't care what alot of people say about Eminem. I think he is an incredible lyricist and has a natural talent for creating catchy flows. A few of my other favorites are Biggie, K-OS, Nas, Jay Z, Big L, Andre 3000, Kid Cudi (I don't think he's a great lyricist, but his music is undeniably appealing), Kanye, Mos Def, Damian Marley, and Talib.

Anyways, I'm writing to ask a few questions about recording. I have a small collection of beats and have been let's say 'practicing' recording vocals over those beats. Honestly, it doesn't sound very good. I realize alot goes into recording and mixing to achieve an acceptable sound. I have done some researching in regards to adding compressor effects to smooth out the sound. It makes a difference, but it still doesn't sound all that great.

My microphone is a Samson CO1U (USB Studio Condenser). It is a $100 mic from Best Buy. The program I'm using to recrod is Sonar 8.5 LE. And I just have your standard general purpose laptop that seems to do fine supporting Sonar.

I would greatly appreciate any general home recording tips as well as any specific tips such as different audio fx, etc. I could use to increase quality of the sound. I know I have much to learn, so I apologize in advance if some of these questions sound ridiculous to some of you.

Also, I would be glad to send samples of some of my lyrics to those that are interested. More so than anything to show that I take the craft very seriously and am not just getting drunk and writing Drake lyrics, thinking I'm on my way to the big leagues in a few weeks.

Look forward to any and all responses !
 
Hey,

Some good things to look into for hip hop vocals is, dynamic processing, echo's, reverbs, eq, and panning techniques.


If you would like to improve quality I think the usb mic could be replaced with a nice condenser and audio interface. For HIP HOP, which is what I record, you could look into a AKG Perception 420 Condenser Microphone and a PreSonus FireBox 24-bit/96kHz FireWire Recording System.

You can type AKG 420 in ebay and find a great deal on the mic, pop filter, shockmount, case, and cables package for under $250 free shipping.

Also, the fire box brand new is bout $199 but I just searched ebay and seen some going for 50- $75 bucks.


As for the recording program, I liked ADOBE AUDITION 3 because it is GREAT for hip hop mixing. I use it to record, mix, and master. The program even got great features to do digital dj work for mixtapes.

but.... this is merely my opinion and can only be taking into consideration.

:)
 
u need a better mic

I think the most important thing for any recording is mic
for hip hop vocals here are some affordible great mics
the Blue Babybottle is my favorite if u can get a used one when they were still built in latvia even better
also for the money rode nt1a is a great mic

also a decent pre and outboard compressor are key in hip hop
the presonus studio channel is a affordable piece that sounds great

bottomline good mic and pres dont rely on ur software to makeup for bad signal to tape
 
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