How to record rapvocals the best way?

[emzee]

Hi,
I try to figure out how to record my rapvocals the best way.. i am doing this time by using an AKG C 414 TLBS with an Channelstrip (Focusride) direct into the Mac Audio Software by using the In of an Delta 66.
So I do think the equipment is good.
But I dont really know how to place the Mic, doubling the whole vocal ? and how to compress eq etc that it fits to the beats. often the vocals arent present enough or to bassy but by cutting the low frequences most of the signal gets lost...
maybe one of you can give me some direction.. and sorry for faults in grammar and so on.. I am from Hamburg Germany.

Thanks so far

 

[LAZI]

Not familiar with the Focusrite channel strips... I think most rap vocals are gonna come out best compressed on the way into you recorder. You might go to section called THE RACK on this board and ask for some rap vocal settings for your Focusrite channel strip if no one gives em up here. Other than that medium vocal compression with no eq no efx works for me.

I use the 80 knock off filter on my mic because the vocals can be boomy due to the room so maybe it could work for you to. By doubling the vocals and slight EQing and EFX you will get some of the depth back.

Maintain a consistent flow on the main vocal track. Express key words more on the overdub (over express) and drag or speed up the voicing of words that have odd timing to keep from having pauses and lags in the delivery. Use volume, EQ, and EFXs, to move the overdub to the background. Don't be afraid to try some stuff. Mistakes can be pluses when it comes to rap vocals.

At least that's how I do it...

 

[emzee]

thxs so far lazi.
In my oppinion vocals should be compressed little while recording to Hd. I would normally compress the recorded vocals again.
I also use the Low Cut function integrated in the mic but my problem is more concentrated on how to Eq the main vocal part and how use Fxs.
For example .. many rapvocal parts seem to be doubled the whole time but it could also be some kind of fx .. I dont know.. also refrains/hooks are often wider than the main parts.. do you know how to realize that?
Iam thankful for hints

 

[crosstudio]

absolutely emzee.

i don't compress anything until i'm mixing. since you're recording in 24bit and digital is relatively quiet compared to the old analog stuff that i could afford to record on, there is not need to try to smack the meters.

you want your hip-hop vocals to be "in your face" but not overly boomy, so do take LAZI's suggestion and use the bass rolloff on your mic.

use your pop filter, and get up on the mic for your lead rap. your scat track you can record further away from the mic. I've gotten into the habit of recording my lead rap 1 foot from the mic, and my scat tracks (vocal doubling, chants, hype man) 3 feet from the mic.

i use an audio technica 4033 and i position it at nose level tilted down toward the mouth. i encourage the rapper to deliver vocals naturally, and don't try to point his/her head up toward the mic. the point is to get all the sound with less of the pop and boom.

if i'm going for more of an Dub C / RBX / Jeru / Just Ice type of rap style, then i'll place the mic at chin level and point it up toward the vocalist. its a more throaty vocal.

then i use the difference between the peak level and RMS level to determine where to set my compression threshold and ratio. i set my release time based on the BPM of the track.

 

[jugalo180]

for cross

can you shoot me to a tuturial or explaine to me a little bit on how to use your levels technique for setting the compression.