Please critique this rap recording

  • Thread starter Thread starter FattMusiek
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FattMusiek

FattMusiek

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Let me first say I am new to recording rap. My experience in recording has been in rock music. I recently started recording my friend, but it's becoming clear to me that there's more to recording rap than meets the ear. Another local recordist seems to have an edge in his vocal tracks; they sound beefier than mine. I do not know his signal chain. Here is a link which contains both songs. The one I recorded is "Too Weird", the one I'm referring to from the other guy is "Tomorrow by the Ocean". Forgive me for giving you guys only myspace links, I know the quality blows. Consider downloading the mp3 as opposed to streaming it.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=30839555

My recording setup is currently a Presonus Firepod and an Audio Technica AT4033/SE condensor microphone that I am borrowing. I have access to decent plugins. The microphone is in a nearby small utility room with cement floors and insolation on the walls. I think I will try moving the mic into the main room and see if I get a fully sound. On our track, "Too Weird", the .wav I was given has the chyme track mixed in. To emphasize the snare and kick I use compression, but the distracting chyme track is also brought up. For this reason I could not simply blast the vocal level, I had to keep it down for the sake of the mix. I am also curious about tried and true EQ techniques for rap vocal tracks. Where should I boost for more meat? Where should I boost for more clarity without siblance?

Any comments and advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
Well, my fist rule is: "It's all about the preamp you use." If you have a tight mic, but a cheap preamp, your not gonna get anywhere. That's like putting a 1985 Honda motor in a Mustang. Car looks good, but you got no punch. So, invest in a good preamp like an Avalon. I know money doesn't grow on trees, but it will give you an edge.

Oh Ya, don't take the signal from your preamp and put it into the preamp of your sound card. Put it into the line. Better yet, if you have ADAT in use that, it's cleaner. Try to make the signal patch as clean as possible. And get a monster cable from your mic to preamp and to your soundcard. It makes a differance. All the audio coming out doesn't have to be expensive cables. Just going in...

Don't use a lot of compression going in, just enough so you don't clip in the red on high volume parts. Compress again in the mix and EQ.

Mix wise, the vocals are just a little loud. If you can, mix your beats around your vocals when you mixdown. And pan instruments around your vocal. Remember, always mix instruments a little louder. Cause the instrumental by it self will sound good, but when you add the vocal, everything will drop out and get lower.

Also, treat your vocal booth with studio foam. This will give you more control over your vocals.
 
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