recording rap on 4-track

[dash]

Hello,
im going to record some rap tracks with a 4-track tape recorder.
Is it better to compress the vocals before recording or after recording in the mixdown? The EQ comes into play after recording, if im right?
Do you know any good and cheap analog compressors and eqs?

 

[Audio Mastering]

There is no rules, you do what needs to be done. Every song is different. There is also no effect order or set settings for affects. You use your ears and your eyes (meters) to decide if you need a compressor while recording.

Ask yourself this question.
1. Does the singer have a wide dynamic range? If he or she doesn then maybe a compressor while recording is called for.

2. Are you recording in 24bit? If you are, you may not need to compress while recording, because you do not need to record as hot in 2bit. Anything from -24dB to -6db peak is a great level.

3. What sound are you going for? Does your outboard compressor add flavor to your vocals?

Im going to give you some tips I wrote:
How to record vocals

Compressor techniques

EQ tips

CJ

 

[heatmiser]

The OP mentioned he's recording to tape, so I don't think there are any bits involved. The tape will provide some compression of its own so try it without and see if you like the results. Cassette tape saturation/compression is not considered a desirable effect by most, but I have had decent results recording at high levels (without actually clipping) without any compression on the way in (or afterward for that matter).

I'm sorry I can't recommed outboard analog compressors as when I was recording to tape, the only compressor I used was built into a multi guitar FX pedal - noisey and not recommended.

As for EQ, yes, I would try to get the best sound you can on the way in without any and then use eq in the mix only if the vocals need adjustments relative to the other tracks in the mix.

Of course with rap, you're likely to have a huge dynamic range with aggressive plossives and whatnot, so depending on your own style and mic technique, you may find that some compression on the way in is necessary. I've tried it both ways and recommend trying to avoid it if you can and work with the uncompressed signal after the fact.