This is what im

[SqHizzel]

This is what im gonna do, Ima get A mac laptop or another, and use garage band and another software to record my rap vocals. Because I wont be creating my beats, all my beats are made for me, so there already on my computer. So I was wondering what laptop do yall recommend? what microphone (need 150 or less) and what software? plz and thanks for da help

 

[pinkieandtherev]

SM58. (Or the GLS ES-58 from www.speakerrepair.com from what I hear...it's cheap and it should lay down a rap vocal nicely, if you work it right.)

 

[mattr]

You'll also want some kind of interface (preferably with built-in mic preamp) to record with. Don't forget to put this onto your shopping list. Maybe something basic like the M-audio Fast Track USB if you're on a tight budget... http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/FastTrackUSB.html

 

[pinkieandtherev]

durrr...forgot about that. The Fast Track USB is a great option. ALSO, for limited budgets on a computer that has a decent sound card built in (something with a decent line in, I know most computer mic jacks suck wind), you could go with a small mixer with decent pre's such as the Peavey PV6. (There are even smaller options, but personally I like having more mic inputs.) I recorded my first two albums with the PV6, an SM58, my keyboards, and Sonar. You can hear the results on the song "Faithful to the End" on my myspace at http://www.myspace.com/joshmarihugh .

 

[TimOBrien]

My obligatory standard reply-for-newbies that I keep in Wordpad:

First off, immediately get a good beginner recording book (spend $20 before spending hundred$/thousand$) that shows you what you need to get started and how to hook everything up in your studio:
Home Recording for Musicians by Jeff Strong - $15
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/07...ce&n=283155&n=507846&s=books&v=glance
(Wish I'd had that when I started; would have saved me lots of money and time and grief)
You can also pick up this book in most any Borders or Barnes&Noble in the Music Books section!

Another good one is: Recording Guitar and Bass by Huw Price
http://www.amazon.com/Recording-Gui...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1215734124&sr=1-1
(I got my copy at a place called Half-Price Books for $6!!)

And you can get a FREE subscription to TapeOp magazine at www.tapeop.com

Barnes&Noble or Borders are great places to start --- they have recording books and you can go get a snack or coffee and read them for FREE! Don't pass by a good recording book --- this is a VERY technical hobby and you REALLY want to start a reference library!!!

Good Newbie guides that also explains all the basics and have good tips:
http://www.tweakheadz.com/guide.htm
http://www.computermusic.co.uk/page/computermusic?entry=free_beginner_pdfs
http://www.harmony-central.com/articles/

21 Ways To Assemble a Recording Rig: http://www.tweakheadz.com/rigs.htm

Also Good Info: http://www.theprojectstudiohandbook.com/directory.htm

Other recording books: http://musicbooksplus.com/home-recording-c-31.html

Still using a built-in soundcard?? Unfortunately, those are made with less than $1 worth of chips for beeps, boops and light gaming (not to mention cheapness for the manufacturer) and NOT quality music production.
#1 Rule of Recording: You MUST replace the built-in soundcard.
Here's a good guide and tested suggestions: http://www.tweakheadz.com/soundcards_for_the_home_studio.htm