What Can I Do... (Rap Genre)

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lowlow42

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Hi everyone, I have a recording sample (mp3) of a friend I've been recording and I also have a screen of the same song in Audition. Can you take a listen to the mp3 and take a look at the Screenshot and tell me what I can do to improve the sound or anything. Everything I've ever recorded is kind of in this same format, and I'm sure it can be improved. (P.S. I realize I have no doubles on this song... He had to leave, thats why they weren't recorded. And I'm also aware he is a little off beat.)

Thanks!

Oh, and I use: Behringer UB802 mixer, Marshall v57 MXL, and M-Audio 24/96 soundcard.

Sample mp3
Audition Screen
 
A bit of proximity effect on the vocals--back off the mic. Vocals too loud. Sounds like karaoke. Music doesn't "hit" hard, has no low end. Overall things sound dull with no crispness on the high hat. Music is very Casio.

Lack of any professional polish at all. If you're going to mix a song, MIX it. Right now it sounds like just the raw tracks that are recorded so-so.
 
Ok... Well what can I do? I am a newb to this stuff, so I do not know a lot of Audio terms. But I think what you are saying is to lower the volume of the vocals, and the other stuff you said I didnt understand....


Thanks for replying!
 
Honestly I think you need to learn more about audio and mixing, then give that mix another shot.

Pay special attention to EQ and COMPRESSION. Those are the two biggies when mixing for getting a professional sound.

The vocals need some compression, a little bit of eq, and to be set in the mix right. A touch of reverb will help.

The instruments themselves need a lot of work with more of the same.
 
Cloneboy Studio said:
Honestly I think you need to learn more about audio and mixing, then give that mix another shot.
Click to expand...
Lol, I'm trying. Are there books or any websites that can go into detail about this?

Cloneboy Studio said:
Pay special attention to EQ and COMPRESSION. Those are the two biggies when mixing for getting a professional sound.

The vocals need some compression, a little bit of eq, and to be set in the mix right. A touch of reverb will help.
Click to expand...
Do I need hardware units, or should I use the built-in features in Audition? What exactly can I do (procedure) to the vocals?
 
P.S. By the look of the Screen shot that I posted earlier, are the volume for each track about right? Or what should they normally be at? (I.e. What would you set them as on average?)
 
its very hard to advise off the back of a screenshot, as levels can vary depending on the instrument and how it was recorded. best thing would be just to follow the advice above, and just play with the levels a touch until it sounds better to you.thats the best way youre gonna learn to keep producing stuff too.
i like what you got tho. very moody.
 
Thanks for the reply, Ok.
Pay special attention to EQ and COMPRESSION. Those are the two biggies when mixing for getting a professional sound.

The vocals need some compression, a little bit of eq, and to be set in the mix right. A touch of reverb will help.
Click to expand...
Well what exactly does this mean, and how do I do it?
 
lowlow42 said:
Thanks for the reply, Ok.

Well what exactly does this mean, and how do I do it?
Click to expand...

Ummm....

Definately do some research on EQ and compression techniques as it pertains to recording and mixing. It's essential.
 
Alright Then... I'm sure if I google it, I'll find something. As for another quick question I posted in another thread, how do you get the vocals and instrumental/beat to sound loud and rich without clipping?
 
Dude... you have to learn to fend for yourself. I (and others here) have no problem answering questions and even explaining the answers, but you are acting like you are helpless.

Do like everyone else does... fuck around with the software for hours and weeks on end until you get something cool. Along the way you'll learn a lot of "do's" and even more "definately don't do's".

But if you *must* know... lemme see if I can remember from using CEP.

Go to FX>dynamics>dynamics processing

I think those are the labels.
 
Damn, sorry for asking for a link to a website that might go into detail.... I appreciate your help but I'm still a newb, so I figure instead of asking question after question on this thread, you could give me a link to a website that goes into detail about Audition, or at least refer a book. Is that so much to ask?
 
Coming from someone that was in your position 6yrs ago, what Cloneboy is saying is to learn by trial and error, no one is going to do it(Mixing)for you, not to mention, this is the best way to learn.

As far as I'm concerned you're already ahead of the game as people are telling you whats wrong by GIVING you the "audio terms".

Now it's as simple as applying them,(once you learn what they are) and this is to your discretion as your the one in front of the screen and listening.

My advice is to retain some monitors, set the mic up so that it stays put(for consistency) make sure you adjust the input output levels(once again to your discretion, as you are the judge) and make sure whoever records isn't too close to the mic(proximity effect-an increase in bass frequency output when the microphone is placed a foot or less away from the instrument, in your case a person) and compress/EQ...although in my opinion, EQ is something I'd try not to do unless absolutley nesseccary, but thats me. I don't work with the equipment you have, so it's bound to be, as they say, different strokes for different folks.
 
Ok, I see exactly where you are coming from. Thanks for explaining. Just today I've been playing around with compression, and volume levels and I've seen a difference. I'm learning more and more, slowly but surely.

I appreciate everyones help, please dont get it twisted, all the advice everyone gives me here on this forum is appreciated greatly! So Thanks Again Cloneboy, Brummygit, and Apex702, along with everyone else from other threads that have helped!
 
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