What specific equipment do I need to start home recording vocals?

  • Thread starter Thread starter MunAzel
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MunAzel

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Hi, I am seriously think about setting up a small home recording stadio, but wasn't too sure on what exactly I would need, specially rap. I have songs and beats written down and stuff already. So if I was going to be recording rap what will I need. I know I'll need a condenser mic, and some type of analog to digital mixer? I have this one guitar Digitech RP-350 laying around and was wondering if I could use that? Thanks in advance
 
1.- A Computer. Mac or PC, fairly new.
2.- DAW software. Pro Tools, Cubase, Logic, Nuendo, Digital Performer... The List goes on and on, all sound great and include their respective plug ins, some of them quite good.
3.- Audio interface. Loads of brands and sizes, you need one with 2 inputs, at least 1 pre amp. EDIT: M-Audio makes fine cheap interfaces specifically made for home studios, check their site. Fast Track will work, only $149
4.- Microphone. The best ones for vocals are condensers. A Dynamic will work for a demo, but a condenser will make it shine. My recommendation would be an Audio-Technica 2020: Sounds great and it's $99.
4.1.- Pop Filter. This is BASIC for recording vocals, so you don't hear every spit.
4.2.- Mic Stand. No need to explain.
5.- Headphones. Record with these. If you can't afford Monitor Speakers yet, mix with these.
Everything with all their respective cables and wirings.

This is a most basic setup to get a nice home recording.

About the Digitech RP-350: I don't think it would be of much use in a hip-hop/rap studio. I would sell it to afford all the other stuff.
 
1. Yea, I have one I bought 2 months ago. PC AMD Dual core 3.1 Ghz, 3 Gigs of ram and a real good built in sound card.
2. DAW is the software right? For that I use Audicity, but should I consider buying a professional one?
3. Alright thanks, I'll go and check that one out.
4. Thanks for the recommendation, that's what I was really wondering about. And of course a pop filter and stands are of a must.
5. Headphones like some Dr Dre Beats? One pair? And I believe I'm going to have enough money to buy speaker monitors. Not smart to mix with headphones.

Thanks
 
And I believe I'm going to have enough money to buy speaker monitors.
Click to expand...
By far (and I mean FAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRR), the absolute most important purchase you will ever make as far as audio goes, is your monitoring chain. Better to get good monitors first and sit there listening to them (learning them, learning to listen) for a year while you save up for everything else than to jump in backwards over the rocks.
 
Mun,

I would agree about the condenser mic, though that doesn't narrow it down much. Specifically you'll want to try a large diaphragm condenser like a Rode NT2-A (just because it's the one I use:)), or an AT-2035. For those you'll need an audio interface like an M-Audio Fast Track or similar, which have the analog-to-digital conversion. If budget is a serious issue, you could try a USB mic, which will have the A-D converter built in! Try the Samson C01U for that. Other than that, just download Reaper software and you should be ready to rock...or rap.

Hope that helps.

Ken
 
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