What to use for basic rap vocal recording?

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MarkBoss

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I have a PC laptop with FL Studio on it, but am looking to get a basic setup to record rap vocals. My budget is around $500.

I don't really know anything about hardware, my knowledge is all computer based.

I have been looking at an AT2020 USB, but I do not know what kind of quality you get versus non-USB. What other hardware is needed if it is not USB and what kind of money do these things run?

I would greatly appreciate any help or insight y'all might have. :)
 
Look at something like a US 122 MK11 USB 2.0 audio interface. You surely don't want to use an USB microphone.
 
So that is just a mixer? Do I need a preamp?

AT2020 is 66.84 on Amazon.
 
It's everything in one unit. The name brand is Tascam.
 
OK cool. So that is $97 dollars for the 122 on zzounds. Is the 144 better? Anything else I need?
 
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It all depends on what you want to do in the future.
Probably the best I can give you for advice.
If you think that someday you'll be wanting to record more than a few channels at one time then you should be looking for a interface that has say eight in puts to record each drum and over heads and a room mic on a full drum kit.
Then look into something like the Tascam US1642 or shop around and see what is within your budget with the most bells and whistles that will best serve you when you envision your quest.
 
No I'm just a rapper. I will never need more than 1 channel.

So I plug the mic into the Tascam and plug the Tascam into my computer. And run a line out to my monitors if and when I get those?
 
Well yes. But you'll need headphones as well if you need to track vocals to a beat that you have.
The monitors are for when you listen back to you track and when you mix everything that you have down.
 
Oh yeah I have headphones. I got these sweet ones on woot.com actually about a year ago for real cheap that has a stereo end.
 
No I have a collection of beats that I have amassed over the years (Not to mention many instrumental mixtapes How to Be an MC, etc.). This is just a hobby for now, hence the low budget. No sense paying for studio time if I can own my own equipment on the cheap.

I would love to make beats, but unfortunately I have no musical training. Even so these midi keyboards are pretty pricey.

I actually released my first song on YouTube a few weeks ago and have been able to get over 30,000 hits since. But that was mainly do to targeting a niche of people who I knew would listen :D

Thanks for the advice on the equipment moresound!
 
You know you can always look into a zoom R16 or the step up Zoom R24 (which are stand alone recorders) and produce your own beats. Beats to me come with feeling and visioning in your minds ear then putting them together, Which you can do electronically.
 
OK So:
Tascam US144 MKII USB 2.0 Audio Interface - $115
Audio Technica AT2020 Side Address Cardiod Condensor Studio Mic - $66.84
OMNITRONICS EPF-15A Cad Mic Pop Filter - $16.34 (not sure if this is metal...I would prefer metal to fabric)
On Stage Stands 7701B Tripod Boom Microphone Stand - $19.99
Samson SP01 Shockmount Spider Mount for Condenser Mics - $26.86

Comes out to like $245.03
 
That's a pretty good price.
Did you get to look at the Zooms?
 
Not really sure what I would do with that. If I really want to make beats I can do it in FL studio, but like I said no musical training leaves me at a huge disadvantage. I can't even read music :(
 
Not a lot of musicians can read music. Would be interesting to know the percentage though.
 
pretty much u some of the basics for recording yo owm music. go do some sweet music m8..
 
There are many cool mics that you can get for Rap vocals at a good price. I have had great luck with the MXL 2001 and it was very cheap! There are other companies offer a number of cheaper vocal mics for under $200.00 so just look around. I have recorded a lot of Rap a few years ago... Missy Elliot "Misdemeanor" CD, Nate Dogg, Tank were some of the projects i worked on and the most common Rap vocal mic... at least a couple years ago... was the Sony C800. I personally did not really think it was superior to many other options, but... it sure looks cool!! :-) On Missy Elliot's project I used a Neumann M149 with a GML mic pre through a Teletronix LA2A. I actually think the song I did with her has the best vocal sound on the CD! It only goes to show you that it is more about the "talent" when recording vocals then the mic. Stevie wonder used (or used to use...) an EV RE20 for vocals. This is a mic that you can find used for $250.00 and it is a GREAT narrative microphone. You may want to check it out if you can get a few more dollars together. Good luck!!
 
P.S. I would agree with the readers above who say stay away from a USB mic.
 
Thanks for the info soundtips. I am currently still in college so I have very little room right now anyway. Once I get my own place, I will hopefully be able to buy better stuff if my music making has been working out. Have always wanted a Neumann. Everyone says good things.
 
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