Which effects should I apply on my rap vocals for best studio quality?

Former user wrote on 11/1/2012, 3:19 PM

I just bought Music Maker Hip-Hop Edition and immediately started recording and creating beats, except that my vocals aren't as clear as they should be, I mean they come out good and clear but don't sound professional. I might be applying the wrong effects or something, anyway it's still new to me. I guess i just want to know what kinds of effects you must apply to your (rap) vocals after recording (reverb, normalize, bass boost etc.) and what's the quantity?. Thanks

Comments

gandjcarr wrote on 11/1/2012, 3:29 PM

Hi,

Studio quality vocals are going to depend a lot more on the microphone you use and the type of file that you record in than it will with the effects you use.  Effects are usually applied to a vocal or instrument after it has been recorded at optimum quality, not during the recording process.

Good Luck,

George

gandjcarr wrote on 11/1/2012, 5:09 PM

Hi Again,

One other comment.  Once you have clear high quality vocals, then start to work with your effects.  The compression or compressor effect is your friend but it does require a gentle touch.  Expiriment with it and eventually you will find the settings that enhance the vocal track.  The same is true with reverb.  Make subtle changes, not radical ones otherwise you will never find the right balance.

Once you get the sound that you want, then you can start working with "scratch pads" and some of the other effects that fit in your music style.  Finally, learn to "master" your audio mix.  Mastering is what most artists forget to do which is probably the most important part of creating a final production.

This all takes time and experimenting to get the sound that you want, but i is definitley worth it.

Learn, experiment and try really hard and you will create the music that sounds the way you want it to.

Good Luck,

George

jojjy wrote on 12/9/2012, 5:15 PM

When I mix in my vocals, I consider mixing other instruments too, atleast the volume leves. I read the ques and answers, I also use chorus sparingly as well, to add to gandjcarr's list. I've even used Vandal fx so it tells me if the presets aren't good enough, then experiment. Note- I use keyboard to bass fx on my vocals whatever works. Idea: Can we kick it with some heavy-weights of the industry and watch them mix? One thisg I must begin doing is do a master mix. I shall explore this now. Peace, jc