As an indie hip hop artist and rapper, recording vocals is crucial. Whether you work with a professional studio or use your own home setup, it’s important to know the best techniques. These are the top five vocal recording techniques every indie hip hop artist should know.
Use the Right Microphone
For hip hop music, a dynamic microphone is the best choice. Dynamic microphones are rugged and well-suited for handling the high SPL of a rapper’s voice. Some popular dynamic microphones for recording hip hop vocals include the Shure SM7B, the Electro-Voice RE20, and the Sennheiser MD421.
Find the Right Distance from the Microphone
Once you’ve chosen the right microphone, it’s important to find the right distance from the microphone to get the best sound. For hip hop vocals, a distance of 6-12 inches is usually best. This will give you a good balance of proximity effect and clarity. If you’re too far away, your vocals will sound thin and distant. If you’re too close, you’ll get too much bass and your vocals will sound boomy and indistinct.
Use Pop Filters and Wind Screens
Pop filters and wind screens are essential tools for recording great vocals. Pop filters reduce plosive sounds that can cause a popping noise on the microphone. Wind screens reduce wind noise and breath sounds when you’re recording outdoors or in a windy environment. Both of these tools can be purchased for a low cost and will improve the overall quality of your vocal recordings.
Use EQ and Compression
EQ and compression are important tools for shaping the sound of your vocals. EQ is used to boost or cut specific frequencies to make your vocal track sound more balanced and polished. Compression evens out the dynamic range of your vocals, making the loud parts quieter and the quiet parts louder. By using EQ and compression effectively, you can make your vocals sound more powerful, punchy, and professional.
Record Multiple Takes
Don’t be afraid to record multiple takes of your vocals. Even the best rappers and singers make mistakes and need to do multiple takes to get the best performance. By recording multiple takes, you’ll have a better selection of material to work with and can choose the best parts for your final recording. Just be sure to give yourself plenty of time to warm up and get comfortable before you start recording. This will help you deliver your best performance.
In conclusion, these are the top five vocal recording techniques every indie hip hop artist should know. By using the right microphone, finding the right distance, using pop filters and wind screens, using EQ and compression, and recording multiple takes, you’ll be well on your way to creating great vocal recordings.
