Decent chain for rap vocals - talking mid-price-ish...

Oneleven · 21st July 2005

Currently running either a Rode NT2000, or a Shure KSM32 - with an Oktava MK319 that hardly sees the light of day - into a Sytek (also have a JoeMeek VC6Q, a Presonus TubePre fitted out with a Groove Tubes 12AX7 tube - making it at least usable on certain sources - and the stock pres on the EMU 1820m...)
From there into an RNC - just to even the signal out... Not exactly thrilled with it as a tool for coloration as far as rap vocals are concerned (generally compress rather heavily ITB, using Waves RenComp or PSP VintageWarmer) but it does what I use it for very effectively and transparently...
From there into the aforementioned 1820M, and into Cubase SX2.
Looking to make upgrades/additions to the signal path across the board, and would value any and all input...
Looking at getting more useful outboard compression first - probably a DBX 160x or 160xt...
Mic wise, looking at the lower end Neumanns - BCM 104, TLM 103... Soundelux U195... Beyer Dynamic M160... Shure SM7b... Looking for feedback on stuff from ADK and Lawson...
Preamp wise, I'm pleased with the Sytek, but it's a loaner, and I don't want to come to depend on it... Would like some input on the RNP for rap - I have of course been quite pleased with the value and utility of the RNC, but haven't had any experience with the pres...
Also looking at putting together something modular - lunchboxey, like one of the OSA enclosures with whatever units I decide to acquire - OSA, Purple Audio, API, etc. I'm really feeling the whole modular thing...
Also looking at the GT Brick - it wouldn't be bad to have a good bass DI thrown in the package...
Maybe the Summit 2BA-221 instead?
Looking at getting a good outboard EQ too - maybe one of those Speck units?
I wanted to start this thread not only to get feedback on what choices I should make, but also to open a dialogue on rap vocal signal chains, focused on mid-priced equipment...
Want to see what you all been using...

Oneleven · 22nd July 2005

Also looking for feedback on the EV RE20, and some of the SE mics, like the Gemini...

Oneleven · 31st July 2005

Either I've started a thread that everyone feels is redundant, or no one on here gives a crap about rap vocals...
Or, perhaps the wheels of progress turn rather slowly on this forum (which I'm frankly somewhat more than slightly reluctant to believe...)
I mean, damn - ain't a motherflower done a search on like, SM7B or Sytek and haven't had something at all to contribute? Especially with all these cats I'm convinced have accepted (even grudgingly)that rap vocals will be a big part of their bread-and-butter business for the forseeable future...
Y ya saben lo que grito...

beatzz · 31st July 2005

Well i recently aquired is SM58 for rap vocals........ and i was pleasently surpirsed!

PT User · 31st July 2005

I have found 3 combo that our proven winners.

The best of the two: Rode NTK into a Vintech 1272

when the above doesnt work: Soundelux U195 into the Vintech

Last Resort: Soundelux into the Avalon737

s.d.finley · 31st July 2005

You could always try a "search" on rap vocals....I did and got 162 results....

http://gearslutz.com/board/search.php3?searchid=378718

click it....

sdf

Jules · 1st August 2005

studiomusic · 1st August 2005

Studio Projects C3 into a Focusrite ISA 220 into Apogee AD8000 into ProTools Mix+ sounds good with my Rapper Friend on the mic.
I think that that's the key, find one that sounds good for the voice you're recording.
Trial and error (I tried an SM57 into a Bear-ringer tube pre...error

).

Oneleven · 11th August 2005

I just picked up an SM7b and a 160xt...
So far they're really interesting... Haven't has much time to work with them, but I'll post when I have...

Full Clip Audio · 11th August 2005

I personally like the RNPs better than the RNCs for most things. The RNCs work well for slight smoothing and they are very transparent but they dont do it for me when it comes to big transients. The RNPs have a very nice open top end wihtout being even a bit harsh. They really are at the opposite end of the spectrum from a vintage tube pre (I know thats very general) , bursting at the seams, saturated sound. They are very modern sounding and detailed. I have tried them with a lot of different mics in all different price points and so far the best match for most rappers seems to be the CAD E-350. thumbsup

killahertz · 11th August 2005

for the me the soundelux u-195 with anything 'nevish' is a great look. If i was looking at a mid priced chain that could hang with just about anything i would go u-195 with a great river me1nv or a phoenix drs-1. My defacto vocal comp is a dbx 160xt its going to handle even the fastest tranisents without any problems at all. Of course my first choice is a sony c800g into a ams-neve 1073 reissue but not every project is going to have a budget for that but I can get a really similar sound/tone with the u-195 and the drs-1.

peace
hochi
killahertz

Fajita · 12th August 2005

OneEleven, that VC6Q adds a touch of color and the harder you hit the opto, the nicer it sounds.

thumbsup

Oneleven · 12th August 2005

Quote:

OneEleven, that VC6Q adds a touch of color and the harder you hit the opto, the nicer it sounds.

Yo, no doubt... I've found it really useful as a DI for bass and guitar, and I also use it as a channel strip to chunky up overly bright percussion - guiro, cowbell, etc...
I just don't like the pre as a vocal pre - I don't like how it sits in the mix - just muddies a nice vocal up, IMO... And I've run other pre's into the line input to use the comp and eq, but I found it alittle noisey for my taste... Interesting for a creative effect though...
But man, compared to that 160xt? lol... I think I might have to call in to work tomorrow - I've caught some serious sickness...

byunsen · 12th August 2005

ive heard over and over that the great river mic pre is really good, but do you guys think its appropriate for rap with its quick transients esp since many ppl call it very slow (slew rate or whatnot)

cynic one · 12th August 2005

I'm no pro, but I'm using a combo of a Rode NT1 and a Baby Bottle through a Langevin DVC...sounds good to my ears, although I'd like to pick up one of those SM7A's for my vox...

The Blue seems to work well on female voices, not so well on mine...

k2m · 12th August 2005

@oneeleven (kinda ot):

i woud love to hear the difference between the emu's pres and the other pre's you own since i have an emu 1820m too and would love to compare.

greetz

Oneleven · 14th August 2005

When I get around to it, I'll try to post something on here showing them up....

**TonyBelmont** · 14th August 2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by byunsen

ive heard over and over that the great river mic pre is really good, but do you guys think its appropriate for rap with its quick transients esp since many ppl call it very slow (slew rate or whatnot)

Don't pay attention to any of those specs when looking at mic pres. They won't tell you what it sounds like. I'm sure you could use any of the Great River stuff and be happy. I personally prefer Neve and API, and I'm sure the slew rates on Neve's aren't any faster . Where talking about pico-seconds and nano-secounds here..

moeses · 14th August 2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by PT User

I have found 3 combo that our proven winners.

The best of the two: Rode NTK into a Vintech 1272

oh yeah
for anyone who hates these two products, get them together in the right situation and they are perfect
one of my favorite recordings vocal recordings ever in hip hop was done with this chain

but from that whole album, only 2-3 songs would have worked with this set up
it's pretty dark
but for that mood, wow

moeses · 14th August 2005

and the rode ntk summit 2ba-221 set up isn't bad at all, it takes some time to get it dialed in right, which can be time consuming
but when you get it right, it's a really great combo

probably the biggest rap mixxer in the bay area( at least the busiest ) told me the vocal cuts i brought in with that combo were the best that had come into his studio

21st July 2005	#1
Oneleven Gear Head Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Humboldt Park - also Known as Lil San Juan... Chicago, USG Posts: 30 Thread Starter	Decent chain for rap vocals - talking mid-price-ish... Currently running either a Rode NT2000, or a Shure KSM32 - with an Oktava MK319 that hardly sees the light of day - into a Sytek (also have a JoeMeek VC6Q, a Presonus TubePre fitted out with a Groove Tubes 12AX7 tube - making it at least usable on certain sources - and the stock pres on the EMU 1820m...) From there into an RNC - just to even the signal out... Not exactly thrilled with it as a tool for coloration as far as rap vocals are concerned (generally compress rather heavily ITB, using Waves RenComp or PSP VintageWarmer) but it does what I use it for very effectively and transparently... From there into the aforementioned 1820M, and into Cubase SX2. Looking to make upgrades/additions to the signal path across the board, and would value any and all input... Looking at getting more useful outboard compression first - probably a DBX 160x or 160xt... Mic wise, looking at the lower end Neumanns - BCM 104, TLM 103... Soundelux U195... Beyer Dynamic M160... Shure SM7b... Looking for feedback on stuff from ADK and Lawson... Preamp wise, I'm pleased with the Sytek, but it's a loaner, and I don't want to come to depend on it... Would like some input on the RNP for rap - I have of course been quite pleased with the value and utility of the RNC, but haven't had any experience with the pres... Also looking at putting together something modular - lunchboxey, like one of the OSA enclosures with whatever units I decide to acquire - OSA, Purple Audio, API, etc. I'm really feeling the whole modular thing... Also looking at the GT Brick - it wouldn't be bad to have a good bass DI thrown in the package... Maybe the Summit 2BA-221 instead? Looking at getting a good outboard EQ too - maybe one of those Speck units? I wanted to start this thread not only to get feedback on what choices I should make, but also to open a dialogue on rap vocal signal chains, focused on mid-priced equipment... Want to see what you all been using...

31st July 2005	#3
Oneleven Gear Head Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Humboldt Park - also Known as Lil San Juan... Chicago, USG Posts: 30 Thread Starter	So then... Either I've started a thread that everyone feels is redundant, or no one on here gives a crap about rap vocals... Or, perhaps the wheels of progress turn rather slowly on this forum (which I'm frankly somewhat more than slightly reluctant to believe...) I mean, damn - ain't a motherflower done a search on like, SM7B or Sytek and haven't had something at all to contribute? Especially with all these cats I'm convinced have accepted (even grudgingly)that rap vocals will be a big part of their bread-and-butter business for the forseeable future... Y ya saben lo que grito...

31st July 2005	#5
PT User Gear maniac Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 289	I have found 3 combo that our proven winners. The best of the two: Rode NTK into a Vintech 1272 when the above doesnt work: Soundelux U195 into the Vintech Last Resort: Soundelux into the Avalon737 __________________ Who ever said this would be Easy! http://www.myspace.com/sightthrusound

1st August 2005	#7
Jules Gearslutz.com admin Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: A Yank in London, UK Posts: 17,356 1 Review written	bump

11th August 2005	#9
Oneleven Gear Head Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Humboldt Park - also Known as Lil San Juan... Chicago, USG Posts: 30 Thread Starter	So... I just picked up an SM7b and a 160xt... So far they're really interesting... Haven't has much time to work with them, but I'll post when I have...

22nd July 2005	#2
Oneleven Gear Head Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Humboldt Park - also Known as Lil San Juan... Chicago, USG Posts: 30 Thread Starter	Also looking for feedback on the EV RE20, and some of the SE mics, like the Gemini...

31st July 2005	#4
beatzz Gear maniac Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Toronto Posts: 262	Well i recently aquired is SM58 for rap vocals........ and i was pleasently surpirsed!

31st July 2005	#6
s.d.finley Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 3,562	You could always try a "search" on rap vocals....I did and got 162 results.... http://gearslutz.com/board/search.php3?searchid=378718 click it.... sdf

1st August 2005	#8
studiomusic Gear maniac Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Utah Posts: 216	Studio Projects C3 into a Focusrite ISA 220 into Apogee AD8000 into ProTools Mix+ sounds good with my Rapper Friend on the mic. I think that that's the key, find one that sounds good for the voice you're recording. Trial and error (I tried an SM57 into a Bear-ringer tube pre...error ).

11th August 2005	#10
Full Clip Audio Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 865	I personally like the RNPs better than the RNCs for most things. The RNCs work well for slight smoothing and they are very transparent but they dont do it for me when it comes to big transients. The RNPs have a very nice open top end wihtout being even a bit harsh. They really are at the opposite end of the spectrum from a vintage tube pre (I know thats very general) , bursting at the seams, saturated sound. They are very modern sounding and detailed. I have tried them with a lot of different mics in all different price points and so far the best match for most rappers seems to be the CAD E-350. thumbsup __________________ FCA Myspace

11th August 2005	#11
killahertz Gear Head Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 72	for the me the soundelux u-195 with anything 'nevish' is a great look. If i was looking at a mid priced chain that could hang with just about anything i would go u-195 with a great river me1nv or a phoenix drs-1. My defacto vocal comp is a dbx 160xt its going to handle even the fastest tranisents without any problems at all. Of course my first choice is a sony c800g into a ams-neve 1073 reissue but not every project is going to have a budget for that but I can get a really similar sound/tone with the u-195 and the drs-1. peace hochi killahertz

12th August 2005	#12
Fajita Lives for gear Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 656	OneEleven, that VC6Q adds a touch of color and the harder you hit the opto, the nicer it sounds. thumbsup __________________ Ray Trujillo Senior Audio Engineer Discovery Channel Latin America/US Hispanic MTP&O Miami, FL

12th August 2005	#14
byunsen Gear Head Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 59	ive heard over and over that the great river mic pre is really good, but do you guys think its appropriate for rap with its quick transients esp since many ppl call it very slow (slew rate or whatnot)

12th August 2005	#15
cynic one Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: san jose, califas Posts: 2,610	I'm no pro, but I'm using a combo of a Rode NT1 and a Baby Bottle through a Langevin DVC...sounds good to my ears, although I'd like to pick up one of those SM7A's for my vox... The Blue seems to work well on female voices, not so well on mine... __________________ cynicone on bandcamp cynicone on soundcloud damaged goods crew

12th August 2005	#16
k2m Gear Head Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 45	@oneeleven (kinda ot): i woud love to hear the difference between the emu's pres and the other pre's you own since i have an emu 1820m too and would love to compare. greetz __________________ headphones lie...

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Vincent Price rap vox chain?	Philip S Bova	Bruce Swedien	6	13th September 2006 02:53 AM
The Vincent Price “Rap” on “Thriller”...	Bruce Swedien	Bruce Swedien	4	7th September 2006 04:06 PM
What's a decent price for the DBX 160 VU	vudoo	So much gear, so little time!	4	21st September 2004 09:39 AM
Mid Price Para. EQ?	Ken D.	So much gear, so little time!	8	15th June 2003 08:08 PM

14th August 2005	#17
Oneleven Gear Head Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Humboldt Park - also Known as Lil San Juan... Chicago, USG Posts: 30 Thread Starter	When I get around to it, I'll try to post something on here showing them up....

14th August 2005	#20
moeses Gear addict Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: san francisco bay area Posts: 365	and the rode ntk summit 2ba-221 set up isn't bad at all, it takes some time to get it dialed in right, which can be time consuming but when you get it right, it's a really great combo probably the biggest rap mixxer in the bay area( at least the busiest ) told me the vocal cuts i brought in with that combo were the best that had come into his studio