How do you mix stereo rap vocals (extract inside)

[Zacchino]

Hi there,

For the guys who have some time, I'd really know what you think of the way I handled a stereo vocal rap tracking, with a shitty M-Audio Luna mic, no pream (except M-Audio ProjectMix's preamps).

The virtual vocal chain fx is huge (dynamic eqs, limiters). I hate having to do this everytime I track this rapper, but he is so much in the noise, that I just can't do something else. I'm waiting for an AT4060, and Tony's A2D and really hope it'll save me some post processing time !

It's the best stereo rap vocal mix I can do ITB so far (until I get my UAD-1e over there in France).

[EDIT 1] : It's in french, you probably won't get a word of his rap, but these lyrics on this track kick asses of every single french rappers, by far.

[EDIT 2] : No samples used, drums are not totally completed, violins made with VSL Solo Strings.
here's the extract :

[rickrock305]

damn i gotta get some of that VSL stuff.


the vocals weren't really present enough. sounds like maybe it needs some more EQ tweaking

by the way, i'm just listening on crappy computer speakers so i can't really tell whats going on fx wise, maybe that has something to do with it.

[Zacchino]

Originally Posted by rickrock305

damn i gotta get some of that VSL stuff.

For the violins, get VSL Chamber Strings (great for staccato), and Solo Strings (for long notes). You'll be able to create anything you want out of the two package. For horns, don't go VSL, get Projet SAM (orchestral style, not big band unfortunately, something that I still have to look for).

Originally Posted by rickrock305

the vocals weren't really present enough. sounds like maybe it needs some more EQ tweaking

More presence of the voice adds more noise transient, that's my actual issue. But I guess it's also because I don't have the right mike (damnit !!!).

Listening to crappy speakers is the best way to know these kind mix issue, so thank you very much !

[sequoia]

That sounded nice man, do the best you can with what you've got! The vocal would sound a little more full with some extra adlibs, level was cool, but again it could be a little more present. Maybe gate it, and lpf or notch for the extra noise. It's mostly there though!

I just got an A2D and it has made a huge, huge difference in my recordings. I'm using a Motu 896hd, since I've been using DP more than Protools now, the A2d has been a godsend. I hooked it up via the AES, and it is crackin', the DI sounds great too. You're gonna soooo love it, best deal on the preamp market right now. It's heaven with the SM7 (that rhymed).

On another note, I gotta say I love Paris! I went out there to do some shows about 5 years ago and met my wife, she's half French, and half Japanese. I've been out a bunch of times since and have seriously considered moving there. They have some great fans, talented musicians, and slamming records! Keep up the good work!

Zidane is hardcore!

[Zacchino]

Originally Posted by sequoia

do the best you can with what you've got!

That was my motto untill I heard the distressors in action, until I've heard the differences btw the hi-end frequency management of any of the AT 40 series mics, until I heard the differences between JBL LSR6328P and the Yamaha MSP5 (ew!!!), until I've heard awesome but costy orchestral samples libraries, etc.

Nowdays I prefer to say "Do the best you can with what you've got, and sell as many instrumentals as you can so you can reach what you don't have" !!! I'm not a kid anymore, but sometimes I just don't know why I should loose too much time realizing my ideas, when I have enough knowledge about the hardwae that will boost my productivity ratio.

The vocal would sound a little more full with some extra adlibs

You're right, we'll make adlibs when he finish his 3rd verse.

it could be a little more present.

Maybe gate it,

Already done hopefully, even if I've heard that gating vocals was evil lol.

and lpf or notch for the extra noise.

Can you please describe this one ?

It's mostly there though!

Yeah !! I'm very glad to hear this. I first wanna thanx, for this Sequoia grammy award, my JBL LSR6328P, they never lied to me, that's why I love em ^^
Where've you been listening the song ? In your studio or in home studio ? Which monitors ? Thanx in for your time anyway !

I just got an A2D and it has made a huge, It's heaven with the SM7 (that rhymed).

I knew it was the way to go ! I hope I'll be able to reach this setup as soon as possible this next two months.

PS : you should then work for Sure's marketing department

On another note, I gotta say I love Paris! I went out there to do some shows about 5 years ago and met my wife, she's half French, and half Japanese. I've been out a bunch of times since and have seriously considered moving there. They have some great fans, talented musicians, and slamming records! Keep up the good work!

Don't come back !!! Well, at least read some news about France's economic health, especially Music business' market. It not creative, it's not organized, it's just crap. France's politicians are more and more stupid and don't have balls at all. Also, France is basically ashamed of itself because of its immigration's integration failure. And yes they really should be ashamed, my last name is tunisian native and guess what : untill I put my lil white face and green eyes on my resumé, I couldn't get a job.

Zidane is hardcore!

I know lol. He's not at his first headbutt. Still, the other player must have really be harsh when cursing at him during the game. Some people say that the italian player said "your sister is a ..." or even "you terrorist" or something like that. In this case, I think I would've done the same, no matter if the whole earth is looking at me.