Record Rap Vocals: Pro Sound for Less Money – Perfect Match
Recording Rap Vocals for Less
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Record Rap Vocals: Pro Sound for Less Money - Perfect Match · Source: Valeriia Titarenko / Alamy
Do you want to record rap vocals without breaking the bank? In the latest installment of our Perfect Match series, we present three products that are ideal for recording modern rap and trap vocals and complement each other perfectly. This setup is a compact recording setup for rap vocals at a budget-friendly price.
How to Record Rap Vocals – Perfect Match
Record Rap Vocals with the Warm Audio WA-87jr SE
What equipment do you need to record professional-sounding rap vocals? Obviously, you need a microphone. But what kind of microphone is best for rap? For live performances, dynamic microphones are usually preferred, while for studio recordings, condenser microphones are typically chosen to achieve a clearer and more detailed sound.
The Warm Audio WA-87jr SE is a streamlined version of the WA-87 R2*, which has already been a popular choice if you want to record rap vocals on a budget. Like the WA-87 R2, the WA-87jr SE is modeled after a renowned Neumann microphone. However, unlike its larger counterpart, the WA-87jr SE does not include a transformer, yet it still delivers a very similar sound character.
Unlike the newer WA-87jr model, the SE version features a fixed cardioid polar pattern, which is ideal if you want to record rap vocals. This means the microphone primarily captures sound from directly in front of it while largely reducing room noise. If you want selectable polar patterns and a switchable high-pass filter to reduce low-frequency noise, the slightly more expensive Jr version is the better choice.
The Warm Audio WA-87jr SE is suitable not only for recording rap vocals, but also for singing and a wide range of instruments. You’ll also be well equipped for many other recording tasks. With some post-processing, this microphone can deliver a sound that rivals major productions.
The WA-87jr SE and WA-87jr microphones are available in two colors at Thomann*. You’ll also need a microphone cable, such as the sssnake SM6BK, as well as a microphone stand like the Millenium MS-2005*. A matching pop filter, such as the K&M 23956, is also useful. A worthwhile upgrade is a reflection filter, for example the t.bone Micscreen XL, which helps reduce room reflections and other external noise even more effectively during recording.
The Universal Audio Volt 276 USB Recording Studio as Your Audio Interface
Which audio interface is best if you want to record rap vocals? An audio interface is essential when recording with a microphone. It lets you record rap and vocal tracks directly to your computer. There are many audio interfaces on the market, but in this purchase advisor, you’ll find recommendations for affordable interfaces that deliver solid performance and fit your needs.
We’d like to highlight the Universal Audio Volt 276 USB Recording Studio. This interface offers two inputs and outputs, along with enough gain and 48V phantom power to run a condenser microphone like the Warm Audio WA-87jr SE. Its 24-bit / 192 kHz AD/DA converters meet modern studio standards.
The little extras are what set this USB-C interface apart and make it a perfect match. The built-in microphone preamp includes a switchable Vintage Mic Preamp mode that adds extra character to your recordings.
It also features a compressor modeled after the famous Universal Audio 1176, which can be engaged while recording. These two features are especially well suited if you want to record rap vocals.
In our opinion, another highlight is the included software. Universal Audio is known for its high-quality software and plugins, and the Volt 276 USB Recording Studio is no exception. It comes with Ableton Live Lite and LUNA, both of which are well suited for recording over a backing track and producing beats.
In addition, you get several high-quality plugins, including Century Tube Channel Strip, Pultec Passive EQ Collection, Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection, and Oxide Tape Recorder. These are especially useful when you want to record rap vocals and shape a polished vocal sound right from the start.
In short, we can recommend the Universal Audio Volt 276 USB Recording Studio without hesitation. It’s available at Thomann*. If you’re sure you only need one input and don’t plan to record two signals at the same time (or any stereo sources), you can save money with the Volt 176 USB Recording Studio*. Just keep in mind that it offers only a single input.
Record Rap Vocals with Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones
Now we come to our final recommendation: the perfect addition to the Warm Audio WA-87jr SE microphone and the Universal Audio Volt 276 USB interface: a suitable pair of headphones. There are many interesting models available here as well, and in this purchase advisor, we’ll introduce you to a few strong options.
However, there are two key features you should focus on. If you want to record rap vocals, it’s crucial that only your voice ends up in the recording. That’s why headphones are essential. Ideally, they should be closed-back and circumaural, meaning an over-ear design. This allows you to monitor the beat at a fairly loud level without it bleeding into your vocal takes.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a highly capable pair of studio headphones. With tight bass and an overall balanced sound, these headphones can keep you motivated during your next recording session. Thanks to their sound profile, the ATH-M50x also works well in the DJ booth, as well as for music listening or gaming. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is available from Thomann*.
Conclusion: This Trio is the Perfect Match
We present three well-coordinated pieces of gear for anyone who wants to record rap vocals on a budget. First, there’s a microphone inspired by an expensive studio classic that works well with different voices while remaining affordable. The Warm Audio WA-87jr SE is a great option not only for rap vocals, but for many other recording tasks as well.
To start recording with this microphone (and the recommended accessories) on your computer, you’ll need an audio interface with a microphone preamp, phantom power, and high-quality converters. The Universal Audio Volt 276 USB Recording Studio provides all of that and more, including a switchable Vintage Mic Preamp mode and the onboard sound of the legendary 1176-style compressor during recording. Recording software and high-quality plugins are included as well.
As the perfect complement if you want to record rap vocals, we recommend studio headphones such as the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, which stand out for their strong isolation, reliable studio sound, and overall versatility. In our view, this combination makes an ideal recording setup – a perfect match to record rap vocals.
More Information
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