home studio equipment??

[soulblaze]

After lots of thought have decided to purchase a Rode Nt1-a,presonous firebox,hooked up to my compaq presario v3000 With the sole purpose of recording my Rap vocals. Wonder if this setup is ok without a mixer as in the past i've been recorded on a mixer with the low ends and bass cut off because of my bassy voice.Any tips of the trade? As I am Well Versed With my rap but not sound.

Myfloors are parquet. But decided to get the Se electronics Reflextion Filter. My vocals are very low and ruff And wonder if i can get a better settup Would appreciate any advise to help out

 

[utano]

The presonus firebox has a software mixer. Also the Gain for the microphone can be adjusted on the firebox itself. If you want to do equalization of your vocals, you can do so by using plugins within your sequencer. You theoretically do not need a mixer as the firebox can provide the 48v phantom power. The NT-1a is a good condenser. This setup will serve you very well.

As for the acoustics, I'm not an expert but you might want to experiment with a carpet on your floor to reduce the reflections off it. Also since your setup is mobile, try to move around the house to see if you can get better results in different areas.

 

[rollie pollie]

Just to add to the topic.

Mic placement:
Trick is usually with mic placement as well. Deeper voices, should keep further away from the sensitive condensers which can pick up your voice far away anyway....
Also try to work away from walls. I'm sure you already know that. Carpet or blanket the walls if needed.

Vocal technique:
Work on the 'p' (try sth between p & b), 't' (try sth between t & d), 'oo' (try sth between oo & uu)
Purpose - to cut down on the BOOM effect.
Can be difficult if you are already accustomed to your rap technique.

Work with an external EQ.
Recording is such a delicate process & difficult to control unless you have a sound engineer twiddling the knobs continuously. (You have an engineer?)
The computer EQ can be fiddly and difficult to adjust on the fly.
I've never tried this but I recently seen it being used.... a cheap handheld EQ which you can tape onto your MICROPHONE...
(Check out live shows with vocalist Patti from the duo, TUCK & PATTI)

Just a few suggestions