This tutorial is intended for audio heads who:
A.) Record with the Samson C01U
B.) Use Cool Edit, or something comparable
C.) Want to improve general quality/mixing skills
1.
Set up:
If you have the Samson C01U, you'll definitely want to use the SoftPre applet. This applet allows you to control the mic's input levels. Make sure you open the SoftPre applet, then, in Cool Edit, switch to "edit view." Once there, just start a new session and then press F10 on your keyboard. This allows you to test your mic's input levels. You'll want to set the SoftPre's level to a point where the red CLIP sign doesn't flash. Test this by speaking/rapping at your fullest volume. Raise the slider on the SoftPre so that the lights come up as far as possible without triggering the red CLIP sign.
2.
Cool Edit Settings:
I recommend setting your Device Options to record in MONO while in Multitrack. Also, set your Mixdown options to 32-Bit as well. Make sure all sampling rates are at 44,000. Anything less than that will compromise quality. And, anything more than that can cause problems when encoding on sites like Soundclick.
3.
Recording:
I record in multitrack. I have the beat on one track, and then record on another one. For the sake of quality, make sure all ambient (surrounding) noises are shut off. I also recommend turning your headphones down as much as possible to prevent noise pollution from the beat on your vocal track.
If you mess up while recording, don't be afraid to start over. I normally don't punch-in using Cool Edit because they don't make it intuitive. However, if you flowed 14 and 1/2 bars perfectly, but stumbled on the last bar and a half, punching-in might be a good option for you.
4.
Mixing/Editing:
If you've recording your vocals in multitrack, all you have to do is double click on them to switch to edit view. Once in edit view, the vocals will be in Mono (one big wave in the center of the screen).
From there, I use the following editing process:
NOISE REDUCTION:
.................If you were careful to eliminate as much ambient noise as possible, there won't be much noise to remove, other than the mic's own noise from its internal circuitry. Also, remember to leave at least 5-10 seconds of "dead air" on your vocal track when you record your verse in multitrack.
Click/Pop Eliminator:
................... Under the Noise Reduction Menu...I use the setting "Clicks and lots of pops"
At this point, I convert the mono vocals to stereo.
Dynamic Prosessing: This is also known as compression. I use the settings from the "Alcatraz Process". Compression evens out your vocals so there aren't huge spikes and peaks.
**The Alcatrakz Process can be found here**
http://community.rapverse.com/showthread.php?t=101638
1st EQ: "Spit Clear" in "Graphic Equalizer" works well here. It will remove any rumble from your mic if you happened to spit too close to it.
Note:
Your pop filter should be about 2 inches from your mic. You should spit about 4-6 inches behind that. Also, a wind guard is NOT a pop filter. It can degrade quality as well. A pop filter guards against blasts from words that start with "p" and "b". I normally use a modified setting of their "Vocal Presence Boost" preset.
Normalize: Normalization raises the lowest wave to match the highest wave. This will increase the volume of your vocals in the process. Set the normalization % to either 75-80.
^^At this point, I may amplify the vocals 2-3 more decibels using "Amplify" depending on the beat. However, listen to the levels and decide for yourself.
5.
Continued editing in Multitrack
One you go back into multitrack, you'll want to set the EQ levels there as well. I have mine set at H (4) M(-2.4) L(1.3). However, depending on the track, I may adjust the (L). Use your ear and don't be afraid to adjust the levels with each track.
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General Recording Tricks and Tips:
I do my dubs by literally recording the rhyming words or phrases on a separate track in multitrack. The editing process is the same for the main vocals, except I don't run click/pop eliminator.
When I mix the dubs in multitrack, I use the same EQ settings, except for the (L), which I set to -4. I normally pan my dubs 25 to the LEFT.
AD LIBS: Ad libs are the background vocals like "yea, uh, uh huh, what, chea" etc...
I do my ad libs by literally recording them on a separate track in multitrack. The editing process is the same for the main vocals and dubs, except I don't run click/pop eliminator.
When I mix the adlibs in multitrack, I use the same EQ settings, except for the (L), which I set to -4. I normally pan my dubs 15 to the LEFT. Sometimes, ad libs sound better panned far left or right, like 45-50. Again, it depends on the track and what you're trying to achieve with the sound.
ECHO: The echo effect I use is called Stereo Whispers under the Echo menu in Cool Edit.
Pitch Effects: I like to play around with the pitch of some effects. You can raise or lower the pitch of vocals under the Effects>Time/Pitch>Stretch menu. For my trademark "My name is the Q" intro, I use the effect called "helium".
Phone effect: For some skits, I need to replicate the sound of talking on a phone. To do this, I use the preset "Old Time Radio" under Parametric Equalizer.
Distortion Effects: For some tracks, I like to make my vocals sound distorted, usually for a skit. To do this, I use the settings under Effects>Special>Distortion. Play around with the presets to get the sound you're looking for.
My Hooks: For my hooks, I like to think of them as a mini-symphony. By that I mean that I layer my hooks with at least 4-5 vocals tracks. I may have singing in the background, mixed with rapping in the foreground. Normally, if I have singing on my vocals in hooks, I add reverb. The setting I use for this is under the Reverb menu called "Nice Presence."
**Note: In my opinion, hooks should be simple, almost repetitive to be "catchy". The best hooks are those with memorable, or "catchy" words/phrases that get engrained in the listener's head. This can be accomplished through melody, or by simple repetition.