[Rap Vocal Chain Secrets] Get Your Rap Vocals Sounding Pro
![[Rap Vocal Chain Secrets] Get Your Rap Vocals Sounding Pro](/blog/s/img/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Youtube-Thumbnail-Rap-Vocal-Chain-Overview-3.png)
OUR PLUGINS SETTINGS AND SECRET VOCAL CHAIN FOR PROFESSIONAL AND MODERN RAP, TRAP, AND HIP HOP VOCALS
A lot of people have asked me how to mix rap vocals and what the secret is to my rap vocal chain. In this video, I explicitly show you all the plugins I use, and why I use them to get the perfect, airy and thick vocal sound for rap in a big pop production. Your results may vary, but 9/10, this vocal chain works wonders! I hope that by watching this video, you step up your vocal mixing game and make some pro sounding vocal mixes. Check out our previous article about ways to improve your recordings without breaking the bank.
What this video covers:
- What professional recorded rap vocals sound like dry and unprocessed.
- How to make vocals sound bigger, thicker, and more consistent in the mix.
- Our exact rap vocal chain with each plugin and settings so you can jump start your vocal mixes.
- How to use a multiband compressor to break the vocals into “air” and “mud” bands.
- How to use a compressor to make vocals sound more aggressive and “in your face” delivery.
- The importance compressor attack and release for rap vocals (check out our other blog article explaining how compressors work).
- How to use voice modulators like SoundToys Little Alterboy to thicken a vocal.
- Using a limiter to tighten up the performance and make the rap vocals very consistent.
- The importance of using a deesser plugin to smooth out sibilant vocals and clean up the top end for great, airy vocals.
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PLUGINS USED IN THIS VIDEO:
►Waves L1 Limiter: bit.ly/2SBr4qN
►Waves CLA-1176 Compressor: bit.ly/2uEzk1a
►Waves C6 Multiband Compressor:
►Waves DeEsser:
►SoundToys Little Alter Boy:
MORE TO COME!
Part II of this video (coming soon) will cover the vocal effects (FXs) such as reverb, delay, parallel vocal buses, and chorus and modulation. You won’t want to miss this one!
If you liked this video tutorial, please share it with others that are making music. Is there anything that you are struggling with or just can’t seem to figure out with your vocal chain or mixes? Leave a comment below and we will be sure to help you out!
![Secrets to Mastering Rap, Trap, and Hip Hop Songs & Beats [Plugin Chain]](/blog/s/img/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/13-YT-Thumbnail4-440x264.jpg)
Yo I really enjoy your tutorials but I’m seem to be having troubles with my vocals I use a kaotica eyeball and a nt-1000 my vocals always seem too boomy and dull even without the eyeball I need help lol!
Hey Arlanda! Thanks so much for checking out the blog. I have some suggestions for you. It could be a few things:
1) You need a pop filter in front of your microphone. Make sure you have a good quality pop filter at least 3 inches away – this keeps the plosives out of the microphone and reduces the very low end rumble (especially in condenser mics like the nt-1000).
2) You are too close to the microphone and the low end is exaggerated due to proximity effect. nt-1000 mics have a cardioid polarity pattern which has a strong proximity effect. Try backing away a few more inches from your microphone and this will help to reduce the low frequencies that sound more “chesty”.
Try those and let me know if either of those suggestions helped! Cheers!
What he said, and…try Waves Vitamin, or Soothe2 to add that extra bit of excitement, air and clarity. Proper pop and rap vocals have a very open airy top end that cuts through a mix nicely and helps the vocal to stand out.