(Part 2) Best products from r/makinghiphop

I'm assuming you have a physical location to record & some type of computer.

Do this:

Get ahold of $100-$500. Buy a microphone & either some really nice headphones or some studio monitors (i recommend headphones if you can't do both). My first mic was a Blue Snowball. I love using my Audio Technica headphones. Probably not gonna win you any grammys but it will teach you some things until you can afford a better setup.

OBTAIN... in whichever way you see fit... some software to record on called a DAW. From the free software Audacity to something like Logic Pro X or Studio One. Just get one. There's hundreds of tutorials on youtube on how to use them. You're also going to want to get some Vsts. Google will be your friend for this section lol.

Practice making songs on here in the cypher & collab call threads. There's also a billion beats on youtube that nobody's going to know you used if you just keep it between yourself and some friends.

Do that for however long it takes for you to feel that you're good. There's plenty of forums out there like gearslutz and this one and some others that you can get info on.

When you feel like you're good start buying beats and all that stuff. Until then you're going to have to practice and learn what you sound like and what makes a good song otherwise it'll be a waste of money. It's much cheaper to collab with people though...

For networking if you make a good song and start sharing it with your friends it'll get around since you're still in high school. That's already 2k potential fans & they all have people that they know. Start with them. It's NYC and the world is much smaller than you think...

EDIT: Also never pay to do a show and stay on the lookout for scammers.

You only need an audio interface if you plan on using monitor speakers or recording (Mics or DI). Ableton Live is good software. Everyone has their own preferences but most DAWs do pretty much the same thing. Akai makes nice Midi Keyboard/MPC combos that work very well with Live. I've had this one for about a year now (http://www.amazon.com/Akai-Professional-MPK25-Keyboard-Controller/dp/B001SGWKR6) and it's been very good to me minus middle C becoming slightly less responsive.

If you're going to get one of the Akai lower end MPCs it's very smart to buy replacement pads as they make a world of difference when it comes to pad sensitivity. Without them you can tap the pad softly and get no reading, then do it slightly harder and it brings the velocity up to 127. Here is a site with a lot of accessories (http://www.mpcstuff.com/mpk25parts.html). The thick pads come in a variety of colors and are relatively easy to install.

I think you'll be fine having a mid grade computer. I have a 2010 Macbook Pro and it's hardly taxes the system at all. I guess I should have asked at the beginning what your price range is as that can make a world of difference, but I hope some of this has helped. Good look with your music man.

get an audio interface and monitor speakers. the audio interface will allow you to record any instrument/mic that uses an instrument cable or an XLR cable. make sure you get one with the right amount of inputs u want. if you JUST wanna record vocals, you can get a pretty cheap single-input interface on amazon for like $40. here's a pretty good cheap one that you can also hook monitor speakers up to with the Left and Right outputs in the back.
(https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UMC22-BEHRINGER-U-PHORIA/dp/B00FFIGZF6/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1519988949&sr=8-8&keywords=behringer+interface). For monitor speakers, I've only ever used KRK rokits. I have the 8" and the 5" ones. Obviously I like the 8" better but the 5" ones are still very accurate and impressive. you can go to a guitar center or whatever and listen to a bunch of different brands though if you wanna hear for yourself before you buy. and if you have any leftover money, save it for after you find out what your ideal production workflow is. i personally use maschine and it does everything i could ever want and more, but it might not work out for you. i'd say the interface and speakers will elevate your game instantly and will lead to producing better quality music.

As a person who used a usb microphone for a long time i'd say if you're just starting you should be fine using a usb microphone. I made a lot of good recordings with a $50 usb microphone and a napkin for a pop filter all through highschool. It's obviously not gonna be the best way to do it, but if you're on a budget it gets the job done and it FORCES you to become better at mixing and mastering in order for it to sound decent. i'd say go with the cheap mic until you know if you like recording and what you like. Everyone who is saying dont get the USB mic has experienced both and has an opinion, you should go with what you think will be the best fit for your needs.

Here's the mic I used if you care: http://www.amazon.com/CAD-U37-Condenser-Recording-Microphone/dp/B001AIQGUO

the mic i used and the one you're considering seem to be very similar products

Pssst JBL LSR305 with all the cords ya need. Who knows how effective the wave guide really is, but if you wanna change the way you perceive sound and music, these are generally agreed upon as one of the best monitors in it's price range. I have em on some hockey pucks and they're fucking fantastic. Here's a pretty good review of em.

Edit: As for the room, don't sweat it. Better to have proper monitors than not. Build up slowly.

https://www.amazon.com/Samson-SR850-Semi-Open-Back-Reference-Headphones/dp/B002LBSEQS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1517612075&sr=8-3&keywords=samson+headphones

These headphones are just over $30, I do most of my mixing in them due to my recording space not being well-treated. Is it ideal? Definitely not, and I gotta test my mixes against different environments (car speakers, earbuds, etc), but is it better than nothing? Absolutely, I think the quality of my mixes turns out pretty good, feel free to check them out.

Ok guys I went to Guitar Center today to get a Cloudlifter, and of course they didn't have one. So the salesman guy was talking to me and asking what I needed the Cloudlifter for and I told him and he showed me a Tube Preamp called the ART Tube Preamp MP. It was only 70 dollars so I bought it.

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I have the gain on my Scarlet interface at 1, and the gain on this preamp at about 70 DB of gain and man this thing actually sounds good! No hiss or noise! Damn!

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So this might have been the only good experience I've ever had at Guitar Center. I ended buying something CHEAPER than what I was looking for and it actually works well.... Wow.

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At first I thought it was broken, because it was crackling and hissing and popping and it even made my voice lower pitched on recordings.... But I restarted my computer, turned the gain on my interface almost all the way down, and now it's golden!

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Here's a link if you're interested

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https://www.amazon.com/ART-Tube-Project-Microphone-Preamp/dp/B000K6B59Y

TL:DR Help me choose my first setup. Dynamic vs Condenser.

I’m looking for my first microphone, to start recording over free trap beats I find on the internet.

Both of these are in my price range. I’d like to point out that the Shure SM58 is a dynamic and the AT2020 is a condenser.

I’m struggling to decide because I’ve read that a condenser picks up more details which is good, however my bedroom isn’t sound treated. You can hear the very gentle buzzing of electrical appliances, the faint rumbling of the hot water pipes, and the wind against the side of the house.

I’ll be picking up the XLR versions, and will be buying either the Behringer UMC202HD or the Focusrite Scarlett Solo . If you have experience with either of these, feel free to comment.

Edit: I should mention that I’ll probably buy a sound shield as well. Are my sound treatment issues solvable without breaking the bank?

I use this mic for any vocals I do and I get pretty decent results for a bedroom. You can find cheaper mics than that, but make sure you get a large diaphragm condenser mic and make sure its XLR, not USB. It doesn't come with a mic stand. I learned that the hard way

You'll need an audio interface as well. That's probably the cheapest interface that's worth getting as well from what I hear.

About $250 or so for a cheaper setup, but it's a one-time purchase and the added quality is worth it I think.

Thanks for the feedback man.

My feedback for you:

• You need a better mic. This is lo fi to a fault :). Here is a cheap mic / preamp combo.
  
  
• If you want an actual lofi vibe, look up some lofi tutorials, use izotope vinyl and lay some ambient noise in the back of your mix.
  
• piano is vanilla. Make crazier patterns and variation. Experiment with different presets on your synth. Slap some plugins on that bih.
  
• Your flow sounds like it's from Hamilton (lol a compliment or critique depending if you like that). Experiment with your flow and inflection more.
  
• All of this aside, it seems like you have a relatively cohesive, lyrical song. Keep it up!

you might enjoy some drum pads then. this is the best bang for the buck in drum pads under $100 I think. it is usually around $120-150 and it's only $85 right now. http://www.amazon.com/Korg-padKONTROL-MIDI-Studio-Controller/dp/B002MHML06

edit: looks like the oxygen 25 already has drum pads. i can't really think of anything else for $100. might like some monitor headphones, like the ATH-M50.

The Presonus monitors are actually pretty good. I know a couple people that love theirs. If all you can afford is $200, then go for it. If you are able to save up another $100, then consider this JBL 305 package. I actually just ordered this package myself for the vinyl room after A/B testing monitors at Guitar Center.

I think a better book would be Garibaldi's "Future Sounds": https://www.amazon.com/Future-Sounds-Contemporary-Drumset-Concepts/dp/0739019120

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He shows how you can get some wonderfully funky grooves simply by incorporating what he calls the '2 level technique' which is just varying the velocity by two different levels.

An example here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdHFJZo0S5g

I studied this book back when I was wanting to learn to play drums and was delighted at how easily I could sound much more funky than I otherwise could.

Firstly, you should watch some videos of people using different gear and giving it reviews to see if it fits what you want.

I'm not sure why you would want a mixer unless you had a lot of physical instruments and/or mics that you need record at the same time. If you really want some sliders there are things like MPDs or APCs. I can't play the piano, so I don't mind having a little keyboard. I like the keystation mini 32, because it has a lot of keys, but it is very small.

There are more simple pads like the Korg padKontrol.

If you really want an abelton specific controller consider getting the push. It's expensive though.

As I said, look up videos of everything.

I didn't see this post up here. This guy wrote what I was going to say. The 2i2 interface is excellent and is what I use. I have this mic https://www.amazon.com/Rode-NT1KIT-Condenser-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B00GGGQK56

If you want a good example of what this interface and a condenser mic is capable of here https://soundcloud.com/user-420962322/01-flex

Do you have an audio interface? If so, I would just skip the software and buy a 3.5mm -> Stereo XLR cable. You then run it from your headphone jack on your computer/laptop and into your audio interface. Just make sure your laptop is running your internal soundcard, and your DAW is running your Audio Interface sound card and you should be good to record from YouTube.

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Edit: This is what it looks like. This is a higher-end cable which is why its expensive. You can probably find one for around $20 that would work well.

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https://www.amazon.com/Mogami-GOLD-3-5-2XLRM-06-Y-Adapter-Connectors/dp/B01N5T8YLM/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=mogami+3.5mm+to+XLR+cable&qid=1565015637&s=gateway&sr=8-3

I'm looking at the AT-LP120-USB from Audio Technica. Looks great and I know a few people that love it. About $230 at Amazon.

are in the 3rd group, trying to be like "that guy" i mentioned? haha. its cool. I personally recommend the MPK25 if you want a full sized 25 key board with 16 pads or, what i personally use currently, is the Akai MPKMini. Its basically the smaller version of the 25 but the keys aren't full sized and only has 8 pads. The MPK25 is a bit over double the price of the Mini, but both are good.

The 25-> http://www.amazon.com/Akai-MPK25-25-Key-Keyboard-Controller/dp/B001SGWKR6

The Mini -> http://www.amazon.com/Akai-Pro-MPK-Ultra-Portable-Controller/dp/B00466HM28

other cats might have different recommendations, but these are the ones i have experience with

What are you using in your turntable/laptop setup? Essentially you want the output of whatever is producing the music (laptop or turntable depending on whether your spinning records or using traktor) to be sent to the SP404.

I'm pretty sure you'd need an audio interface to do that from the laptop as you need to send the stereo output into the SP404's inputs. As the SP is for FXs, it will be at the end of your chain, so the SP will be hooked up to the mixer of the venue you play at.

But I guess if you could find a mini jack to RCA cable adapter (or just the cable) you could plug your laptop's headphone output straight into the SP404.

I think the audio interface would sound better/be more stable, but something like this should work: https://www.amazon.com/3-5mm-Mini-Stereo-Audio-Cable/dp/B0032JAG4G

This is the turntable i have, it is fantastic (it says "dj" turntable, but i use it for sampling) It has a rock solid build quality, you can do usb, or line outputs to go into your interface. You can play back at 33,45, and 78 RPM, and it also has a pitch slider as well. you can also get a slipmat for it so you can manipulate the record with your hand/scratch, etc.
Turntable:
https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120-USB-Direct-Drive-Professional-Turntable/dp/B002S1CJ2Q

Slipmat:
https://www.amazon.com/Gemini-Turntable-Slipmats-Pair-Price/dp/B00P9J5SK4/ref=sr_1_7?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1485442971&sr=1-7&keywords=record+player+slipmat

Yea if you're using the snowball then I am surprised you got the quality this good honestly. Idk how serious you are about this. But this mic is a very good choice when paired with a nice interface like a Scarlett. https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT2035-Diaphragm-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B00D6RMFG6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1469258457&sr=8-2&keywords=audio+technica+mic

Right now just get a better microphone. You need an audio interface for a better microphone.
Pick one of these audio interfaces:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EK1OTZC/ref=sxts_kp_bs_lp_1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=8778bc68-27e7-403f-8460-de48b6e788fb&pd_rd_wg=Pp8US&pf_rd_r=2CXEYH49RHP8A00H6TAJ&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-top-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=B00EK1OTZC&pd_rd_w=nP9xh&pf_rd_i=behringer&pd_rd_r=c437f235-49ed-4bbe-8ba4-a229a80d0410&ie=UTF8&qid=1538287182&sr=1

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https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-2i2-GENERATION-USB-Recording/dp/B005OZE9SA

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https://www.amazon.com/Audient-2-out-Performance-Audio-Interface/dp/B0107YJU8Q/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1538287237&sr=1-3&keywords=audient+id4

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As far as a "pre amp", the interface will act as the pre amp, (for your cost range).

Choose one of these mics:


https://www.amazon.com/SE-Electronics-Diaphragm-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B007W294X8

https://www.amazon.com/MXL-990-Condenser-Microphone-Shockmount/dp/B0002GIRP2

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After that It's just about mic placement and etiquette. Proper acoustic treatment will run you atleast 2 grand no matter what, so I wouldn't bother

Like everyone else here, I can't recommend enough getting a better microphone, but if your total budget is only $50>, I can recommend the U37.


If you're wanting to take it more seriously, you're going to want to get an interface and a good microphone.


[CAD U37-USB] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AIQGUO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_5rszybPEYJN3W)



[Pop Filter] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016JQ4ISS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_y0szybHY4BT3W)

Man am I glad you commented on this post. I'd just like to take a minute and thank you because without you I would've been fucked over and either have to drive 25 miles to my "local" music shop or wait another week for those cables to come in.

I bought one of those sound shields, actually I'll link you to these couple of things I bought. I'm wondering if you've got any clue if these will fit together? I feel like if I put the sound shield and the mic on the stand it might be a little wobbly. Just speculating tho.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GGGQK56/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BPBKQ9C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C05AL74/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Also, I bought this headphone adapter. It was the only one I saw when I searched it on Amazon... this is what you're talking about right?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073NYPYVR/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Yeah, the headphone jack is no use in this case.

Another good reason to get audio interface is that it takes a major load off your computer when working in your DAW.

If you want a really cheap interface, I could recommend Behringer UMC22.

It's really cheap, and has double TRS outputs. However, Behringer is kind of known for "decent quality for a decent price". This could be your starter interface, and easily upgraded to more quality interface when time comes (For example NI Audio 6).

These are pretty good https://www.amazon.com/Samson-SR850-Professional-Reference-Headphones/dp/B002LBSEQS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1467923778&sr=8-2&keywords=samson+headphones

http://www.amazon.com/BeatTips-Manual-Beatmaking-Tradition-Composer/dp/0989398609/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458171747&sr=8-1&keywords=beat+tips+manual

This is a really comprehensive manual that I think will accomplish exactly what you're looking for. I don't know if it has an index but I have the ebook so I can search for what I'm looking for.

The writing is extremely accessible but it's still interesting, and it's not the kind of thing that you need to read a lot of at once. I just read a few pages here and there when I have time and usually pick up at least one new tip or idea for my beats every time.

For around 80 you can get a decent mic that will last you for years, definitely worth the increase in budget if you can spare it. This is the one i use for recording lyrics and live instruments and its never let me down and the sound quality is unbeatable for the price.

https://www.amazon.com/MXL-770-Cardioid-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B0007NQH98

Audio Technica ATR2500. Definitely recommend it, i mean jesus, $50?! this isn't even representative of the mics full potential, I didn't mix the vocals at all.

http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2500-USB-Cardioid-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B004QJREXM/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1459399971&sr=1-1&keywords=audio+technica+usb+mic

this is what i use. in my opinion, it sounds crystal clear and its a really good usb mic for the price.

For anyone looking for a cheap mic that's good quality for the price, I bought a Blue Snowball for like $30 when it was cheaper along with a like $5-$10 pop filter and it sounds really good. It's $69, but the cheaper version, the Ice, is only $49. Tons of smaller youtubers use them, my Blue Snowball has 3 different settings where it can take in sound from the front, the sides, or all over.

cad u37

recommend it every thread

http://www.amazon.com/CAD-U37-Condenser-Recording-Microphone/dp/B001AIQGUO

can get the mic, stand, pop filter for all under 100 and sounds ok for the price point

cheap mic and cheap mike

Here's a pretty in-depth review

They're also $6 cheaper on Amazon

and to leave something constructive read this book. Its really good.

https://www.amazon.com/BeatTips-Manual-Beatmaking-Tradition-Composer/dp/0989398609

Listen kid, you don't need a lot of money to make brilliant music. A friend of mine uses this mic: http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2500-USB-Cardioid-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B004QJREXM/ref=pd_cp_MI_2

You can Pirate FL studio. If you want to produce, I suggest the MPD18 for a windows 7 PC. I have it, it's lightweight and just beautiful. If your getting a keyboard, get atleast a 54 key, otherwise its kinda lame.

ALIENWARE MAKES THE SHITTIEST LAPTOPS, THEY'RE OVERPRICES AS FUCK. What I do suggest is spending good money on either a Mac, DELL, or Gateway with a lot of ram and a good Harddrive.

Your computer should cost no less than $450.

There you go, not studio level, but not laptop level either. With some mixing you can get some decent stuff with it, but don't expect Amazing quality. I've heard tracks with this mic that I can bump to, so if you can sound good on this mic eventually, you can upgrade at that time.

like this one?

Nothing for 50 bucks is worth your money.

If you just want decent/better than average USB mic, get the Blue Snowball

So I'm on a budget and currently using my Sony PS Golds. I was looking for actual production-quality headphones and saw solid reviews for these Samson SR850s. Has anyone used these?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007NQH98/ref=gbps_img_m-5_9142_5eeb5828?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=2309269142&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-5&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=5550342011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=13M4EQ0X408MW9TM1F4R

$60 for the next hour

http://www.amazon.com/CAD-U37-Condenser-Recording-Microphone/dp/B001AIQGUO

How about this setup?

http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT2035-Diaphragm-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B00D6RMFG6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1453596213&sr=8-2&keywords=microphone+audio+technica

http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-Q502USB-5-Channel-Mixer/dp/B00CTKI10A/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1426532990&sr=8-3&keywords=behringer+xenyx+usb

That would be just over $200. But how does the interface connect to the computer? Is it just USB or some audio jack?

the beattips manual by amir said

Nope
Mini and
Mpk25

Rapping is something I've always wanted to do, but I don't want to invest a lot of money into a mic if I end up hating my voice or just rapping itself.

That said, I want to get a mic but drop minimal money on it. Under $50 if possible, since I don't want to make any big purchases with my son being born in 8 weeks.

Would a mic in this price range possibly be of enough quality to let me know if this is something I'd like to continue pursuing (like give me a decent idea of how my voice would sound on a track, because cell mic and webcam mics aren't capturing it well)? Not sure if this question makes a lot of sense, but I don't want to spend hundreds on a hobby that I could just scrap.

I see this mic thrown around a lot (I'd grab a pop filter, too): https://www.amazon.com/CAD-U37-Condenser-Recording-Microphone/dp/B001AIQGUO

Would this mic provide a decent "test run" if I rapped over an instrumental in audacity?

I'm just intimidated by all the different kinds of mics, phantom power and all that, people saying that you need to spend hundreds to have any decent sound, etc. I'm also too nervous to just try rapping in front of any of my other friends who are into hip hop or my SO so I wanted to do this on my own and critique myself.

Any other recommendations for a mic under $50?

TL:DR - Don't want to drop a bunch of money on a mic when I'm not sure if I'll stick with rapping. Would the CAD-U37 posted above be good for an unsure noobie? If not, any other recommendations under $50?