How to Mix & Master Rap Vocals
Mixing vocals on a rap song is often the most difficult step, requiring equal parts knowledge and experience. By using the proper steps, and knowing what effects should be used to improve the mix, professional sounding rap vocals are possible. However, this step should not be taken lightly, as improperly mixed vocals can make an otherwise perfect track sound unprofessional and unpleasant.
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Instructions
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Mix all other elements of the song, such as drums and bass, before doing any significant work on the vocals. This way, proper focus can be placed on the vocals themselves, without having to predict what it will sound like in the final mix. This is especially true with rap vocals, where clarity of each component of a song is important so that lyrics are easily distinguished.
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Mute all other tracks except for the vocals, and then do initial mixing and mastering of vocals. Equalization (EQ), compression, reverb, delay, and echo are all commonly used effects, and becoming familiar with what works for you and the voice you are mixing is crucial. There is no formula; a great deal of mixing and mastering is simple trial and error.
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Allow all components of the song to be heard, and mix the volume of every track until everything is at a proper level and no instrument or vocal drowns out another. In addition to managing volume to make sure each component is heard properly, experimentation with EQ can be a great help in creating a clear, powerful mix. There is no clear method to this, and experimentation is the key to good mixing.
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Fine-tune effects and equalization of frequencies to promote the utmost clarity and impact of each aspect of the song. In addition, one can boost different frequencies for the entire song to accentuate parts that are intended to stand out. For hip hop, it is common to increase the prevalence of lower frequencies for a sound that is heavy in bass.
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Take a few hours off from mixing the song, in order to reduce fatigue. Often, listening and mixing a song for an extended time can reduce your ability to discern the quality of the mix. Simply taking a break can help you to identify errors in the mix with fresh ears. Compare your vocals with your favorites to get an idea of whether you are on the right track.
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