Ableton Forum

I know this is a very very complex matter, but we dont have any more money to buy other equipment right now. We just have a G4 and Live with an m-audio mic and pre amp. What would be a good way to master the vocals for a hip hop track using live or cool edit. The raw vocals are not that bad anyway but i want them sounding crisp and clear. Can anyone give me some pointers to help us out, it would be much appreciated. THANK YOU

It's not so much a matter of being complex, it's just that the tools and techniques needed vary considerably depending on what you are attempting to do.

For something like hip hop, I'd be inclined to add lots of top-end EQ (using EQ Four in Live) and then don't be scared to add lots and lots of compression.

You may need a de-essor to stop "s" and "t" sounds from being too loud. The MDA one is available as a free download. Many people have the entire set of MDA plug-ins installed as standard. In fact, the music sequencer TRACKTION installs those MDA free plug-ins as part of its standard install.

Keep the vocal fairly dry though - you don't want much reverb on it.

Sometimes, a TINY (and that's VERY tiny) amount of chorus on lead vocals can make the sound of the vocal a little richer in quality.

Regards,
Jezar