Load the file data onto your computer and import it to an existing track for mixing.
Mixing is the process of balancing and tweaking the volume of an an audio recording before adding post-production effects. The purpose of mixing is to enhance the sound and hide any flaws, such as volume peaks. Mixing any type of audio is easier if the audio was professionally recorded. Naturally, there are fewer flaws in a professional recording. The overall quality of the recording is higher and clearer and the signal is typically louder and brighter. Professional rap vocal mixing is a rewarding process, as you get to work with high quality audio material.
Instructions
1. Load the rap vocal file onto your computer. Typically, vocal files are burned to DVD or flash-drive for transfer. Depending on the format of the files you have, insert the DVD or flash-drive.
2. Double-click the desktop icon of your preferred audio production software program to open it, for example Pro Tools or Logic.
3. Click "File" and select "Open Recent." Select the track into which you want to mix the vocals. Click "File" and select "Import." Click on the audio files in the external storage device as it appears in your file browser. This automatically loads the audio into the open track.
4. Double-click the desktop icon of your preferred audio production software program to open it. Use, for example Pro Tools or Logic.
5. Click "File" and select "Open Recent," and select the track into which you want to mix the vocals. Click "File" and select "Import." Click on the audio files in the external storage device as it appears in your file browser. This automatically loads the audio into the open track.
6. Click the "Mixer" tab to open the mixer interface window. Music production software interfaces typically have two windows, one for editing and one for mixing. The location of the tab varies depending on which program you use. In Logic it is at the bottom-left of the screen. In Ableton Live, it is at the top-right.
7. Click "Play" and let the track roll. Adjust the "Channel Gain" dial for the vocal. With a professionally recorded rap vocal, the audio is typically brighter and clearer from the start. This means you don't need to boost it as much in the mix to make it audible. Mix the the track so the vocal volume is loudest, but doesn't overly dominate the mix.
8. Rappers hold the mic close. Use compression to enhance the proximity effect.
Click "Tools" and select "Compression." This effect shrinks the dynamic range of an audio file by boosting the lows and cutting the highs; for example, making breaths louder and shouts quieter. The result is that the vocal takes up less space in the mix and can, therefore, be blended in better.
9. Turn the "Threshold" dial to adjust the intensity of the compression. Rap vocals are characterized by a heavily-compressed sound. Because rapping is delivered at a quieter volume than singing, compression helps to make the vocal "poke" through the mix. To achieve this, set the threshold dial to around 60 percent as a starting point. Tweak it to get a professional-sounding balance that appeals to you.
10. Turn the "Pan" dial for the first backing vocal fully left, and turn the "Pan" dial for the second vocal fully right. This creates a professional-sounding "stereo image" in the mix.
