Rap Course 1.3

Course Outline

Module 2

Perfect 🎧 — # 🎙️ **MODULE 3 — RECORDING & VOCAL ENGINEERING**

> *“Sound like a star from your bedroom — learn to record, mix, and master your own hits.”*

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### 🎯 **Objective**

By the end of this module, students will:

✅ Set up a professional home studio on any budget.

✅ Record clean, high-quality vocals that cut through the mix.

✅ Understand gain staging, EQ, compression, and reverb basics.

✅ Mix and master full tracks for streaming platforms.

✅ Develop a repeatable “Recording Ritual” for every new song.

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## 📅 **7-Day Studio Setup & Skill Plan**

| Day | Focus | Outcome |

| ------- | ------------------ | -------------------------------------------- |

| **1** | Studio setup | Build your home recording environment |

| **2** | Mic technique | Learn how to record clean, consistent vocals |

| **3–4** | Mixing basics | Balance levels, EQ, and compression |

| **5** | Vocal polish | Add reverb, delay, and vocal effects |

| **6** | Mastering workflow | Prepare final track for streaming |

| **7** | Recording Ritual | Build a professional session process |

⏱ *Time:* 1–2 hrs/day

💰 *Goal:* One fully mixed and mastered track by end of week

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## ⚙️ **Lesson Breakdown**

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### **Lesson 3.1 — Home Studio Setup**

**Topics Covered**

* Required gear checklist:

* Microphone (Audio-Technica AT2020 / Rode NT1 / Shure SM7B)

* Audio Interface (Focusrite Scarlett / Universal Audio Volt)

* Headphones (closed-back for recording, open-back for mixing)

* DAW (FL Studio, Logic, Ableton, or Studio One)

* Pop filter, stand, acoustic treatment

* Budget breakdowns:

* Starter Setup: $300–$500

* Intermediate: $700–$1,000

* Pro: $1,500+

* Recording space hacks: closets, foam panels, and DIY vocal booths

**Fast Action:**

✅ Set up your studio space and test mic input level.

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### **Lesson 3.2 — Mic Technique & Vocal Performance**

**Topics Covered**

* Correct distance from mic (6–8 inches with pop filter)

* Avoiding plosives, breath pops, and harsh consonants

* How to project confidence and emotion through tone

* Layering vocals:

* Lead (main take)

* Doubles (for fullness)

* Ad-libs (energy and texture)

💡 *Performance Tip:* Smile while rapping — it changes tone energy on mic.

**Fast Action:**

✅ Record 3 versions of your verse (calm, confident, aggressive). Compare tones.

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### **Lesson 3.3 — Mixing Basics (Clean, Balanced, Professional)**

**Core Elements**

1️⃣ **Gain Staging:** Keep peaks around -6 dB.

2️⃣ **EQ:** Cut low rumble (below 80Hz), reduce harshness (3–5kHz).

3️⃣ **Compression:** Smooth out dynamics (Ratio 3:1 to 4:1).

4️⃣ **Panning:** Separate ad-libs and background vocals for space.

💡 *Mixing Rule:* Always mix at 70–75% volume — protect your ears, trust your balance.

**Fast Action:**

✅ Mix your verse and hook with EQ and compression.

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### **Lesson 3.4 — Vocal Effects & Space**

**Topics Covered**

* Using reverb for depth (short plate vs large hall).

* Delay sync: tempo-based echoes to match beat.

* Subtle pitch correction (Auto-Tune, Waves Tune, or Melodyne).

* Creative vocal FX for personality (distortion, radio filters, layers).

**Fast Action:**

✅ Add one reverb + one delay preset to your vocals — then tweak for emotion.

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### **Lesson 3.5 — Mastering for Streaming**

**Mastering Chain:**

1️⃣ EQ — final tonal shaping

2️⃣ Multiband Compression — smooth the spectrum

3️⃣ Limiter — loudness control (-9 to -8 LUFS for Spotify)

4️⃣ Meter Check — ensure no clipping

5️⃣ Export — 24-bit WAV + 320kbps MP3

**Free Mastering Tools:**

* iZotope Ozone Elements

* LANDR / CloudBounce

* Plugin Alliance bx_masterdesk

**Fast Action:**

✅ Master one demo track and upload to SoundCloud or private link.

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### **Lesson 3.6 — The Recording Ritual**

**Repeatable Workflow**

1️⃣ Warm-up: tongue twisters, breathing, freestyle.

2️⃣ Test run: record 1 bar to set gain levels.

3️⃣ Record 3 full takes minimum.

4️⃣ Save and label files immediately (songname_v1_vocals).

5️⃣ Back up to Google Drive or Dropbox same day.

**Fast Action:**

✅ Create your “Recording Ritual Checklist” in Notion or Google Docs.

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## 💡 **Pro Engineering Tips**

* Use foam isolation shield or heavy blanket behind mic if untreated.

* Record in mono; mix in stereo.

* Save 3 project versions (raw, mix, master).

* Use reference tracks (similar genre) while mixing.

* Your room > your plugin — treat acoustics first.

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## 🎥 **Video Tutorials to Include**

🎬 “How to Build a Studio for Under $500”

🎬 “Mic Technique & Vocal Delivery Demo”

🎬 “Mixing Vocals Like a Pro in 15 Minutes”

🎬 “Mastering Chain Setup Step-by-Step”

🎬 “The Recording Ritual: Full Workflow Walkthrough”

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## ✅ **End-of-Module Checklist**

* [ ] Home studio setup complete

* [ ] 1 full verse recorded cleanly

* [ ] Mix + master finished demo

* [ ] Recording Ritual checklist saved

* [ ] Track uploaded for feedback

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## 🏁 **Outcome**

By the end of Module 3, students will:

✅ Have a fully functional home studio setup

✅ Record, mix, and master their own music professionally

✅ Understand the full process from mic to master

✅ Be ready to release and brand their sound in Module 4

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## 🔜 **Next Up: Module 4 — Branding & Image Strategy**

This next module turns your students’ *music into a movement* — showing them how to build a recognizable artist brand, visual style, and online identity that commands attention and earns fans.

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