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I dont know if you plan to be on pc or mac. If its pc then fruity loops as others said with machine is a great place to start. If your on mac, which FL is still not available in full size i dont believe, ableton is a great program. I use ableton for everything i do, plus its great for live performance to which i think it has the edge over fl for. Its really easy to learn to. I switched from FL to Ableton and it took me about 3 hours to get re- acclimated. Theres a 100 dollar basic package for ableton if you want to buy it. Otherwise just pirate the full software package tbh. Also alot of DAW have free demos you can download just to get a feel and look. Sometimes the interface is enough to turn you off (as reason which is great did for me). Other DAWs that you can look into are Reason, Cubase, bitwig (which is new and is kind of a combo between ableton and fl) and then also apple's Logic X. logic X, if you plan to but your DAW is great bc i think its only 200 bucks which is a great price and it does alot. Idk how great it is for hip hop style of music but i doubt its "bad". It definitely has its strength in production of house music though, but learn enough and the world, or the DAW rather, is your playground. As for midi, maschine is awesome, but there are some cheap and portable midi controllers that combine pads and keys. I use the akai mpk mini mkii and i love it. I can fit it in my backpack and use it for everything i need at home as well, although i do have a full size keyboard that i use sometimes. That little beauty runs at 100 bucks. Good luck with it man! Remember though, some of the most famous artists out there started out on the shitiest equipment available. So really what its about is getting your hands on whatever you can and just having fun with it. Good luck!!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IJ6QAO2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_BuJ8wbT2W64GE

To be honest, It really depends on what your budget is. If you have a $10,000 budget my recommendations are going to change drastically compared to if you have say, a $400 budget.

Assuming you want to keep price pretty low but still want pretty nice quality I recommend the following.

• Microphone: Audio-Technica AT2020. It's a good mic for the price and most people start out on something like this or something similar. It delivers a good enough sound that you'll be happy with the results, especially considering how cheap it is.
  
  
• Interface: Focusrite Scarlette Solo, This has kind of become the industry standard for beginner interfaces. It's a clean, simple interface. You hook it up to your computer, plug in your mic, adjust the volume and you're good to go.
  
  
• Software: I personally started on Logic Pro X, If you have a Mac, I HIGHLY recommend it. Fantastic DAW, Arguably the next best thing to the industry's standard which is Pro Tools. Although it doesn't really matter what DAW you use. Most of them do the exact same thing, Just with different work flows.
  
  
• Headsets: This doesn't matter that much. Find a pair of studio reference headphones in your price range and learn them like the back of your hand. Listen to tons of music on them, as much as you can. Some headphones boost certain frequencies and it's important you know what frequencies it's boosting so when you're mixing you dont add too much or too little of said frequency in.
  
  My one tip to anybody beginning is learn to mix and experiment. You can have a shitty mic and a shitty interface, but if you can mix well, You can make 90% of things sound at least decent and that's all that really matters in music. If you make a song that's a banger but it's not mixed that great, people will still listen to it. If you have a shitty song that's mixed by a world class engineer, nobody is going to listen to it. Don't get caught up in making sure everything sounds amazing, Just work and be creative.

My suggestion assumes you already have FL Studio, a capable PC, and $100 to spend on a MIDI keyboard, specifically the Akai MPK Mini mkII because it's widely available and has a little bit of everything for you to learn with. I'm also assuming you have 4-8 hours everyday to spend on production-related things and that you'll use all of that time.

Day 1: Become familiar with the general layout of FL Studio.

• Rearrange the buttons at the top of the screen (right click>edit) so that the things you'll use the most (playlist, channel rack, mixer, piano roll, audio editor) are all in one row.
  
  
• Plug in your MIDI keyboard and configure it in options>MIDI settings to get it working with FL Studio.
  
  
• Open FPC and learn how to map your drum pads to it, and also how to route them to their own mixer channels.
  
  
• Learn how to link the knobs on your MIDI keyboard to the ones in FL Studio.
  
  
• Learn to color-code your sounds in the playlist/channel rack/mixer. It sounds relatively unimportant but it's one of the most important things.
  
  Days 2-10: Get acquainted with your keyboard and drum pads.
  
  
• Label the keys on your keyboard. Start with a piece of scotch tape on each key, then write the letters over the tape, then put another piece of tape over the writing so you don't wipe it off while playing. It's tedious but you only have to do it once, and having that visual aide can be helpful in numerous ways.
  
  
• Learn some scales and chords; D and G scales are a good place to start for making hip-hop beats but there are no actual rules about it, so do whatever sounds good to you.
  
  
• Find a scale you like and play it until you can do it with your eyes closed, then play it with your eyes closed until you can start to improvise with it. Play it forward and backward, then try playing it but skip every other note. Playing every other note in a scale can help you find chords and build your own chord progressions instead of Googling one and boxing yourself in with it every time you go to make something.
  
  
• In FPC, create your own drum layout or find one online that makes sense to you. Once you've made or found one you can jam with, save it as an FPC preset and stick with it so you build muscle memory toward it. Change the sounds, but never the layout.
  
  
• Start putting together a beat for the sake of learning, because you'll need it for the next phase.
  
  Days 10-15: Learn about common mixer effects, and practice applying them to a variety of sounds. This includes but is not limited to:
  
  
• Compression
  
  
• EQ
  
  
• Reverb
  
  
• Delay
  
  
• High Pass/Low Pass Filters
  
  
• Distortion
  
  There are stock plugins for all of those effects in FL Studio, so you'll at least be able to mess with those.
  
  Days 15-20: Learn Automation. It is a key part of adding motion and life to your tracks.
  
  Days 20-30: Make some beats, and try to use as much of your knowledge as you can in every beat. Don't take more than a day or two to finish each one, because at the beginning it's most important to repeat all of the aforementioned steps until you get to a point where you can sit down and work without thinking too hard about the technical process.
  
  The day numbers are irrelevant because everyone learns at a different pace, but that's the order you should do things, in my opinion.
  
  A few side notes:
  
  
• At some point you should get some new sounds (drum kits, VSTs, mixer effects) and the better you are at pirating things, the more you'll have available to you, so I suggest learning the basics of torrenting as well if you're not rich or above it.
  
  
• If you end up with a bunch of different drum kits, make a folder for all the drums you use the most so you don't have to look for them every time. Do everything you can to minimize the amount of time you spend setting up or finding things, so you maximize the time you spend on the creative process.
  
  
• The Akai Mini is a good starter keyboard, but eventually you should upgrade to one with 49 keys so you can play a wider range with both hands and learn more advanced piano/keyboard techniques. When you get to that point, I highly recommend the Akai MPK249 because it would also be an upgrade to your drum pads and give you MIDI faders to automate things with as well.
  
  Hope this helps, even if it's not exactly what you were hoping for.

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.

Regarding speakers for your studio, you don't need the huge hi-fi speakers that big studios have, they use those mainly to flatter artists and industry reps. For mixing, you should get a set of speakers with a relatively flat frequency response that spotlights the midrange and has low distortion. The Avatone Mix Cube is good for this. You only really need one because a lot of mixing is in mono. The Yamaha NS10s are also good (these are more expensive and are pretty standard in most studios. The thing about these speakers is not that they sound good, but that, on first listen, you'd probably think they sound bad; they highlight problems in your mix.

I imagine if you're doing hip-hop a lot of your listeners will listen on headphones so it's useful to do some mixing on headphones (you might do mono mixing on your nearfield and work out panning and stereo stuff on headphones, for example), so get two good pairs of studio headphones-one for you, and one for people you record (unless you're building this to record yourself, although if people know you have this cool studio they might want to get in on the action and it'd be good to be prepared for that if it does happen-you might also want to record a feature on your track or something).

Get a DAW and know it back and forth. I would say for your purposes, unless you're already well-versed in Pro Tools or already have a copy of it, don't get Pro Tools-there's a huge learning curve and it's by far the most expensive. Reaper has a free demo that you can use indefinitely and FL Studio and Audacity are free. Ableton is what most producers use but it's not really made for tracking or mixing, so what some people do is they produce in Ableton and bounce the track to another DAW to mix.

Microphone-wise, ideally for vocals you want a large-diaphragm condenser. A small-diaphragm will work too but LDCs are standard. You can record on a dynamic mic but they usually need a lot more gain which might mean more noise and you'll need to be handy at mixing to get the sound you want out of a dynamic mic.

If you're investing in a big project like this, read a lot and know what you're doing. This book will get you started on mixing techniques and the basics. This one is a must, it starts out with some chapters on how to acoustically treat the room you're working in which even though it isn't glamorous or fun is totally vital to a good studio.

I'm going to be a little bit different from these other comments. I think there are some pros and cons to this bundle. I clicked on your thread out of curiosity but ended up realizing this was the bundle me and my friend bought during college when we first started rapping. While this bundle is a good starter kit, we had a lot of issues with monitoring. Monitoring is the ability to hear yourself while recording. Its not super necessary but I prefer to hear myself within the headphones while I am recording. There is something called latency, which is the time you speak to the time you hear yourself in the headphones. With this bundle sometimes we couldn't monitor ourselves at all, and other times we could but the latency was so large that it sounded like we were rapping over our own echoes.

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I would recommend purchasing audio technica M50 as headphones. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HVLUR86?aaxitk=cVQsljyy61ps.jPMCOqbVQ&pd_rd_i=B00HVLUR86&pf_rd_p=44fc3e0f-4b9e-4ed8-b33b-363a7257163d&hsa_cr_id=9643844680501&sb-ci-n=asinImage&sb-ci-v=https%3A%2F%2Fm.media-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F81Hajq6vPiL.jpg&sb-ci-a=B00HVLUR86

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AKG perception microphone. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00160PRBU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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and this behringer audio interface. https://www.amazon.com/BEHRINGER-Audio-Interface-1-Channel-UM2/dp/B00EK1OTZC/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=audio+interface&qid=1571236325&refinements=p_72%3A1248939011&rnid=1248937011&s=musical-instruments&sr=1-5

​

It comes out to the same price kind of. I have the M-audio M - track audio interface. I dont think they make it anymore but I really like it so if you find it on ebay or something it might be worth it.

If you are looking at a DAW to start recording. I suggest reaper. Its literally free and insanely robust software considering its free. Theres a 60 day limit on the software but you can really use the software past that date. I used it for like 1000 days before i ended up paying like the 60 bucks for it.

I'm always recommending this book here: Mixing Secrets For The Small Studio. By far the most helpful resource I've come across for mixing. Great layout, written by a guy who knows his shit and includes relevant quotes from other top professionals, and funny at times. It basically covers everything starting from room acoustics and treatment, and then on to mixing from the ground up. A little textbooky but I enjoy the technical drivel.

SOS magazine is another great resource and for more than just mixing. I think their archives are down atm because they're building a new site, but once that's back up they have a ridiculous amount of pro tips and reviews for free. Mike Senior who wrote Mixing Secrets is also a frequent contributor to this site/mag.

None of that above is hip-hop focused, but applies to all genres. I used to always look for any videos or interviews with Da Beatminerz since they were one of my favorite production crews growing up. Same thing with El-P, Pete Rock, DJ Shadow, Dan The Automator, etc. Sometimes at shows they'd have cool trinkets for sale; I remember picking up this video on CD of Qbert that showed a glimpse into the life of a touring DJ which was pretty inspirational to me.

There used to be a $60 Audiotechnica USB mic on Amazon, but it's not around any more. Seemed decent at the time, but looking back it wasn't a very good mic tbh. Once I bought an interface and moved up to the AT2020 my sound got 10x better. The difference between a $50 and $100 mic isn't that the $100 is two times better, it's more like five to ten times better. It's definitely worth saving, unless you know you're not going to do that. Moving to an audio interface and getting an XLR mic was the best move I ever made for getting better sounding vocals.

I've personally never used that interface, so you'll have to rely on the Amazon reviews (or hopefully someone here has had experience with it). The preamp (what you plug the mic into), and the mic you use, determines the sound you're going to get. Again, you're gonna have to read the reviews. You're just starting off, so I wouldn't stress it too much. You'll get a better sound than just plugging a USB mic into your computer.

If I were in your position, with a small budget, I'd save up a bit more and buy this:

http://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Solo-Compact-Interface/dp/B00MTXU2DG/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1452061607&sr=1-1&keywords=scarlett+solo

The Scarlett series, in my opinion, is the best in terms of budget audio interfaces. Their preamps, and the system, overall, is of great quality.


When you're ready for that mic - put enough together to buy sayyyy this:

http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT2020-Cardioid-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B0006H92QK/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1452061954&sr=1-1&keywords=Audio+Technica+AT2020

...and you got a good little startup.



The mic stand should fit pretty much any mic. It has both the clip, and a part to screw in the mic's shock mount (look up "shock mount").


I always recommend that you get warranty with your equipment, cause, you know...shit happens, so you should check if there're any music stores around that sell whatever you're interested in, and offer the warranty, as well.

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

I highly recommend Apple Logic out of the box. It has a decent set of sounds, powerful synths (ES2, Alchemy..), and a great sampler (ESX24). Stock mixing plugins are great to learn and grow with before you start investing in the big dollar ones. Youtube tutorials exist for every aspect of the DAW with some really helpful tips on everything from beatmaking to sound design to mixing/mastering using stock Logic sounds and plugs.

Next grab a midi keyboard for starters that you can grow with. I recommend the Akai MPK Mini MKII as it's cheap, light, and portable. The drum pads are MPC-style sensitive and what you would expect from an Akai product.

https://www.amazon.com/Akai-Professional-MPK-Ultra-Portable-Controller/dp/B00IJ6QAO2

Lastly - grab a decent audio interface and some monitor headphones so you can hear your mix accurately.

You don't need to break the bank for this either especially since your just starting out. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a great interface and should last you awhile before you grow out of it as your studio expands. Audio Technica makes amazing studio monitor headphones. I use the ATH-50X and couldnt be happier. But don't take my word for it - check the reviews and comparisons on SoundonSound and you'll see what I mean

https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-2i2-GENERATION-USB-Recording/dp/B005OZE9SA/ref=sr_1_5?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1503990027&sr=1-5&keywords=focusrite+audio+interface

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50x-Professional-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B00HVLUR86/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1503990263&sr=1-3&keywords=audio+technica+ath-m50x

What are people's opinions on the Mackie CR3 and CR4 reference monitors? I'm on a very tight budget ( I don't want to spend more than $150 on a pair of monitors) and they seem to be a fairly decent pair for my first monitors. I have read that they lack low end (bass), but I'm not too worried about that. I would be using them in a small room for production, and also for my turntable.

Mackie CR Series CR3 - 3" Creative Reference Multimedia Monitors (Pair) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KVEIY4E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ahRyybK966713

Edit: New question, since the Mackie CR3's are clearly not a good pair of cheap reference monitors.

1. What's a good pair of reference/studio headphones for production/mixing that are cheaper than $150 (or $200)?
   
   
2. What's a good pair of speakers/monitors that would be used strictly for listening to music with my turntable?
   
   Thanks for the input, I know nothing about monitors/speakers/headphones so all advice is greatly appreciated!

Hi Audio_Byte,

I posted this in the "I cringe at my own lyrics" thread, but it seems like you might benefit from it as well:

I'm actually working on a web app to help people with this very problem: Rhymecraft. It isn't ready yet but in the meantime my #1 tip for you is to read How to Rap Volume 1 and Volume 2. If you want me to email you when my app is done, send me a private message with your email address or just let me know you want me to send you a PM on Reddit.

What I've learned from studying lyrics is that usually there isn't one thing that makes lyrics good or bad; it's a collection of lots of different things, and your job as a lyricist is to understand what all of those factors are and make sure they're all working in your favor. Reading "How to Rap" will give you a good intro to what some of those factors are.

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.

It comes with a power supply.

This one:

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/01/aplusautomation/vendorimages/4e50f9f3-c6f5-4f79-9b3c-c49413136a54.jpg._CB304903745_.jpg

Also it includes every XLR cable you need. I deliver the output into Scarlett solo.

https://focusrite.com/usb-audio-interface/scarlett/scarlett-solo


The quality is superb. The mic was the winner of Pro Audio Review's Excellence Award. But I had only three mics in my life so I lack of some comparison of other mics in the same price range.

My first mic was a yeti blue (for a only USB mic this is the best one you can get)

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Yeti-USB-Microphone-Silver/dp/B002VA464S

then rode nta-1A

http://www.rode.com/microphones/nt1-a

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?

Awesome man! Never too late to start using your creativity.

Regarding equipment, I would suggest looking into a cheaper, but decent quality Condenser Microphone such as Audio Technica's AT2020: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AT2020--audio-technica-at2020-cardioid-condenser-microphone
Or an MXL 990: https://www.amazon.com/MXL-990-Condenser-Microphone-Shockmount/dp/B0002GIRP2
I've heard great things about both, and I've personally used the AT2020 and haven't heard any complaints from artists I've worked with.

With that being said you'll also need an audio interface since a Condenser Microphone will not be able to work on it's own and needs Phantom Power (48V) to work. You can also get the AT2020 as a USB and avoid an audio interface, but my personal recommendation if you really want to get into this is to go ahead and buy an audio interface if it's within your budget so that when you upgrade microphones you'll have an interface ready.


Presonus Audiobox: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AudioBoxUSB96--presonus-audiobox-usb-96
Focusrite Scarlett: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ScarlettSoloG3--focusrite-scarlett-solo-3rd-gen-usb-audio-interface

Behringer U-Phoria: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/UMC202HD--behringer-u-phoria-umc202hd-usb-audio-interface


Hope this helps! Peace

It's kind of hard trying to fit into that budget. I'd suggest saving till you can get a somewhat okay setup. A decent audio interface would be the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 but it's $150.

Might try looking into this:

Interface:
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-2-Channel-Portable-Audio-Interface/dp/B00BQ6KSN6/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1425251263&sr=1-1&keywords=m+audio+usb+interface

Mic:

http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT2020-Cardioid-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B0006H92QK/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1425251333&sr=1-3&keywords=xlr+condenser

Sorry for the long links. I personally have the AT2020 and I love it as a beginner mic. Just learn to mix okay and you'll be set.

Also if you can't/don't want to buy a pop filter (assuming you have a stand or desktop tripod thing) you can make one out of an old wire coat hanger and some pantyhose (yeah it's kinda weird, but it works okay as well)

Hope I could help.

This guy knows. I love my Sony MDRs.

Sony MDR-7506

They're under 100 even.. but best you can find for the lower budget (in my opinion).

My advice is to just buy them because you'll be happy about saving the money and absolutely blown away by the quality of response. Save yourself the headache of researching forever and just try them. 10/10

I'd highly recommend a synth if you want the sounds of it. If you want a midi controller on the really cheap, get a cheap casio keyboard or something that has midi out, then get a midi to usb adapter, plug it in, and go. If you want a better midi controller that's dedicated for midi and probably has better keys, yadadada get an MPK Mini MKII.

Lastly, if you want a synth, get a MicroBrute. Great sounding portable analog synth for around $300.

I would get this midi keyboard

https://www.amazon.com/Akai-Professional-MPK-Ultra-Portable-Controller/dp/B00IJ6QAO2/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1536448710&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=mpk+mini+mk2&dpPl=1&dpID=416Tlwn7yzL&ref=plSrch

This thing is really affordable and is the best bang for your buck. It's portable, feels great, and convenient. The drum pads feel amazing and the keys are kinda small, but still velocity sensitive so it's great for laying down synth leads or chords. It's a great intro piece to your production. Its so much better than a computer or laptop keyboard. You'll find out even early on how limited just a laptop keyboard is.

So idk ask for this for Christmas, mow some lawns. It'll be one of your greatest investments in early production.

Read this or anything else you can get your hands on that explains the creative process some professional rappers use to write lyrics. It would probably be especially helpful for you to find interviews of your favorite artists where they discuss their inspirations.

Also, you don't have to write with a beat in mind or while listening to an instrumental. The lyrics can come first and then you'll find or make a beat that fits them.

Lastly, don't let your dreams be dreams. Stay focused and work hard for what you want and don't let anyone discourage you with their negativity. At the same time, don't let compliments get to your head and tell you you're the greatest and then get complacent with your work. Always be your own worst critic.

Lastly lastly... Enjoy yourself! If you're not enjoying it, it'll show in your lyrics and delivery and then nobody else will enjoy it either

You could drop all of that on Pro Tools or Ableton, but without some peripheral gear I'd say start with Logic. It's one of the more affordable industry DAWs and will leave you quite a bit of cash to grab some other essentials.

Namely, I would suggest monitors (over headphones) with isolation pads. The M-Audio BX5 D3 are a decent and affordable introductory set of monitors.

Besides that, I'd get an audio interface, a humble MIDI keyboard, and a decent microphone. Respectively the Focusrite Scarlett Audio Interface, the Akai MPK Mini, and the AT2020 Microphone are my personal favs.

All of this should run you less than $1000, and is a great rudimentary setup to start making some tunes. Have fun! :)

For the price, the Blue Yeti is pretty awesome. I got one recently and was blown away! And the best part is, it's a USB condenser microphone. Literally all you have to do is plug it in and start recording. Here's a good review of the Blue Yeti

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 a ton bro! When I was making the beat I was wondering wether the drums were to punchy and I guess now I know! Yeah I'm using a 10 pound mic at the moment lmao so thats what that is. Im thinking of picking up this mic probably on my next pay day. I was simply going for flow cos the whole thing was completely off my dome in one take. I'm an out an out producer so im trying to practice rapping at the moment lol.

Imma be honest, when I started listening to your track I was like wtf is this but that flow is kinda hypnotizing. I guess your influenced by MF DOOM? Cos the way you were rhyming on that was insane. Did you punch in each 4 bar? Cos it sounded like you never stopped for air lmao. Really dope shit. Only criticism would be your accent seems to change throughout and I cant grasp where your from lmao, and it sounds like your recording it in a hallway but if thats what your going for thats fair enough!

Keep it up dude, hmu if you want any beats. I make allot of soulful ones to if thats what you like.

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!

So are you just using a mic that has a usb cable at the end? That's probably the first problem. Ideally you'd want some kind of audio interface you could plug a better mic into. This one is a good starter - https://smile.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Audio-Interface-Tools/dp/B01E6T56CM?sa-no-redirect=1 or this one if you think you'd want to record two things at once (like a mic and guitar) https://smile.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Audio-Interface-Tools/dp/B01E6T56EA?sa-no-redirect=1

Then you'd want to get a mic with the standard XLR cord type. This one is good if you're just rapping - https://smile.amazon.com/Shure-SM58-LC-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B00015H0X4?sa-no-redirect=1&th=1. Or if you want to spend more money you can get one of these - https://ehomerecordingstudio.com/best-vocal-mics/. If you get one of those make sure you use a pop filter.

It's also worth getting a mic stand - you don't want to be holding these as you record.

I thought this one was pretty good. Talks in depth about various mixing techniques, EQing certain instruments, and where instruments should sit in mixes. It’s honestly not anything you won’t find online but as one consolidated book it’s pretty good.

Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio (Sound On Sound Presents...) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0240815807/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_XiQIAbC62CP9N

hey man
first thing is, practice. Start small and build up. use single syllable rhymes and try to get a feel for what a "bar is". then from there get more complex.

 


Start with a simple flow and rhyme scheme

 


just walked in the crib 1

look at my Asian chick 2

she hella thick, do a split, 3

she don't take no shit" 4

 


this is a simple rhyme scheme with all single syllable rhymes. You will notice. the rhyme does not always end on the end of the line. If we were to continue this. my rule is to change the flow every four bars but I tend to change it up a lot more than other people. My first indication would be to change the flow right after

 


I ain't seen her in a min-ute 1

I miss her...this love 2

really ain't a gimmick 3

..I fall to pieces when i'm in-it* 4

 


This is an example where the rhyme scheme becomes more complex and the rhymes can increase to more than one syllable.
There are plenty of resources online about how to rap. there's even a book! [How to Rap!] (https://www.amazon.com/How-Rap-Art-Science-Hip-Hop/dp/1556528167/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480085264&sr=8-1&keywords=how+to+rap)
Best of luck to you little homie. holler if you got any questions

No problem. You also may want some acoustic foam around your recording area, like this https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00TP7C9YY/ref=pd_aw_lpo_267_bs_img_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=DKFBYPREFAA84ZEKF401 , or this works really good as well https://www.kaoticaeyeball.com/ . If you want a more expensive set up, you can get these professional Studio standard speakers https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00HHZUTQQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1500445723&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=krk+rokit&dpPl=1&dpID=41i5K-Wru6L&ref=plSrch and these monitor headphones https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00HVLUR86/ref=mp_s_a_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1500445753&sr=8-12&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=monitor+headphones . Good luck with the recording man, hope this helps!

Well that was far too nice and now I feel kinda bad. Honestly, I love when people analyze hip hop and rapping specifically, so this was just me being kind of contradictory for the sake of it. Who are some of your favorites, or people who encompass most/all of these aspects to you?

Edit: Also, the guy that recommended How to Rap (https://www.amazon.com/How-Rap-Art-Science-Hip-Hop/dp/1556528167) is definitely right in the fact that I think you'd enjoy the read.

Mixing in headphones is almost always gunna be a bit off. Sony mdr 7506 is pretty solid, and around your price point. I’ve had a great experience with them, though if you get a chance monitors are a better bet (though significantly more expensive)

Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AJIF4E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_OPG.zbN15RW4C

Thanks!

That's great advice and always something I forget about. I went to a broadcast school for video, so I have many audiophile friends who can probably hook me up with some, or at least advice me while shopping.

After my move, I'll be sure to get some.

I'm going to edit my post to include the headphones I'm using right now, Sony MDR-7506:

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR7506-Professional-Diaphragm-Headphone/dp/B000AJIF4E

I just got a new mic yesterday, the Audio-Technica AT2035 and a new interface, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. I was super hyped leading up to it and it's one of the best purchases I've made in my opinion, and I'm still fine tuning things.

I'm also looking at <$150 controllers, but I've been checking out the AKAI MPK mini. Doesn't look like there's too much difference in quality but I've heard that AKAI drum pads are always good.

You absolutely can learn piano on 25 keys, dont limit yourself. Once you know your way around the 13 keys in an octave, it's just repeated up and down the keys.

Would love to hear from someone who had experience with some of these controllers

we're using a audio technica at2020 https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT2020-Cardioid-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B0006H92QK, Thanks though man, solid feedback, we recorded this in the closet with blankets and towels and a foam matress as "treatment" haha and have no backgound noise in there, so i didn't think a gate was neccessary but I'm basically teaching myself here haha like most of us.

There's no reason you need to be blasting your monitors really high when you mix.

Rapping also does travel through the walls and wake people up. Hearing someone rap a take over and over and over in the other room can get pretty nervewracking.

IF you have good monitors/headphones you won't need to turn them up loud to get your work done. A good pair of headphones with a FLAT sound like the Sony 7506 are used for mixing in a lot of professional studios. You don't need $300 headphones at all and a lot of those higher end sennheisers aren't meant for mixing at all.

Schedule a time of day to record that wont bother any one. Some apartments are more sound-proofed than others. My old apartment had soundproofed walls, in my current one I can hear my neighbors phone vibrating upstairs.

Just be mindful of what time of the day it is. When people might be awake/sleep. Learn when your neighbors are away/at home. Etc.

Which of these would be more useful to some one who enjoys playing around with this as a hobby, not trying for a professional level. All I have right now if fl studio and am thinking about buying my first bit of equipment . I'm a fan of hip hop and sampling

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Numark-MixTrack-Platinum-Controller-Capacitive/dp/B01J3S8MUO

Or

https://www.amazon.co.uk/AKAI-Professional-Performance-ready-4-Way-Thumbstick/dp/B00IJ6QAO2/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=akai+mpk+mini+mk2&qid=1567268323&s=gateway&sprefix=akai&sr=8-3

Aye man its not about what you got but what you can do with what you got. I would recommend some Mackie cr3's They are a bit price ($99 on amazon) but I think its definitely worth it for starter monitors.

Here's a link
https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-CR-CR3-Reference-Multimedia/dp/B00KVEIY4E/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1521568837&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=mackie+cr3&psc=1

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

​

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

​

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

​

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

​

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)

Yeah I totally agree, excet he's mentioned a new interface in the past and I have that in my shopping cart right now: [Focusrite Scarlett 2i2] (http://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-2i2-USB-Recording-Interface/dp/B005OZE9SA/)
I know he uses Logic and Reason to make his beats and if anything I want to help add something to his pool of equipment that he could capitalize on later.

I will jump in and sayi f you want to get into producing I would highly recommend getting a 25 key midi keyboard. AKAI MPK Mini is a solid choice. If you want to used pads AKAI MPD218 is a good choice as pads on most midi keyboards are not ideal. Other than that, a DAW and some monitors is really all you need to start.

Wow ok, thanks for the info

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005OZE9SA/ref=gno_cart_title_0?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Would that be a good option? It says it has "High quality mic preamps" but since this goes for 150 while many others go for higher, would I be skimping out if I purchased this?

Youtube. Here's a starting point but just search for your specific DAW to start, but eventually it doesn't matter as much once you learn the fundamentals. This book is good too. Search in the sidebar and just google. Tons of resources out there you just have to put the work in. I've spent like, the last year trying to learn about it and I'm still ass, but I'm improving.

Yes, assuming you have a usb port that supports it on your computer, or alternatively, if you have an audio interface and a cable.

All you need is a turntable that either is usb, or if it isn't, any turntable and an interface with appropriate cables, FL Studio, and records.

Here's the cheap option that serves it's purpose well. I use it, and many others here do as well.

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

I'd recommend (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00IJ6QAO2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483920756&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=mk+ii+mini+keyboard&dpPl=1&dpID=41xJRcojBJL&ref=plSrch)[this] if you have access to Amazon. It's never steered me wrong! Yes, the license is 60 days, but they believe in the power of their brand, so you can keep the full version for as long as you'd like. I personally used without a license for a good 2 years, and finally paid it when I had the means

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.

This is the one I and a few other people I know use. I think it does the job quite well, however it is a bit on the heavy side, so you will need a sturdy mic stand. Definitely in your price range too.

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

buy a cheap 2 channel interface i recommend the focusrite scarlett 2i2 as well as two XLRM to TRS cables.

Thank you for the feedback, good sirs.

I actually made a ghetto ass "recording box." I got a large paper box (like the ones from office max that have 12 reems of paper in them) and treated it. I glued a bunch of foam in it and put my mic in it. It does require that I sit down while I record though.

I also run a heavy hiss reduction after i record too. If you guys have some extra cash, either treat the room or buy one of these

https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-602650-Microphone-Isolation-Shield/dp/B00GR9W1MS/ref=sr_1_4?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1480448372&sr=1-4&keywords=recording+studio+equipment

How To Rap has a lot of interviews with different rappers on their takes. I'm only part way through it but it has been interesting so far.

Yo I actually just found out about this mic the other day and I think Blue just came out with it as well. I'm thinking of getting this setup myself for my next paycheck!

Mic: https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Condenser-recording-streaming-instruments/dp/B07MBFBQ3F/ref=sr_1_9?crid=37KRGBANFT9JP&keywords=blue+condenser+microphone&qid=1554152125&s=gateway&sprefix=blue+conden%2Caps%2C237&sr=8-9

DAC: https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Audio-Interface-Tools/dp/B01E6T56CM/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=dac&qid=1554152211&s=gateway&sr=8-6

>yeah all you need is your Audient iD14, and your dbx.. Depending on your room, maybe gets some acoustic foam for the walls (the entire wall does not have to be covered), and a carpet. then you're good to go. https://www.amazon.com/Pack-Acoustic-Panels-Studio-Wedges/dp/B010GPFRUQ/ref=sr_1_4?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1539098325&sr=1-4&keywords=acoustic+foam&dpID=513Q%252BdvDuUL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

​

Here's a pretty in-depth review

They're also $6 cheaper on Amazon

if you get the XLR you have to get a interface with phantom power such as the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Interface generally speaking its better to have analog recording than digital with an USB mic

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.

So would getting either of these make a significant difference?
https://www.amazon.com/Pack-Acoustic-Panels-Studio-Wedges/dp/B010GPFRUQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1541894161&sr=8-3&keywords=noise+foam

https://www.amazon.com/Microphone-Adjustable-Constructed-Industrial-High-Density/dp/B07BCKL4RS/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1541894251&sr=8-4&keywords=isolation+shield

Nothing for 50 bucks is worth your money.

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

Check out my home studio. Gotta' keep the list building!

List:

• Korg MS20 Mini Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer
  
• MIDI Fighter 3d
  
• KRK Rokit 6 speakers
  
• Akai MPKII mini keyboard
  
• M-Audio M-Track 2x2 C-series USB Audio Interface
  
• MXL 990 Condenser Microphone
  
• Preferred DAW: Ableton Live
  
  Let me know what ya think or if there are any questions!
  
  EDIT: Links for gear added/formatting.

I'm using these Sony ones.

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR7506-Professional-Diaphragm-Headphone/dp/B000AJIF4E

Oh well.

Nah like this https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-Microphone-Isolation-Shield-Absorbing/dp/B00GR9W1MS

Blue Yeti For $89 @ Amazon

for $200 you could get this interface and this microphone

and you'd have money left over for a stand if you didn't have one before.

if you want the sm7b then you're looking at a vocal recording setup of $500+

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?

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT2020-Cardioid-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B0006H92QK

Quite cheaper than the USB version, don't let that fool you though.

Check this out: https://www.amazon.com/Akai-Professional-MPK-Mini-Controller/dp/B00IJ6QAO2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481935039&sr=8-1&keywords=akai+mini



This and a DAW is all you would need to do what you want.

Too many focus on plugins or hardware, and not enough learning and knowledge. Get a book or two. This one is on my wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0240815807

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

This one has worked wonders for me

Plugs right into a USB port and doesn't need an amplifier.

https://www.amazon.ca/Numark-TTUSB-Turntable-with-USB/dp/B000G3FNVM

It's on sale. Everything you need.

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

Is this a good interface? http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005OZE9SA?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_2&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B005OZE9SA/ref=sr_1_4_olp?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1501543130&sr=1-4&keywords=scarlett-2i2

Either this power supply:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KAPGLQC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_HDNFybXP32WJY

Or this interface:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EK1OTZC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_OENFyb8GZ7EQD

Currently using these https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50x-Professional-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B00HVLUR86/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=at+m50x&qid=1562361429&s=electronics&sr=1-3

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50x-Professional-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B00HVLUR86

I would skip the monitors for now and buy these and be done with it.

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50x-Professional-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B00HVLUR86

This the one I use.
25 keys and 8 drum pads to get you started.

I recently purchased this https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00IJ6QAO2/ref=ya_st_dp_summary

Here:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KVEIY4E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Pack--Acoustic-Panels-Studio-Wedges/dp/B010GPFRUQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1474411204&sr=1-3&keywords=sound+foam

There's plenty of tutorials online about proper placement but it's really a lot of trial and error if you're room has an unconventional layout like mine

edit: also bass traps man, bass traps

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?

arturia minilab mk2

if you want full size keys try this or this

stay away from the launchkey it has terrible keys that feel like ass, it's only good if you want the clip launching features for ableton

the akai mpk mini is okay while it lasts but eventually the keys will break off. not might, will. Akai also just released an updated version of this controller, no idea if the keys are any more reliable on it though.

$200 is a bad amount of money to spend. either go cheap ($100) or go expensive with midi controllers and get something like this or this, everything "mid range" feels like ass for the price you pay & you will be disappointed with it.