How to obtain vocal sound like rap songs today?

[Neruk]

What type of plug ins would be needed to obtain this sound? All the new rap and r&b songs these days have crazy effects on the vocals. This isnt a rap song really, but a good example would be that new Justin Timberlake / Timbaland song.

Thanks

[RadioMoo]

Try the Rap+Hip Hop Engineering and Production Forum at gearslutz.com.

[cfb25]

start with at least a $250 mic, preferably something better than stock mic pre, maybe a tube... Then toss on a lot of top end, maybe a wee bit of bottom depending on the singer. Then compress the life out of it... Try to automate the volume as much as possible to avoid an overcompressed sound, but your still compressing it a ton... Think la-2a.... in other words, choose something with an opto style on it... Like smack, which i'm really digging right now...

[Bobbers]

still compressing it a ton... Think la-2a.... in other words, choose something with an opto style on it... Like smack, which i'm really digging right now...

Smack is king! I have fallen completly in love with that compressor! But like everything else, it takes time to harness its power