How to Record Rap in BandLab on Your Phone

BandLab is free and works right on your phone. That makes it the first place a lot of rappers record. Here's how to record a verse in the BandLab app, from importing your beat to publishing your project.

1. Fix your latency first

If you hear yourself a little late, you'll rap late too. BandLab has a test for that. Tap the gear icon at the top, choose Latency Fix and tap Retake Test. Follow the steps on screen. According to BandLab, a result between 0 and 30 ms is manageable.

Record with wired headphones. BandLab itself says Bluetooth adds so much delay that it's impractical for recording. For listening or mixing, Bluetooth is fine.

2. Import your beat

Start a new project. Tap the + below the tracks and choose Import Track. That lets you bring in an audio file or video from your phone, like your beat.

Know your beat's BPM? Set your project tempo to it, so the grid lines up with your beat. Don't know it? Check it with the free Beat Lab.

3. Create a vocal track

Tap the + again and choose Voice/Mic. That's where you record your voice.

4. Monitoring and the metronome

  • Monitoring: tap the headphones icon in Track View. According to BandLab, it only works with headphones, to prevent feedback.
  • Metronome: tap the icon in the lower right. Wear headphones, or the click ends up in your recording.

5. Record in sections

Want to record one part a few times? Double tap in the timeline to turn on cycle. Drag the start and end to the part you want to record. That way you can record your hook or one verse a few times in a row and pick the best one afterwards.

6. AutoPitch and presets

In the Track View of your Voice/Mic track you'll find AutoPitch in the bottom toolbar. That's where you set the key and how strong the correction is. Don't know your beat's key? You can find that with the Beat Lab too.

7. Mix and publish

In Mix View you set the volume and panning of your tracks. Turn your beat down a bit below your voice, so your lyrics are easy to understand. When you're done, tap the cloud icon in the top right to publish your project.

Tips

  • Keep your phone or mic at the same distance from your mouth.
  • Turn on Do Not Disturb, so a notification doesn't ruin your take.
  • Record in a quiet room with soft stuff around you.

On an iPhone? Also read how to record rap on iPhone with GarageBand. Want autotune on your voice? Read autotune in BandLab with AutoPitch. Need a beat? Browse all beats.

FAQ

Why is my voice behind the beat?

Probably latency. Run the Latency Fix test from the gear icon and use wired headphones.

Can I record with AirPods in BandLab?

Better not. According to BandLab, Bluetooth adds too much delay to record properly.

How do I get my beat into BandLab?

Tap the + below the tracks and choose Import Track. Then pick the file on your phone.

Source: BandLab's help pages and blog on latency and the mobile Studio.

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