Re: Which preanmps are best ?
Most of rap isn't "singing". But you already know that....
Too many performers grip the mic by the 'business end.' They don't care what that does or how their personal actions sabotage the intelligibility of their words and invite feedback.
Let me repeat that: The don't know and don't care. Almost universally, any attempt at educating the performer will be seen as intrusive to their "art" or simply ignored (even if they acknowledge your attempts).
What can the soundperson do? Act like a rapper for the purposes of sound check. Cup the mic, hold it upside down (pointed at the floor), scream and shout while doing to. When you are done ringing the monitors they will sound average to bad, but you'll be light years ahead of where you were. This is also the time you set the gain staging for your wireless system as has been previously addressed. Be the rapper, use your gear the way he/she will. It's the only way you'll be even remotely prepared.
These kinds of gigs also show off the limitation of budget equipment. Rap/hip hop (and EDM, but that's for another time) stress systems differently than other genres. What works fine for an act at Bob's Country Bunker with the guy that sings Willie Nelson songs is probably not up to a rap show. Rap needs double the subs you'd bring for a rock show and you'll need to get penetrating HF, too, without killing the drivers.
