Vocal Multi-FX for Live Performing

Sebber

Hi all,

I hope I'm posting this in the right place: I'm finally in the market for a decent floor-based Vocal Mutli-FX unit for live use but despite having read a handful of reviews of units like the TC Helicon VoiceLive, I really don't know what to go for and who stocks what in the Joburg area. I'm only really in need of some basic effects so I'm not really looking for something that'll do loads of harmonies, auto-tune, pitch shifting or anything fancy like that, and I object in principle to any unit that requires me to plug my guitar into it!

So, do any of you guys have any experience with these that you could offer any tips or advice? In summary my requirements are: simple, compact, pedal operated, can store different "patches" (wouldn't need all that many, say 5-6?) for easy recall, needs to be relatively rugged, and basic but decent sounding effects (reverb, echo, distortion, chorus, compression perhaps, etc, etc...).

Any recommendations you can offer would be greatly appreciated, and if you happen to know from which Joburg-based music retail establishment I might be able to acquire your recommended unit from, I'd be much obliged to you.

AlanRatcliffe

If you don't need the harmonies, most units will suffice. Most units have harmonies though - it's the selling point these days. You don't have to use it, but it can be good used subtly too, for thickening.

Generally I like the TC units (real pro level in every respect and they have a wide range to suit all applications - take a look at the VoiceLive Play or the Create XT for your application), but Digitech do some good'uns too and the Boss VE trails distant third (but can often be found at really good prices).

Not floor based, but a quality channel strip (pre, comp, gate, EQ, de-ess in one) with a good FX processor is still the ultimate.

Sebber

Many thanks Alan, I had a suspicion that the TC-Helicon products would be a good match, but I was also after an opinion on how they compare with the Boss and Digitech units I've seen so I'm pleased to hear you rate TC stuff favourably!

The VoiceLive 2 looks awesome!

Warren

I didn't reply to this initially because I use a TC VoiceTone Harmony GX-T which has harmonies (that I use a lot, being the only singer in the band) and you wanted info on pedals without harmonies.

All I can really do is echo Alan's sentiments about the TC stuff: it's worth the small premium you pay. My vocal unit has built in doubling effects, great reverb and delay options, a guitar tuner and option to send the guitar output blended through the mic output, and a bunch of other features aside from the harmonies. It's a great unit, well-crafted and easy to use.

Sean

ShreddySmurf wrote: I didn't reply to this initially because I use a TC VoiceTone Harmony GX-T which has harmonies (that I use a lot, being the only singer in the band) and you wanted info on pedals without harmonies.

All I can really do is echo Alan's sentiments about the TC stuff: it's worth the small premium you pay. My vocal unit has built in doubling effects, great reverb and delay options, a guitar tuner and option to send the guitar output blended through the mic output, and a bunch of other features aside from the harmonies. It's a great unit, well-crafted and easy to use.

What's a ballpark on this unit?

Warren

Sean wrote:

What's a ballpark on this unit?

This one was bought quite a few years ago, I think for about R4k (post-discount). Not sure what the new ones cost, but I think expect to pay between R3k-R4k for something similar.

AlanRatcliffe

I saw a cool vid yesterday with someone doing Somebody to Love with the VoiceLive Play... 8)

TC also have that small stomp sized unit that looks pretty cool. Aside from pitch correction it has quality reverb and delay as well as a one button auto adjust for compression, EQ, de-essing and gating. Ah... that's it - the Mic Mechanic.

=

ThePaul5567

Have you guys heard the intro of livin on a prayer by Bon jovi. That song has some pretty cool vocal fx

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AlanRatcliffe

ThePaul5567 wrote: Have you guys heard the intro of livin on a prayer by Bon jovi. That song has some pretty cool vocal fx

Actually a guitar effect. A Heil Talkbox...