Best Vocal Effects Processors in 2022

Last update: January 20, 2023

Can I use guitar effects for vocals?

Yes, you can use guitar effects for vocals, but you need to be careful about which ones you use. Some effects, like reverb and delay, can be very effective for adding depth and dimension to your vocal sound. Others, like distortion and flanger, can be very harsh and may not be suitable for all styles of singing. Experiment with different effects and see which ones work best for your voice and the style of music you are singing.

Did the Beatles use guitar pedals?

The Beatles were certainly no strangers to using guitar pedals. George Harrison was particularly fond of the Vox Wah-Wah pedal, which he used extensively on tracks like “My Sweet Lord” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”. John Lennon also made use of the Vox Wah-Wah pedal on songs like “Revolution” and “Cold Turkey”. Other pedals used by The Beatles include the Fuzz Face pedal (used by Harrison on “She’s So Heavy” and by Lennon on “Yer Blues

Do metal singers use effects?

Yes, metal singers often use effects to help create their signature sound. Common effects used by metal singers include distortion, reverb, and delay. These effects can help create a more aggressive and powerful sound that is perfect for metal music.

Do you need a vocal processor?

If you want to improve your vocal sound, then you may need a vocal processor. This type of processor can help you to achieve a variety of different sounds, from a simple EQ boost to a more complex sound. There are many different brands and models of vocal processors on the market, so it is important to do your research to find the one that is right for you and your voice.


TC Helicon Play Acoustic Vocal Effects Stompbox Bundle with 12V 400mA DC Power Supply, Blucoil 2-Pack of 20-FT Balanced XLR Cables, 10-FT Mono Instrument Cable, and 4-Pack of Celluloid Guitar Picks Review:


This is an excellent piece of guitar gear; in less than an hour, I was using the guitar and vocal presets and making my own. This pedal is excellent for acoustic musicians because of the effects it offers, the simplicity of customization, and accessibility.The only slight annoyance I have is that I wish daisy chaining additional pedals was simpler because I want to use a dedicated looper with this fantastic processor. Nevertheless, 5 stars!



Roland VT-4 Voice Transformer Vocal Effects Processor Bundle with Blucoil 5-Ft MIDI Cable, 10-Ft Balanced XLR Cables (2-Pack), Cable Ties (5-Pack) and AA Batteries (4-Pack) Review:


I originally purchased the VT-4 primarily for the vocoding and robotic voicings, but I've discovered that it's probably even more useful to me in general for the pitch correction and harmonizing.It's great to have MIDI for controlling pitch and harmony.You can have four different variations of each feature—robot, vocoder, harmony, and reverb/delay—available and reachable via the device's buttons. However, you can access a total of eight variations for these features via MIDI CC (Change Control) messages. Additionally, you can edit configuration files and import them into the device via the USB restore option to change the eight available variants for each feature at startup. Therefore, don't feel limited to using only the options that are readily available via the buttons.Additionally, you can configure an EQ, gate, and noise cutoff using different button combinations.The equipment has a premium build. The buttons, knobs, and faders all feel sturdy and solid despite the device's light weight.The bundle I ordered also included high-quality MIDI and XLR cables.My expectations were met and surpassed by this product.



TC Helicon Voice Live Play Vocal Effects Processor Review:


Since I've been performing for more than twenty years, I've tried out a variety of gadgets that promise to add harmonies or improve your vocal performance. I was interested in this product because of its claimed endurance and the fact that it does not require any kind of MIDI or other interface to determine harmonic information. I have used TC Helicon's Vocal Prism for years in the studio while generating demos or simply fleshing out harmonies. Instead, it features an active microphone that actively "listens" to the music being performed around it and then applies the harmonies in a clever way in real time. This is a significant accomplishment, and I can't wait to test it out with my band to see how it does. While waiting, I utilized it for a fun project that involved voice manipulation in a live environment. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the change and received compliments on the device as a result. The presets frequently bear names that are either directly or indirectly derived from well-known individuals or fictional characters. The Barry White modulation smoothly pushed my baritone voice into the deep bass register. Although there are cleaner sounding devices available, I doubt I would choose this for a recording session. However, at the price, this is a fun voice machine that I anticipate will be used in many live performance settings. The effects are good, and there's a karaoke option that I haven't tried yet that lets you add your own vocals and decreases the lead vocal from any input source (1/8" jack). It might work well for an unplanned karaoke party or even as an added bonus for a DJ service. It feels durable and offers good value. The power supply and the process of turning on are the only things keeping me from rating five stars. While not as cumbersome as some, this device's "dreaded" wall wart power source, which I fear won't last as long as the device's metal chassis, Additionally, there is no power switch or button. When plugged in, the appliance is always on. I believe the purpose of this is to lessen the "pop" that occurs when turning on and off the power, but I'm not sure the advantages balance the drawbacks. Nevertheless, this is a lot of fun to use, and I would absolutely suggest it to amateur musicians and singers who want to experiment with various harmonies and improve their pitch accuracy, as well as perhaps to professional musicians who want to slightly improve their performances. I paired it with their microphone, which has a toggle button that can activate various effects from the microphone, making it cool for live performances and feeling and sounding comparable to a much more expensive microphone. In a theatrical production when a monstrously low voice and a significantly higher voice were required, I used it to switch between voices.



TC Helicon Perform-VK (996367005) Review:


I utilized this for a gig on Thursday after receiving it on Tuesday of last week. From package to gig happened quite quickly, but overall it worked well and the band enjoyed it. This looks to be a terrific tool for us since our 10-piece jam band lacks harmony vocalists and I sing only 2-4 of the 13 songs in our weekly set. However, this adds to the humor; you should have seen the guys' faces when I first started playing the harmony.I've had it for more than a week at this point, and I feel like I've got it down fairly well. The instructions are brief, as has been mentioned in previous reviews. You receive a quick start guide, which you can read quickly, and the TC Helicon also provides a manual that can be downloaded. While lacking in information, I believe the guidelines are better. YouTube videos provided me with more product guidance.The TC user forum responds to questions quite quickly, and mine was answered within an hour.I've been hesitant to perform alone, but I'm excited to start playing the Senior Citizen Happy Hour circuit.You must immediately download the software update, according to TC. To get the app, visit their website. Make sure to download both the PC driver and the app. Only Mac requires the program. It won't connect to update without the driver installed on the computer. On their website, I discovered the app, but the driver was somewhere else. After I installed the driver, the update loaded, enabling mobile beaming as well.You should be pleased with this reliable piece of technology. The website below has information on our performance on June 29. There, you can hear some of the harmonies.kerrvillejamband.com



TC-Helicon Perform V Review:


If you've ever wanted to improve your spoken word presentations or pursue your ambition of becoming a singer—hello, podcasters and voice-over artists—you sometimes just need that extra push to advance. If this describes you, you might be interested in the Perform V voice pedal from TC-Helicon.I go over the primary capabilities of this vocal processor in my video and even demonstrate beaming fresh presets to the gadget.This item is fantastic. Even in the middle of a performance, using it is simple. You may set up three effect presets, and there is a TALK mode that turns off all effects. When you take into account the mobile app, which enables you to select from hundreds of voice profiles so you can sound exactly like your favorite artists, the unit really starts to get entertaining.Two improvements may have been made: Because the clamps used to attach the unit to a mic stand are not adjustable, you won't be able to use it if your mic stand is thicker than usual. In addition, the buttons are extremely bright and lack a dimmer function.This vocal processor is excellent if it fits on your mic stand and you don't mind the bright lights, especially for singer/songwriters. A professional singer might prefer something with more functions and effects, but for me, this unit is perfect since I can quickly adjust my vocal tone during practice and performance to achieve the desired results.It's also enjoyable to use!Thank you I hope the review and video were beneficial to you.



TC-Helicon EQ Effects Pedal (996000905) Review:


People adore the Mic Mechanic, a vocalist-specific stompbox made by TC-Helicon, for the changes it brings to their vocals. Although I can't swear that the electronics inside are the same, the left half of the box is essentially the same. The tone settings and pitch correction alone make everyone's voice sound better. Local bands who perform via frequently subpar pub sound systems are frequent subjects of my photography and videography. A poor stage mix frequently causes a perfectly competent singer to sound flat, therefore this pitch adjustment should much assist in preventing that. The reverb is superior to the majority of mixer boards and bar PAs, and you can customize it. Alternatively, if the bar's reverb is good, switch to delay. Even without ever using the harmonies, this is a fantastic addition to your system.The harmonizers are a fantastic complement to the majority of acts, of course. Here is my suggestion if you're new to this because I find that individuals misuse both the intensity of the impact and the duration they use it. Except when performing a CSN song, avoid attempting to sound like them. Rewrite the presets and make it straightforward. The chorus or one line (for emphasis) in the verse is typically the only place where a backing vocal is necessary in rock tunes. Around 10:00 to 11:00, the effect blends better and is more convincing if the level is kept low. My settings only use the left button to switch the effects from A to B; the right button is always on because my foot is too stupid to remember which button to press. The "B" pattern has the harmonies—one voice or two—that I require for that kind of song, but my "A" pattern is either straight voice or doubled voice. I can't handle anything more complicated than that because I have to remember which footbutton to press while I'm also trying to control the bass player and connect with the audience while singing. You'll appreciate this stuff if you keep it straightforward and don't abuse the harmonies.



TC-Helicon Vocal Effects Processor, Burgundy (996369005) Review:


I love this processor. This process will easily give you a good enough level of effects if you play guitar while you sing. It offers pitch correction, reverb, echo, and harmony for vocals (along with automatic compressor and gate). You can also activate 48v phantom power if your microphone is a condenser type. It offers "BodyRez" for the guitar, which helps to lessen the "quack" sound, chorus, reverb, and echo. Additionally, when you press the "mix" button for a long time, a standard guitar tuner is activated in addition to pausing all effects and the guitar output so you can address your audience through the microphone. In conclusion, this is a handy tool for solo singers who play guitar along.



TC Helicon Play Acoustic Vocal Effects Processor Review:


I acquired the acoustic play over a year ago. Actually, I was more just curious. Although I've played the guitar for almost 20 years—both acoustic and electric—and am by no means a professional performer, I've recently developed a hobbyist interest in recording acoustic versions of tunes. I was looking for acoustic guitar-specific effects pedals. I've gone through a number of boss and zoom multi-effects units, so I've had my fair share of electric pedal boards.I absolutely like the play acoustic's user interface because it is very simple to use. Right out of the box, I had no trouble navigating the many menus for the vocal, guitar, overall mix, and genre-specific areas. It also seems to be quite well constructed. The unit has a very tough but stylish appearance thanks to its metal chassis body and nearly automotive paint finish.The default presets are also extremely fun. Although I haven't thoroughly explored the presets, I have already picked out a few vocal presets that are fast favorites.To personalize one's guitar tone, the guitar effects—which are essentially chorus, delay (echo), reverb, and Body Rez (Compressor)—are more than enough. Additionally, a tuner and built-in looper are present. Although the play acoustic has a relatively constrained maximum loop time, I still rely on my Boss RC 30 for any looping.The play acoustic's vocal harmonizing capabilities are its greatest strength, and the possibilities are only as endless as your creativity and your patience.I'm really pleased with the purchase and Tc Helicon that I got the 6-foot switch, which gives me more freedom to move around because the TRS cable enables you to place the foot switch at a distance from the main unit if necessary.



TC Electronics Singles VoiceTone C1 Vocal Effects Processor Review:


Although it featured far more features, like delay and reverb, the BOSS VE-20 vocal processor I previously owned is about three times as expensive as this one. This pricing does not include the power supply, which must be purchased separately. In contrast to this pedal, programming it required a fair amount of navigation through a bewildering maze of endless choices. Even worse, pitch correction and gender changes had terrible breakups (similar to listening to someone on a weak cell phone connection), making them completely useless. I tried exchanging the item since I thought it was defective, but the replacement had the exact same issue. I then spoke with BOSS about the problem, and he attributed it to my deep voice. I suggested that they write a disclaimer on the package that reads something like, "Do not use this product to perform Frank Zappa or Johnny Cash songs." What a joke, especially for a processor of that cost.The majority of my work is done in a sizable home studio where I record vocals "as-is" and leave effects like delay and reverb to DAW plugins for mixing and mastering. This offers me a lot more freedom when it comes to adding and changing vocal effects to make them work for a particular mix.Having stated that, all I needed was a tool to easily fix the pitch of recordings. This pedal was the replacement I was looking for. I decided to give it a try because I had read so many positive reviews of it on various music equipment websites (all with high ratings). I'm really glad I did because it serves my needs flawlessly.Pros:- Extremely straightforward to use, with few controls.- A firmware upgradeable. The Voice Support 2 program, which is available in PC and MAC versions, can be downloaded from the TCH website and used to search for and install updates. It came from the factory with the most recent firmware already installed, as I would anticipate (1.0.04 build 19).- Pitch adjustment between the 12 and 2 o'clock locations is effective for me. When I veer off course, it makes very modest, natural-sounding corrections. As others have said, if you can't even carry a tune, don't expect a magic solution.- Gender correction has the typical "Mickey Mouse" affect at higher settings, but I have yet to come across a vocal processor or DAW plugin that doesn't have this effect. You shouldn't expect to turn up this setting and sound like Celine. As long as you don't go overboard, I do find that it usually works well as a harmony backing track when mixed with the lead vocal.- In every setting, there is no breaking up at all in the gender sound or the pitch correction. Even some professionals might not be able to detect the correcting impact, in my opinion.- The side-mounted "Mic Gain" control is a useful addition. Along with the input level LED, which flashes green during normal signal detection and red if you're clipping, I use it as a type of "trim" pot.- A ground lift button, for use when audio cables or other sources are noisy due to ground loops. Since there isn't any hum or buzz when headphones are plugged into my mixer, I've never needed to use it. That also indicates how quiet the pre-amp is.- Tough case with a sizable anti-slip rubber base and die-cast metal construction.It actually comes with a power source. YAY!Cons:- The power supply cord is shorter than 5', requiring the use of an extension cord. Even for studio use, it is far too short... It ought to be at least twice as long.- There's no USB cable supplied, and it requires an uncommon size (USB-Mini-B on the pedal end) (USB-Mini-B on the pedal end). If you're intending on conducting any future firmware updates, be sure you have one nearby with a USB-A connector on the other end for inserting it into your PC.- Many condenser microphones require 48V phantom power. For whatever reason, this pedal produces only 24V, which in my opinion is a rather major error. Fortunately for me that isn't an issue, as I use it with a R0DE NT1-A that runs just fine at either voltage. If you're using a condenser mic, you'd be well advised to check into its power requirements before purchase.- I wish the foot switch had that nice “click” when actuated, like any other pedal I've ever seen. When placed on the floor, I found myself having to look down to confirm whether or not the “active” LED to was on. I wound up placing it on a table next to my studio mixer and engaging it by hand, so it's actually not that big a deal as far as I'm concerned.Other notes:Pretty neat feature.



TC Helicon Duplicator Review:


I was interested in trying one of these, but since it was so new and there were hardly any reviews, I took a leap of faith based on how well my Mic Mechanic 1 worked. (A really excellent item of equipment worth much more than the asking price) Me? I've played for a while, but I'm not a pro. Say "experienced amature" for laughs.The key distinction between this and the Mic Mechanic is the absence of delay in favor of doubling. For additional information on the pitch correction, tone improvement, and reverb functions, see the details and reviews on the MM.With this device's foot switch, you can toggle the doubling feature on and off without affecting the tone, reverb, or pitch correction. Really cool For the second voice, it performs a tight, loose, and octave. If overused, they can obviously sound fake, but when used sparingly, they can make you appear well-produced. Similar to a recording of yourself, which may require some initial getting used to. On the lower end of its spectrum, "loose" is my preferred setting. I don't utilize the feature as frequently as I had anticipated.I perform both with a band and in an acoustic duet. The Mic Mechanic version 1 remains on my pedal board that I use when playing in a band. The acoustic duet scenario, where delay might be a little more inappropriate, is where the duplicator is being employed.So, if you only have the option of purchasing one item and are unsure, choose between doubling or delaying. Both of my units sound fantastic and undoubtedly contribute to a more refined, professional sound.It's also important to note that neither this device nor the brand-new Mic Mechanic 2 include power supply like the Mic Mechanic 1. Additionally, they can run on AA batteries and a 9 volt power supply, allowing you to continue using whatever you already use for your other guitar-focused effects. (Single place, boss, etc.) A 12 volt power supply was included with MM 1, and batteries were not an option. The Mic gain is likewise automatically set in the new devices; unlike the earlier MM 1, there is no adjustment on the side of the device.


How do professionals edit their vocals?

In order to get the best possible sound out of their vocals, many professional singers will edit their recordings in some way. This may involve using pitch correction software to fix any notes that were sung off-key, or using a noise reduction plugin to remove any unwanted background noise. Some singers may also use a plugin to add reverb or other effects to their voice, in order to make it sound more full or “larger than life.” Ultimately, the goal is to produce a polished, professional-sounding recording that the singer can be proud of.

How do professionals mix their vocals?

How do you get a punchy voice?

If you want to sound punchy, you need to be clear, concise and to the point. You need to use strong, active language and avoid filler words. Be assertive and speak with confidence. Use inflection and vary your pitch to keep your listener's attention. Most importantly, be passionate about what you're saying. If you believe in what you're saying, your listener will too.

Should I record vocals with effects?

There's no right answer to this question - it depends on the sound you're going for. If you're looking to create a polished, professional-sounding recording, then you'll probably want to use some effects on your vocals. However, if you're going for a more raw, unprocessed sound, then you might want to record your vocals without any effects. Ultimately, it's up to you to experiment and find what sounds best for your particular project.

What are the best vocal pedals?

There are many great vocal pedals on the market, but the best ones will depend on your specific needs. If you're looking for a pedal that can help you achieve a wide range of vocal sounds, the TC Helicon VoiceLive 3 is a great option. If you're looking for a pedal that can help you create more dynamic and powerful vocal performances, the Electro-Harmonix Voice Box is a great option. And if you're looking for a pedal that can help you keep your vocals sounding clear and natural, the BOSS VE-5 is a great option. Wh

What do effects processors do?

An effects processor is a device that is used to alter the sound of an audio signal. There are a variety of different types of effects processors, each of which can produce a different type of effect. Some of the most common types of effects processors include reverb units, delay units, chorus units, and phaser units. Each of these units can be used to create a different type of sonic effect.