TC-Helicon Harmony Singer I vs II

Freedbaby · #1 05-21-2019, 04:17 PM

Can anyone give me any feedback on which is the better choice?

I realize one has a gain knob on the side and one doesn't but not sure which way to go here.

Freedbaby · #2 05-22-2019, 08:17 AM

ok, different angle...anyone ever use either one of them?

bsman · #3 05-22-2019, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freedbaby

ok, different angle...anyone ever use either one of them?

I have the first generation. It's pretty cool, but not something I'm really tempted to use all the time or even a lot. I bought it for about $100 when they introduced the II, and don't think I'd pay more for the II right now. At least for me, it's in the same realm as my Digitech Trio - something that's fun to play with, but not something I'm using a lot. I will say that the Harmony Singer's reverb for acoustic guitar is first-rate.

mitcher16 · #4 05-22-2019, 10:59 AM

I just picked up the HS 2 last week and have my first gig with it on Saturday. Will provide a few videos of some songs I use it with. So far, I find it amazing. The tone button makes me sound like I am actually a fantastic singer which has provided a massive level of confidence. Not having the gain control just simplifies it however it does eat up batteries. Will be getting the power supply to ensure no surprises in a gig.
Cheers.

necrome · #5 05-22-2019, 10:59 AM

I use the first one, and it's one of my favourite music devices. Adds a lot to professional live playing if you don't overdo the harmonies. Wouldn't leave home without it!

Freedbaby · #6 05-22-2019, 11:27 AM

Thanks for the replies...

Also, thanks Mitcher16, I look forward to your videos.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitcher16

I just picked up the HS 2 last week and have my first gig with it on Saturday. Will provide a few videos of some songs I use it with. So far, I find it amazing. The tone button makes me sound like I am actually a fantastic singer which has provided a massive level of confidence. Not having the gain control just simplifies it however it does eat up batteries. Will be getting the power supply to ensure no surprises in a gig.
Cheers.

dcopper · #7 05-22-2019, 12:17 PM

The big difference is that the HS2 runs off batteries. The HS1 (original) has a wall wart or requires power from your power block, etc.

My HS1 makes an audible “click” when turning the harmonies on and off. I did not notice it at first but when I went back and listened to recordings it definitely could be heard. I would go for the HS2, hoping they have eliminated that issue as well.

It is my understanding that they have made other tweaks to the reverb, etc and the harmonizer. It is a cool tool and as said previously can add to your performance if you don’t overdo it.

Willie_D · #8 05-22-2019, 12:20 PM

I have an HS 1 that I don't use now that I have a Boss VE-8.

It does a fantastic job of turning me into the Everly Brothers or the Beatles when I want it to.

Nick84 · #9 05-22-2019, 12:35 PM

I use the HS1 and have done for the last 5 years. I love it. Mainly the tone and reverb rather than the harmonies, which I use sparingly. It’s a great pedal just for polishing up your vocals.
I had a TC critical mass pedal which operates similar to the HS2. I found it ate batteries and I also prefer having the adjustable gain it provides a lot more flexibility IMO

DavidE · #10 05-22-2019, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freedbaby

Can anyone give me any feedback on which is the better choice?

I realize one has a gain knob on the side and one doesn't but not sure which way to go here.

I use the V1 and it works great with no issues. I recently bought a V2, mainly to get the 9volt compatibility), and it was so poorly made I returned it.

Specifically: When I plugged in the guitar cable, the plastic nut would pop off the input jack. Every time. This means the jack is being pushed inside the housing and eventually, there will be problems with the jack's solder joints. In addition, the pots felt cheap and were way too easy to move from detent to detent. The old one feels way more solid and take more effort to move it off the detent on the pots.

As for the power, it turns out that the earlier 12v model runs flawlessly at 9v.

DavidE · #11 05-22-2019, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcopper

The big difference is that the HS2 runs off batteries. The HS1 (original) has a wall wart or requires power from your power block, etc.

My HS1 makes an audible “click” when turning the harmonies on and off. I did not notice it at first but when I went back and listened to recordings it definitely could be heard. I would go for the HS2, hoping they have eliminated that issue as well.

It is my understanding that they have made other tweaks to the reverb, etc and the harmonizer. It is a cool tool and as said previously can add to your performance if you don’t overdo it.

My HS1 never makes an audible click when turning the harmonies on and off and I've been using it steadily for several years. I don't think there's much of any difference in sound to choose the 2 over the 1.