Expanding my horizons with vocal processing - Update

Muffinhead · #1 02-22-2016, 09:29 PM

I just ordered a TC-Helicon Voicetone Harmonizer g XT. I found one new at a great price (under $150) so I took the plunge.

One might ask why have I done this since I don't perform. Well, some of my favorite songs were made to be sung with harmonies. Helplessly Hoping, Bleecker Street (or 99% of all Simon and Garfunkel songs), Knockin on Heaven's Door, just to name a few. I have no one to sing harmony with me. My wife used to sing, but asthma has put a stop to that.

Also, I may decide to perform at retirement homes and the vocal processor will add some depth to the performance.

And finally, I love gadgets and I think it will be a great deal of fun.

When I get it and figure out how to get the most out of it, I will post some sound clips.

Got it figured out with the help of myersbw. Here is a rough first test:

Goat Mick · #2 02-22-2016, 09:34 PM

You'll really enjoy it. I use mine sparingly, but it's an intricate part of my show.

tadol · #3 02-23-2016, 12:36 AM

I have the same one - its a great unit, and does about everything I could want -

Irish Pennant · #4 02-23-2016, 01:08 AM

Very recently I too have taken the plunge into a vocal pedal. It's been interesting so far.

#5 02-23-2016, 01:16 AM

I have a vocal harmonizer around here somewhere. Great toy. I played with it for a while then put it away.

se7ent7 · #6 02-23-2016, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A-Mac

I have a vocal harmonizer around here somewhere. Great toy. I played with it for a while then put it away.

While some may think of them this way, I can't imagine gigging anymore without my TC Helicon VoiceLive2.

It has literally become indispensible tool. I actually can't perform some songs without it (like Bon Iver impersonations using the doubling and octave up function).
Also, the adaptive EQ / multi-band compression alone is worth the (quite high) asking price.

The accurate and rich harmonies can add so much depth and colour to a vocal performance. Just use it sparingly for the most impact

rokdog49 · #7 02-23-2016, 09:16 AM

Being an old fart, my first inclination is to reject the thought of it.
If I were alone and playing regularly for $$ I would probably want one.
Being in a duo and doing occasional paying and non-paying stuff, obviously don't need it. I'm sure it would be a fun toy though.

martingitdave · #8 02-23-2016, 09:39 AM

I bought one towards the end of the year. The harmony feature is fun. But, more valuable to me, is the quality of the vocal effects and mic preamp. Those features are worth the price of admission for live singing. There are times when I simply can't sing my best due to upper respiratory issues. That's the time I appreciate it most.

Doubleneck · #9 02-23-2016, 11:25 AM

I am retired and been using my Digitech Live 3. These type of units also make your voice sound better with some processing. The harmonies do bring back memories of some of those old songs. Good stuff!! Forget the purests they just don't know how to have fun lol

Irish Pennant · #10 02-23-2016, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doubleneck

I am retired and been using my Digitech Live 3. These type of units also make your voice sound better with some processing. The harmonies do bring back memories of some of those old songs. Good stuff!! Forget the purests they just don't know how to have fun lol

What I've been running into with harmonies is that if I sing off key, the harmonies will also be off key and because of the delay, I can hear it. it may just end up being a good training tool.

Doubleneck · #11 02-23-2016, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irish Pennant

What I've been running into with harmonies is that if I sing off key, the harmonies will also be off key and because of the delay, I can hear it. it may just end up being a good training tool.

My unit also has pitch correction but I don't use it. I actually enjoy singing probably more than guitar. My guitar work is only meant to accompany my singing.

Goat Mick · #12 02-24-2016, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irish Pennant

What I've been running into with harmonies is that if I sing off key, the harmonies will also be off key and because of the delay, I can hear it. it may just end up being a good training tool.

Yeah these things won't cover for you very well when you go off key. I've experienced the same thing that you have. What I've found with my Digitec is I have to keep the pitch correction set pretty low or it'll get really strange sounding. Try running the pitch correction at less than 1/3.

slewis · #13 02-24-2016, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rokdog49

If I were alone and playing regularly for $$ I would probably want one.

I'm a soloist and playing regularly for $$, and I can assure you that I'll never use one. An audience should hear singing from a human, IMO, not a microchip. Even though many of them may not care.

slewis · #14 02-24-2016, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doubleneck

My unit also has pitch correction but I don't use it. I actually enjoy singing probably more than guitar. My guitar work is only meant to accompany my singing.

That's good. If one needs pitch correction to perform, you really just shouldn't be singing.

Muffinhead · #15 02-24-2016, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slewis

That's good. If one needs pitch correction to perform, you really just shouldn't be singing.

I agree, however there are a lot of multi platinum artists that have been using pitch correction and auto tune for years. They make more money than I ever will.