A Must-See for Vocalists: Vocal Effects Processors

Hello! I’m Kaoru, a composer!

Today, I want to talk about vocal effects processors.
When you hear ‘effects processor’, it’s an item that’s very familiar to guitarists and bassists, but not something you often see used by vocalists.

Many vocalists tend to have the policy of “vocalists should rely on their natural voice!” or “using effects is cheating!”
However, using a vocal effects processor opens up a world of creative possibilities that you simply can’t achieve with your voice alone. It’s highly recommended!

■ What Can You Do with a Vocal Effects Processor?

If you’re not familiar with what a vocal effects processor can do, it can be hard to imagine.
The features vary by model, but let me give you a basic overview of what you can do!

○ Change Your Voice Quality

You can easily switch between different voice styles like male voice, female voice, death metal growls, robot voices, and pitch-shifted voices (think of the ‘Perfume’ style).
The effects can be applied in a natural way, so it’s great not only for live performances but also for live streaming and having fun with your voice in creative ways!

○ Generate Harmonies

By simply setting the key of the song beforehand, the processor can generate harmonies in real-time, such as high and low harmonies.
You can turn it on during the chorus or climactic parts of the song, and it will add a rich, full vocal layer.

The ability to create harmonies that would typically require multiple people is one of the most powerful features of a vocal effects processor!

○ Automatic Pitch Correction

The processor automatically adjusts the pitch to match the key of the song.
The pitch correction features today are incredibly powerful!

With just the pitch correction turned on, you’ll sound a lot better when singing.
It’s highly recommended for recording, as it makes the post-processing much easier!

○ Switch Between Multiple Effects

Many models offer a variety of vocal-specific effects, such as vocoder, de-esser, reverb, and chorus.
You can switch between them to dramatically change the atmosphere of a song.

How you use these features is up to you! For those with a unique style, these features are a must-have!

■ How to Choose a Vocal Effects Processor

In general, vocal effects processors come in two types: ‘compact effects’ and ‘multi-effects’. Each has its own advantages, so it’s best to choose one that fits your specific needs!

○ Compact Effects Type

The compact type is similar in size to what guitarists and bassists commonly use.
This is best for those who only want to use specific effects.

The biggest advantage is that it’s easy to operate, even for beginners, with minimal risk of making mistakes.
Setting up a pedalboard, similar to what guitarists use, could also be a fun option!

○ Multi-Effects Type

Recommended for those who want to experiment with a wide range of functions! However, the downside is that the increased functionality can make operations a bit more complex.

Still, it’s not complicated to use, so there’s no need to overthink it!

Now, let’s look at some recommended products available from Sound House!

ZOOM / V3 Vocal Effects Processor

The ZOOM V3 is a multi-effects processor that incorporates ZOOM’s renowned technology, popular in multi-effects for various instruments. This model attaches to a microphone stand and is designed for hand-operated control.

With a 4×4 grid of 16 buttons on the control panel, you can easily call up effects with a simple press. It includes a range of features, from harmony generation and pitch correction to voice modulation.

Effect adjustments are also straightforward, requiring only a turn of a knob for intuitive control.

For those who prefer not to use their hands, the V3 can be expanded with an optional footswitch. With its versatile functionality, it’s an excellent choice for beginners and advanced users alike!

TC Helicon / Harmony Singer 2

This compact unit offers harmony, reverb effects, and tone correction, all in one device. It automatically generates one- or two-voice harmonies to match your guitar playing, eliminating complex setups—though it also works without guitar accompaniment!

The easy ON/OFF footswitch makes it ideal for live performances. It can also run on four AA batteries, making it reliable for outdoor gigs.

For optimal performance, an update may be necessary, so be sure to install it right away when it arrives!

BOSS / VE-20 Vocal Effects Processor

This is a reliable and versatile multi-effects processor from the trusted brand BOSS.
With 30 high-quality preset effects, it’s easy to switch and recall effects to match your song perfectly.

It also supports phantom power, allowing you to connect and use your favorite condenser microphone.

The footswitch accessibility makes it perfect for live performances!

TASCAM / TA-1VP Mic Preamp

Equipped with the renowned Auto-Tune Evo pitch correction by Antares, used in studios worldwide, this unit delivers exceptional pitch correction. Another standout feature is its modeling function.

It can transform a dynamic mic sound to resemble a condenser mic, or add warmth reminiscent of tube mics, significantly enhancing vocal quality!

Though the rack-mounted design makes it less portable, it’s a great choice for vocalists who want to preserve the character of their natural voice.

That wraps up our overview on vocal effects processors!
With the rising demand for home recording, these are highly valuable tools to have at your disposal.

Give them a try!

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