Recommended: Top effects units for hit vocals
ZOOM V6
The V6 effect unit is designed as a floor pedal and specializes in processing vocals, with a clear focus on live performance. Instead of the included power supply, batteries can provide power on the go. The package also includes a vocal microphone specially tuned to the V6 called the SGV-6. First, the input signal is processed with a handy combination of compressor, equalizer and de-esser. For further processing, 12 different pitch and harmony effects are available for selection, as well as the effects Reverb, Delay, Chorus, Distortion, Telephone effect and Beat Box.
Zoom has put together an interesting package of vocal effect, looper and microphone with the V6, which can especially support street artists and stage musicians in their live performances. The intuitively operated floor pedal offers a good mix of conventional and unusual effects, whereby the formant pedal can provide new impulses for creative vocal effects.
ROLAND VT-4
Behind the name VT-4 hides a compact effect processor to alienate the voice in real time. With it, vocal effects like harmonizer, vocoder and pitch shifting, as well as formant shifting from Mickey Mouse to Darth Vader, succeed in good quality. With the four faders, you have direct access to the pitch, the formants, the balance between effect and original signal, as well as the reverb. A delay effect is also on board. Autotune does not reach the quality of specialized effects, but it does a good job, especially in live operation. We especially liked the vocoder with high speech intelligibility and the harmony function. Thanks to USB power and battery operation, the device can be used without a power outlet.
The VT-4 shines as a flexible and versatile creative tool for voice effects of all kinds in the studio or on stage at an affordable price. Connecting a MIDI keyboard opens up expressive possibilities, as you can control the VT-4‘s auto-pitch, vocoder and harmonizer engines in real time via the notes you play.
EVENTIDE H9 HARMONIZER
The H9 Harmonizer integrates the most popular effects from Eventide‘s Factor series in a compact and robust foot pedal. On board the stereo device are modulation effects such as chorus and tremolo in different variations and high-quality pitch shifting. Shimmer hall and the UltraTap Delay also meet high sonic demands. Operation through the editor app for PC, Mac and iOS is child‘s play, but small adjustments to the sound are also no problem via the floor pedal itself. The parameter morphing always encourages musical experimentation.
Compact dimensions, a high degree of flexibility and a first-class sound make Eventide‘s H9 a top-class multi-effect that shows its strengths not only on instruments, but also on vocals. Whether you are looking for versatile delays, classy reverb, modern pitch algorithms or multi-faceted modulation effects, the device offers a suitable program for every requirement.