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Last updated: 20 Oct 2021
Be Pitch-Perfect with the Best Vocal Processors in 2021
Recording vocals is the best part of song-making for some musicians since that's what really colors an audio track. Mixing it afterward is fun too, but it's sure tricky. However, you can use a vocal processor to achieve all kinds of VST effects without going through the hassle of mixing! With a vocal processor, you can add reverb, delay, echo, autotune, and more with only one press of a button. We've narrowed it all down to a list of the best vocal processors in 2021 to help you choose one.
Your purchase of a vocal processor normally comes down to how you intend to use it i.e. for live or recording purposes. There are also a couple more factors at play and we'll be explaining it all in the buying guide at the end of this article.
What is the finest vocal processor of 2021?
1
TC-Helicon VoiceLive Play Vocal
– Easy to Use
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THE SCOOP
While its simplicity is ideal for recording in the studio, its powerful and versatile processors offer you the flexibility to perform on stage with perfect harmony and pitch.
VoiceLive Play lets you create music with beautiful vocals and guitar effects by utilizing its user-friendly interface. This product is a superb choice for if you want the features of an advanced voice processor without sacrificing simplicity. With over 200 preset sounds, it will lead you to a brilliant performance.
Pros
- It gives studio-quality reverb
- It is designed with anti-feedback features
- It has an adaptive Tone for perfect EQ
Cons
- The controls can seem too complex at first
2
TC-Helicon Mic Mechanic 2
– Multi-Purpose Processor
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TC Helicon’s Mic Mechanic 2 is an excellent vocal effects pedal that comes with a number of reverb and echo effects. Optimal microphonic performance is guaranteed by the auto-adjust gain feature on the Mic Mechanic!
Moreover, providing vocal effects on stage is made easy with this feature-rich device. It offers independent reverb and delay; may be combined. It offers a tapping footswitch to set the tempo, comes with automatic chromatic pitch correction, and has USB port connectivity!
Pros
- Besides being easy to use, it has simple vocal effects
- Battery power is available. Performing without cords is possible this way
- The preamp microphone features a low noise level and high performance
Cons
- It has limited functionality
3
Behringer Virtualizer 3D Effects Processor
– Highly Versatile
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THE SCOOP
With the Behringer Virtualizer 3D FX2000, you can add reverb, delay, and other effects to your sound. There are more than twelve reverbs and three delays to choose from, along with filters, flanges, EQs, distortions, and countless FX combinations. The Virtualizer 3D FX2000 has it all!
In addition to having multiple input and output options, the Virtualizer 3D FX2000 is also very versatile, allowing you to connect it to your instrument of choice. Plus, you can’t pass up the price!
Pros
- It has powerful processing capabilities
- The high-quality construction makes it durable
- It features 200 presets which can be edited to your preference
Cons
- The effects are quite limited
- There isn’t much information in the manual, so you will need to consult the internet for more details
4
TC-Helicon Perform VK Processor
– High Accessory Support
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THE SCOOP
The TC-Helicon Perform VK Processor allows you to create and control your sound from a keyboard. A simple and fast studio-quality vocal processor with keyboard inputs and outputs that gives studio-quality sound.
The included effects are; double, reverb, echo, pitch correction, harmony, anti-feedback, and more! It lets you add dynamic intensity to your microphone, has a 4-in/8-out USB interface that helps with recording and on stage, and a complete library of presets!
Pros
- This four-in, eight-out USB audio interface lets you easily record
- With MIDI notes and continuous control entry, you have even more control than with a standard keyboard.
- It automatically stops feedback when it detects it
Cons
- The settings are a pain and app to load presets is buggy
Buying Guide: Vocal Processor
You can find tons of different vocal effects processors online, with varying features, specifications, and designs. Understanding how each feature can add to your vocals, how to use it, and what it does to your voice is key to making the right purchase.
Vocal Effects Processors: What Are They?
The vocal effects processor works the same way as guitar effects processors. It adds effects to your voice in real time, such as echo, delay, reverb, voice doubling, and autotune. Vocal effects processors make it possible to modify the character of your voice and enhance its sound. It could be particularly useful if you wish to have your songs sound exactly like vocal versions live.
A vocal effects processor can be used for live mixing, or alternatively, to assign backing vocalists. The possibilities are endless with this amazing device, from pitching to correcting your voice to adding harmonies and double sounds!
Are Vocal Effects Processors Right For You?
If you want to bring some of the sounds of the studio to your live performance, a vocal effects processor is your dream device. You would include this device as an integral part of your live performance of your sound mix if it is an important part of your art. With all of the effects and manipulation options, you can create your ideal vocal character. Nevertheless, vocal effects processors can help you fill out your voice, add harmonies, back-up vocals, and even correct pitch to the songs you sing.
During live performances, vocal effects processors are sometimes accused of cheating and giving vocalists an unfair advantage. As a singer, we highly recommend them. If they are used either to distinguish a vocal character or for some pitch correction, they are always a great addition to a live performance.
Cher and T-pain, among others, both use vocal effect processors. Most of the time they enhance talent that already exists rather than replacing it. The use of vocal effects processors ensures consistency from show to show during live performances.
Which Are The Most Important Features To Look For?
Harmonies
Any vocal processor should include an option for adding harmony to your vocals. Certain processors can apply real-time chord recognition to the chords you're playing to produce vocal harmonies. As it uses the chord notes to produce harmonies for your melodies, the output sounds fantastic. It is crucial to keep this feature in mind if you play an instrument while you sing.
The amount of harmonies and the degree of control provided by one vocal effects processor may be different from another. It is also possible to sing with multiple harmonies with the best vocal effects processors.
Pitch Correction (AutoTune)
When it comes to buying a vocal effects processor, most vocalists are interested in autotune. This results in an exceptionally pitch-perfect sound for your vocals. The pitch correction feature in a vocal studio or live environment is incredibly helpful since our voices are typically inconsistent from day to day. Touring vocalists can use this tool to ensure that their shows sound excellent every time.
Despite the overuse of autotune by some artists, this is a good way to make your vocals sound more professional and even, as well as acting as a foundation for additional effects. The ability to tune the pitch of your vocal effects processor will give you a more-customized sound output.
Looping
Vocal processors with looping capabilities are incredibly fun to use. You've probably seen guitarists loop their rhythm and then play over the rhythm. It will only differ in that you can now use it with your voice.
Record your vocal parts and loop them so that you can sing over them. Isn't that awesome?
Looping vocals live adds an element of uniqueness to your live performance, and it can give you an edge over other singers. You can layer, harmonize, and go completely outside the boxes with this feature!
Input & Output
In most cases, a standard XLR connection will do. You would need dedicated inputs and outputs if you are also playing an instrument and want to play while you sing. This is important when selecting a vocal processor that fits your needs.
Other Effects
Different processors add different effects to vocals. The effects offered by some are greater than those offered by others, so it depends on your needs. Effects available on most vocal processors include delay, reverb, and looping. There are some voice processors that provide options for compression, EQ, reverb, delay, distortion, and radio, vocoder, synthesizer, etc.
Our suggestion for a vocal effects processor that will let you go wild is to choose one with a range of effects and one with advanced control over the effects. You will be fine with a simpler one if you're just looking for pitch correction.
Vocal Processor FAQ
Q: What are the benefits of using a vocal effects processor?
A: A vocal processor allows you to avoid the hassle of going through mixing; live or studio. Instead what you have is a plug and play option that adds cool effects to your vocals on the go. The most used and beneficial effects are reverb, delay, and pitch correction. If you're a solo musician who plays a lot of concerts, a vocal effect processor is going to be super handy for you!
Q: Are vocal effects processors easy to use?
A: Absolutely. More often than not, you'll get a processor that works with the simple use of a few buttons. Some processors may be a bit complex to use but they're nothing that is hard to build a grasp over.
Q: Why vocal processors can enhance singers' live performance?
A: The vocal effects processor creates key effects for the vocals such as doubled voices, reverbs, echoes, and many other effects to enhance their quality. You can easily change the characteristics of your voice with just a single touch of a button. Also, your vocals can be manipulated to sound like a child, a woman, or even a male.
