Seems to be a good time on sharing some ideas on how to use a vocal harmonizer in live performance...

This is pretty subjective. I'm not sure there's just ONE WAY to use this type of effect. This is what works for me. I'd love to hear how other people approach it. There's a ton of really talented guys around here who use harmonizers and I hope they weigh in...

1) Equipment - Not all harmonizers are the same. I use two older model Digitech Vocalist VR's that are several years old. They have pretty straightforward options and features. Newer models blow these units away in terms of features. These do not have pitch correction or a "hold" feature like most new units offer.

2) Tracking - I've found a variance in how different harmonizers "track" or follow the midi data they receive from my keyboard. For example, I've found the TC Harmony M processed signals differently than do the Digitechs. Also part of the equation is how you use your keyboard. I use mine (A Tyros 2 or 1) in "full keyboard" mode. I do not split the keyboard. How you set your kb up will effect how a stand alone harmonizer reacts.

3) Voices - I tend to use two different presets or "additional voices." One is 3 harmony parts with 1 lower and 2 above my lead. It produces a nice full sound that I find appealing. The other is a single voice above mine, usually a third, which gives me a nice "Everly Brothers" type effect.

4) Settings - There are 3 main settings for live performance...

*Reverb level- I use a Bose mixer which has on-board effects so I don't use too much from the Digitech. This is obviously a taste thing.

*Harmony level- I run the harmony volume around 75% of what my lead vocal is, generally speaking.

*Lead level- I run my lead volume at 100%...

I do have a master gain adjustment that I usually have around 60%. It has a light display that lets me know if I'm too loud or overdriving the unit. During sound checks, I'll sing as loud as I'm going to during the performance and back it off from there. (For you folks with Bose PA's, its essentially gain-staging the unit.)

5)Performance - By far the most subjective area to discuss. Everyone has to decide for themselves what is the right amount or frequency to use a harmonizer during a song. Some songs don't seem to call for harmonies at all while others seem lacking if you don't use it. Again, this is really something the performer has to figure out for themselves.

My approach is to utilize it the way I would a group of back up singers as if they were on stage with me. Sometimes I'll bring "them" in on the chorus...sometimes I wait until the second time through the chorus to use them. I have a pretty big repertoire and can't think of any songs where I start the tune with full blown harmonies.

For some tunes like Everly Brothers stuff, I will begin with a single harmony voice. Usually I'll run that all the way to the end. Maybe twice a night...

Another technique I'll use once a night is to drop out all the instruments from my kb except for percussion and sing over that. Usually at the end of a tune, in the chorus...

Generally speaking, I probably use my harmonizer on about 60% - 70% of the stuff I play. I do a lot of Country, so it fits really well. If I was doing more hard core jazz standards, I wouldn't use it as much. That's just my preference, someone else might do just the reverse and not be wrong for doing so.




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Bill in Dayton