Gang-

I've been using a Digitech Vocalist VR and a Digitech Vocalist Access for the last several years with my Tyros 2 kb. I've been very pleased with the sound of both units, but its time to upgrade.

I'm looking for another rack type unit, I'm not limited to Digitech products, and I'd like to stay under $800.00 or so.

I've looked at the TC Helicon Voice Live Rack unit and while impressive, it seems like it has some stuff I'd never/rarely use. Plus, I have no use for the microphone you get with it.

I need outstanding harmonies and effects including delay.

I'm not interested in a stomp box or floor unit.

Looking for suggestions, observations, etc. on various products I should consider and why.

Thanks in advance,

Stick with Digitech.

https://soundcloud.com/wsyakfisher-1/hosannah

I don't understand Helicon's domination of the market. This is a Digitech Vocalist 4 stomper which I use for recording and live performance.

God Bless,
Don

why is it time to change

why is it time to change .....?

Hi Don,

I purchased both units already used several years ago, the newest of the units was manufactured in 2000 and the other one in '98. The RAM has failed in the 98 model and can't be replaced, and the VR is showing signs of the same issue. Also, the knobs on the units are poorly designed and seem to fail after a year or so of use. The main output/volume knob has been re-soddered several times and that's getting more difficult to do.

I take the Noah's Ark approach to my equipment (must have 2 of everything) and support for both units isn't getting any stronger, you know?

No complaints, I've really enjoyed both units. I haven't upgraded this part of my rig in a long time and with the new/improved/more powerful options out there, its time to pick one.

Have you considered a new keyboard instead with a much better VH unit sv the Yamaha?.....like the NEW KORG line of arranger units? Pa3x, Pa900 etc,.....otherwise aside from rack units take a look at some of the TC Helicon stand alone or the Roland VE20.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOL18Dhgvjo

http://www.tc-helicon.com/products/

Not planning on buying a new KB at this time...

Despite my reservations I mentioned earlier, I'm guessing I'll wind up with the TC Helicon Voice Live rack unit...Just not interested in a stompbox at all...

I'd still like to hear about what other harmonizers other OMB-ers are using.

Bill ... even though I am using the Pa900 with the TC VH in it, I think the digitech VH sounds better ...
I used the digitech Workstation EX for years, and I will still use it, but for one hour assisted living gigs, the on board TC VH is fine ...
JMO, for what it's worth ...

personally Bill I've weened myself off using VH as it's just too quirky and fake to suffice for the real thing ....lets face it it's bad enough using styles and backing tracks, etc, vs a live band to camouflage what we do on stage to perform & no one cares anyway but the player.. .......
but my voice always gets me thru just fine without it.
I dont miss the VH at all,.... I have to thank Yamaha for VH2 as that was the clincher that woke me up.

Good luck with whatever you choose you dont have many choices...Id try it before you buy it..

I think I sold you that Digitech Bill.

"use all the tools available" ... the better YOU feel about your performance, the better it will be, and the more the audience will enjoy it ... I doubt if many people in the audience even realize that a harmonizer is being used (if used properly) - do they even know what a harmonizer is ? -... all they know is that the vocals sound good ...

That's just because you're stuck with the (gulp) unit in the Yamaha. A good harmonizer is more important than a good piano sound. There are hardly ever piano players in the crowd, but there are plenty of people with voices.
You know you miss having a good one.

Sometimes you have to make trade-offs,... I got the better sounds/styles like the Yamaha S950 vs the Korg but it lacks in
V-harmonizer,.. no keyboard is perfect...Happy with my gig rig for now,....I use the VH more when I'm recording backing tracks.

Yes, Tom ---- You did sell me one of these units. I've been very happy with it.

Those of us who do the nursing home circuit all tale pride in our sound quality, among other things. It occurred to me that I have this kb that costs several thousand dollars, a PA system that almost costs 3 grand and two used harmonizers that I paid a grand total of less than $300 for. Its the right time and place to invest into the business for me.

I routinely ask clients for feedback on everything from song selection, to sound quality, etc. I'm guessing I hear the same things the Gary's, Donny's, etc., all hear...we sound better than most of the competition. That's apart from playing ability, audience interaction, song selection, prices, etc. Its a big, big part of what we do and keeping an edge up on the competition.

I'm strongly leaning toward this model:

... do I ass-u-me you've tried some digitech models in the same price range? ...

Digitech's Vocalist Live pro is also on the short list. Unfortunately, no retailer around Dayton carries anything like this. Closest place would be Sweetwater in Fort Wayne, IN.

Comparing the two units, I like the features and design of the TC Helicon better than the Digitech...

... and really, yours is the opinion that matters most ... best wishes whichever way you go ...

Road trip...?

Bill,
that's a great unit - same basic guts that I have in the VoiceLive Touch2. It sounds wonderful and has terrific effects.

http://www.tc-helicon.com/products/voicelive-rack/#video=2

I thought you SOLD yours?

Not yet!

Placed the order this morning. I went with the TC Helicon Voicelive rack. Also picked up the footswitch for it as well as a 2 rack skb case to put it in.

I should have it Tuesday...

Let the learning curve commence. My goal is to start reviewing the owner's manual over the weekend...

OMG - if you were going to put it in an existing rack, I could understand it, but the LVT2 would be SO much easier to operate and get to in performance. If you have any return options ... talk to me Bill ... I can save you some money.

Dave,... I was gonna mention that to Bill also....
wow what a savings that would have been!!!