|
|
|
|
|
|
#476651 - 09/24/19 11:22 AM
Re: TC Helicon Vocal Harmony variations
[Re: sparky589]
|
Senior Member
Registered: 12/01/99
Posts: 12800
Loc: Penn Yan, NY
|
I've had almost every harmonizer in production, and I favor the TC stuff by a landslide. They "scoop" better. (follow sliding from note to note). Most come from the factory with effects I turn off, like auto vibrato, and portamento. I don't want an artificial vibrato competing with my vocal choices. There's little difference in tone between TC models, but the higher up you go, you get more processing power, so you can have more voices simultaneously. My VL-3 has a huge choir section that can layer with 4 additional harmony voices. That equates to something like 10, or more voices at once. Beautiful, and rich, when used effectively.
Here are my tips for getting the most from whatever unit you use: The two biggest techniques that improve singing with a harmonizer are 1) rhythm choices by the singer (simpler phrases sound more realistic than busier ones), and 2) proper balance between lead, and harmony. Most times, when I listen to others, I hear the harmonies too loud compared to the lead. Balance is crucial in making the harmony voices sound more authentic.
The less vibrato you use, and the smoother your voice leadings are will give you a much better vocal ensemble sound. I like to use a "Lettermen"esq approach to singing harmonies, and go between unison, and harmony within a phrase. A good example is the intro to the Duprees version of "You Belong To Me". They start with unison "Ahhhhhs" then break into 4 parts in the second measure. It's sonically stunning, and very satisfying.
_________________________
No longer monitoring this forum. Please visit www.daveboydmusic.com for contact info
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#476653 - 09/24/19 11:30 AM
Re: TC Helicon Vocal Harmony variations
[Re: sparky589]
|
Senior Member
Registered: 09/21/02
Posts: 5507
Loc: Port Charlotte,FL,USA
|
What about VH over SMF? I have never been able o achieve satisfactory results.
_________________________
pa4X 76 ,SX900, Audya 76,Yamaha S970 , vArranger, Hammond SK1, Ketron SD40, Centerpoint Space Station, Bose compact
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#476686 - 09/25/19 04:04 AM
Re: TC Helicon Vocal Harmony variations
[Re: sparky589]
|
Senior Member
Registered: 09/21/02
Posts: 5507
Loc: Port Charlotte,FL,USA
|
Thanks guys. I am getting better results so far. I must not have had it set up right in my Pa4X. Is the midi data transmitted over the lead channel, like ch 4 on Tune 1000 files? My default was ch 5.
_________________________
pa4X 76 ,SX900, Audya 76,Yamaha S970 , vArranger, Hammond SK1, Ketron SD40, Centerpoint Space Station, Bose compact
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#476701 - 09/25/19 08:42 AM
Re: TC Helicon Vocal Harmony variations
[Re: sparky589]
|
Member
Registered: 04/28/06
Posts: 805
Loc: North Texas, USA
|
I don't sing, but I've studied arranger behavior for 13 years. At least up through the Tyros 5, Yamahas have what I would call "hair trigger" chord recognition. Depending on what chord input mode you use (multi finger, AI fingered, etc.), Yamaha may prematurely acknowledge a chord as soon as the first key is pressed, and then change it once all the notes are down steady. [If you want to see this for yourself, do a quick record that contains a lot of fast chord progressions, then play it back at a much slower tempo. Watch the arranger fumble around changing its choices in the "Chord" area of the main display. The recorded midi will also be loaded with portamento control events.]
If that same logic is driving Yamaha's vocal harmony voices, I can see why they would sound slurred, or also have a portamento effect.
IMO Korg has the most decisive chord recognition, although you have to "lead" the arranger a little bit to make sure the chord is recognized on the beat. That could be why everyone says Korg's VH is the best.
Edited by TedS (09/26/19 09:05 AM)
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|