If you record vocals at home, chances are you’ve experimented with different mic and preamp options, as well as room treatment. But have you considered the impact of the different effects processors you use? Vocal effects can completely transform a recording, and the right processor can help make a single vocal sound like an entire chorus. A VST host like Cubase, Pro Tools, Logic or Ableton Live can be a useful addition to a home recording setup, but VSTs often have a reputation for causing performance issues and can be a pain to set up.
Here are the best vocal effects processors currently on the market.
Our Editor’s Best Vocal Effects Processors Reviews
- Take charge of your vocal sound with the VE-22, a portable multi-effects toolbox specially designed for singers
- Perform with a diverse library of high-quality BOSS processing, from basic studio enhancement to dramatic voice-changing effects
- Enhance your sound with essential effects like compressor, EQ, delay, echo, reverb, and more
- Create processed sounds with lo-fi, distortion, radio, ring mod, and other specialty effects
- Automatic pitch correction for soft fine-tuning or aggressive electronic tones
- From Subtle Pitch Correction to Hard Antares AutoTune Effect - VX5 is an intuitive vocal effects pedal with dedicated Retune Speed and Humanize knobs enabling adjustments with no computer needed
- The Classic AutoTune Sound - At the heart of VX5 is the iconic Antares algorithm, expanding the scope of effects available to vocalists; fit for live stage performance and studio sets alike
- Designed for Vocalists and Producers of All Skill Levels - Ensuring confidence and creative control with access to real-time vocal processing with no perceptible latency, all in a compact form
- Studio-Quality Features - Onboard compressor, reverb, delay, chorus and flavor FX allow you to adjust effects from song to song during a live set-as individual effects or simultaneously chained
- Easy Presets Adjustment - Includes 99 factory presets, stores up to 250 total; hands-free preset control via two footswitches; color display with simple up/down menus for seamless preset programming
- V3 offers 16 creative voice effects plus compression, reverb, delay and enhance
- Add up to two voices to create 3-part harmonies across a full octave
- Independent compression, reverb and delay controls
- Built-in Enhancer for increased sound clarity
- 48V phantom power for condenser microphones
- 200+ song & artist inspired presets
- Plug in your MP3 player to the AUX input and sing along using Vocal Cancel feature
- Room Sense - embedded misc. set auto key for harmonies
- Plug in your MP3 player to the AUX input and sing along using Vocal Cancel feature
- Battery-powered Ptable Vocal Process with 24 Harmonies
- Additional Studio-style Processing
- Reverb
- Delay
- Ultra-simple studio-quality vocal effects stomp box for doubling, reverb, and pitch correction gives you stand-out vocal effects anywhere you perform
- Three classic doubling sounds with tight, loose, and octave up and down options
- Vocally tuned reverb places your voice in the perfect musical space
- Effortless auto-chromatic pitch correction helps you sing in tune
- Adaptive tone for perfect EQ, compression, de-essing and gating
- Precise pitch correction effect for a clean , even tone. High-quality delay and reverb specifically designed for vocal performance.
- Three unique vocal tone settings to choose from. Vocal synthesizer by one click.
- Guitar in/out with individual guitar reverb effect. Two different out put modes for mixed signal or individual signal from guitar and microphone.
- Dual footswitch control with TAPTEMPO feature to set the timing of delay effects.Can be used as a microphone amplifier n the LINE IN, or a traditional stompbox with other VP series pedals.
- Optional 48V phantom power.Comes with a power supply.
- Advanced Digital Audio Processing with Dual Wireless Microphones: Equipped with a professional pre-effects processor and dual wireless microphones, this system features built-in DSP digital reverb and advanced vocal enhancement. With a stable reception range of up to 164 feet, it delivers crystal-clear, high-fidelity sound. Ideal for karaoke, live performances, or home entertainment, it ensures a seamless and immersive audio experience.
- Anti-Howling Technology & Accompaniment Function: Featuring a built-in frequency shift feedback suppression module, this karaoke mixer effectively eliminates unwanted howling with just one touch, delivering a professional-grade singing experience. The original/accompaniment switch function allows you to remove original vocals effortlessly, empowering you to create your own concert experience with ease.
- Versatile Connectivity for Seamless Playback: With multiple audio input options—including USB, Bluetooth 5.0, optical, and coaxial—this audio processor offers seamless compatibility with a wide range of devices. Enjoy your favorite music in stunning clarity through lossless USB audio playback, delivering a premium listening experience every time.
- Intuitive Control & Remote Convenience: Featuring a large, high-definition LCD screen for real-time audio adjustment monitoring, this effects processor combines precision with ease of use. Hidden rotary knobs prevent accidental misalignment, while independent tuning controls for microphone, reverb, and music allow for personalized sound customization. The included infrared remote control enables effortless fine-tuning from a distance, ensuring a seamless and user-friendly experience.
- Ideal for Multiple Applications: Designed for diverse settings, this karaoke system is perfect for professional KTV setups, outdoor performances, home karaoke, and entertainment venues. Enjoy a concert-like experience anytime, anywhere with powerful, immersive audio.
- Adds a wide range of echo effects for more depth in your vocals
- Mic-Control offers remote on/off via TC-Helicon MP-75 microphone
- Connects between your mic and mixer
- Country of Origin: Thailand
Best Vocal Effects Processors Buying Guide
Before choosing the best vocal effects processor you should consider following options:
1. Types of Effects Processors: Before buying an effects processor, you should be aware of the various types available. An effects processor can be broadly divided into two categories – audio and vocal.
The audio processor is used for tasks such as mixing, recording, mastering and post production. A vocal effects processor is used for correcting and applying effects on vocals during live performances and studio recordings.
2. Audio Effects Processor vs Vocal Effects Processor: While choosing an audio effects processor, you need to be aware of the type of effects it offers.
A good audio effects processor should ideally have multiple effects. You can have up to thousands of effects on an audio processor. These include reverbs, delays, choruses, EQs, distortions, modulators, etc.
A vocal effects processor, on the other hand, should ideally have only a few effects. These include reverbs, delays, de-essers, etc. You should ideally not have any other type of effect on a vocal processor.
3. Input and Outputs: The number of inputs and outputs of an effects processor is important. The more the number of inputs and outputs, the more flexibility the processor offers.
Depending on the number of channels you want to process, you should ideally have more input channels than output channels. Ideally, you should have at least 2:1 ratio of input to output channels.
4. User Interface: A good user interface is important for an effects processor. It should ideally be easy to use and provide control over various effects.
Depending on the type of processor you want, the user interface can be different. For audio processors, a good interface will have a knob for each effect.
For vocal processors, a good interface will have a knob for effects such as de-essers, filters, and delays. The interface can have knobs or faders for the various effects.
5. Types of Effects: You should ideally have at least a few effects that you can use in your music productions. For example, an audio processor should ideally have a good number of delays.
A vocal processor, on the other hand, should ideally have a good number of reverbs. You should ideally have a few effects that you can use in your productions.
6. Processing Power: The processing power of an effects processor is important. You should ideally have enough processing power if you are going to use multiple effects simultaneously.
For example, if you want to use a compressor and a delay simultaneously, you need to have enough processing power. The more the processing power, the more flexibility the processor offers.
7. Cost: The cost of an effects processor is important. Depending on the number of effects and various other factors, the overall cost of the processor can vary.
For example, if you want to have multiple reverbs, the overall cost of the processor will be higher. Depending on various factors, the overall cost of an effects processor can vary.
8. Quality of Effects: The overall quality of the effects is important. Depending on the number of effects and overall processing power, the overall quality of the effects can vary.
For example, if you are going to use multiple reverbs, the overall quality of those reverbs will be good. The overall quality of the effects will depend on various factors.
What else you should know about vocal effects processors
1. What are the best vocal effects processors on the market?
The best vocal effects processors on the market include the TC Helicon VoiceLive 3, the Boss VE-20, and the Zoom H4n Pro.
2. What are the best features of a vocal effects processor?
Some people might say that the best features of a vocal effects processor are its ability to change the pitch and tone of your voice, as well as its ability to add reverb and other effects.
3. How do I choose the best vocal effects processor for my needs?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best vocal effects processor for your needs will depend on the specific details of your setup and what type of sound you are looking to achieve. However, some general tips that may help you choose the best vocal effects processor for your needs include:
– Considering what type of sounds you want to be able to create with the processor, and whether you need it to be versatile or specialized.
– Checking reviews from other users to get an idea of which models are most popular and highly rated.
– Considering your budget and how much you are willing to spend on a vocal effects processor.
4. What are the different types of vocal effects processors?
The different types of vocal effects processors are pitch shifters, harmony generators, vocoders, and pitch correctors.
5. How do I use a vocal effects processor?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to use a vocal effects processor will vary depending on the specific model and your own personal preferences. However, some tips on how to get the most out of your vocal effects processor include experimenting with the different settings to see what sounds best for your voice, and using the processor to enhance your natural vocal sound rather than trying to completely change it.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best vocal effects processors. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best vocal effects processors will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.