8 Drool-Worthy Vocal Effects Stompboxes

Guitarists can spice up their sound and tone with effects stompboxes, why shouldn’t vocalists? The most convenient way to make vocals shine in a song is the smart utilization of vocal effects to make the vocalist jump out the speakers. Producers shed more hours on refining vocals than any other instrument. The quantity of layered vocal tracks found on a studio recording typically runs well into the double digits. Fortunately, singers can already enjoy that studio magic in a compact form factor with vocal effects pedals. For individuals who are new to employing vocal effects processors, this type of effects pedal is an electronic device utilized in both a studio and live setting to upgrade a lead or backing vocal with an underlying vocal effect, which could be Delay, EQ, Pitch Correction/Autotune, Low-Pass Filter, Reverb, and others. Artists often use these effects live on stage to simulate a song’s studio version. While vocal effects processors are leveraged within a studio environment, they are more frequently utilized in a live performance setting. Any vocalist who sings on the stage and wishes to enhance the overall sound of their vocal performance will find a vocal effects processor valuable. Sure they can train to enhance their vocal tone and pitch accuracy, but fluctuations in vocal performances are unavoidable for both seasoned and new signers. An excellent vocal effects processor allows singers to go well beyond what a human voice can normally do. From slight pitch corrections to adding harmonies and loops to applying effects, great vocal processors can do quite a lot. Some can even transform the voice—be it a different gender or age, alien- or robotic-like sounds, and many more. It is like having a team of virtual vocal coaches, backup singers, and sound engineers in a single compact pedal. Below are some of the best vocal processors that serve up a slew of features and effects in one stompbox.

Boss VE-2 Vocal Harmonist

Experience studio-quality vocals in a convenient-to-use pedal with the VE-2 Vocal Harmonist from Boss. This portable, battery-powered stompbox proves that individuals do not need to shed hefty cash or carry around a pedalboard-sized device to achieve the vocal processing they want. Amalgamating sophisticated sound with convenient operation, this compact vocal studio serves up a comprehensive effects solution for every singer, especially those who perform with guitar. The VE-2 Vocal Harmonist is complete with all the necessary components to craft refined, studio-grade sounds wherever the user sing, from street performances and concert stages to rehearsing and having a good time at home. The VE-2 Vocal Harmonist magically yields stunning harmonized vocals that follow the singing of the user, with a pitch that instantly tracks the chords played on a preset key, a connected guitar, or a mixture of both. Per Boss, “When you connect your guitar to the VE-2, the Auto Harmony function detects the chords and key you play and automatically generates the correct harmony as you sing—it’s that easy!” Boasting a dozen of harmony types to choose from, the  VE-2 Vocal Harmonist sure has a sound that fits any music style. Conveniently selectable with a dedicated panel knob, the types include up to two added voices in different scale intervals below and/or above the user’s voice. Moreover, every type features a variation setting with more voices for even fuller harmonies.

Electro-Harmonix Stereo Talking Machine

The funky-cool Stereo Talking Machine from Electro-Harmonix is capable of making a guitar talk up a storm. It features nine selectable Voices that serve up a range of awesome vowel sounds which users can control and tweak. It also boasts Bassballs- and wah-style dynamic filters. Plug into this dual footswitch box and witness your playing become incredibly expressive. Decay and Attack dials allow for control of the speed of the stompbox’s envelope follower, while a Sensitivity knob enables both up and down filter sweeps. The Stereo Talking Machine Vocal Formant Filter offers an innovative vowel sculpting controlled by the dynamics of the player. “As its name implies, the Stereo Talking Machine possesses true stereo outputs as well as an Effects Loop. An Expression Pedal Input provides real time control over filter sweeps, while nine preset locations let you store and instantly recall favorite programs. The Stereo Talking Machine delivers compelling sound shaping capability with advanced control,” Electro-Harmonix states.

TC Helicon Ditto Mic Looper

The TC Helicon Ditto Mic Looper is a convenient-to-use, dual-button pedal for vocal and acoustic instrument looping. It enables users to go from concept to performance effortlessly in a flash. Carrying two buttons and a single knob, the Ditto Mic Looper could not be simpler. It boasts phenomenal audio quality and infinite overdubs and undo/redo, making it a perfect choice for looping vocals and instruments. Vocalists may utilize the Loop and Stop buttons for infinite overdubbing, redo, and undo features to give a more profound level of musical interest to their songs with only their voice by looping their harmonies and vocal percussion tracks. Percussionists and drummers can use the pedal to keep the beat while adding a flourish to their solos. Moreover, guitarists who crave the expressiveness only a stompbox provides may exploit the power of looping with their old acoustic guitars, banjos, and other instruments without electronic outputs. As part of TC Helicon’s vocal processor line, the Ditto Mic Looper is strictly studio-grade—equipped with studio-quality A/D conversion and a clean, quiet mic preamp. Since it is controllable with TC Helicon’s MP-75 or other microphones armed with mic control capabilities, users can conveniently manage the pedal’s functions right from their handheld microphone.

TC Helicon Duplicator

Thanks to the TC Helicon Duplicator, players can tap into a trio of studio-grade vocal effects with the simplicity of a pedal. It is an incredibly simple vocal effects stompbox for doubling, reverb, and pitch correction, delivering stunning vocal effects wherever the user performs. The Duplicator boasts three classic doubling sounds with Loose, Tight, and Octave up/down options. The vocally tuned reverb puts the voice in a glorious musical space, while easy auto-chromatic pitch correction helps the user sing in tune. The Duplicator comes equipped with Adaptive Tone technology that adjusts the user’s dynamics and EQ as they sing. Gating, De-Essing, Compression, and Equalization are all customized on the fly—giving a beautiful, well-balanced tone to the voice at all times. The Duplicator is capable of making users sound exceptional even without a superstar engineer and mega-expensive microphone. “Whether you’re playing at the local tavern or a huge festival, your vocals always deserve special attention. DUPLICATOR gives you the tools to always sound your best with vocal doubling, state-of-the-art reverb, and automatic pitch correction – all in an ultra-simple stompbox designed to elevate your performance to the next level,” TC Helicon claims.

Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer

Time to add some vocal flair with the VE-20 Vocal Performer from Boss. This must-have stompbox for vocalists lets users inject awesome vocal effects to stage performances as they see fit. Designed from the ground up for singers, the VE-20 Vocal Performer comes with some of the best vocal-effects technology available in the market. With a simple click of a footswitch, users can immediately add rich vocal layers and harmonies to their singing as well as real-time pitch-correction. Special effects, including Strobe, Distortion, and Radio, allow them to showcase their creative side. Users can even craft loops and layers instantly using the inbuilt Phrase Looper. The VE-20 Vocal Performer operates on AC or battery power, so users can perform anywhere with it. The VE-20 Vocal Performer lets users take charge of their onstage vocal sound. It presents an arsenal of extremely cool and beautiful-sounding vocal effects. It also serves up specialized effects for vocalists such as Delay, Reverb, Dynamics, Harmony, Double-Track, and more. “These effects has been difficult for vocalists to have control of, but now the VE-20 offers incredible easy user interface to totally control your vocal sound. Simply dial up your favorite setting and sing—no programming required,” Boss wrote. The VE-20 Vocal Performer is a great vocal effects processor even for newbies, boasting seamless operation and road-tough BOSS construction.

TC Helicon Harmony Singer 2

The Harmony Singer 2 by TC Helicon dynamically refines vocal sound while imparting musically appropriate vocal harmonies to performances. A trio of TC Electronic-designed reverb types are available with individual mix knob, and Adaptive Tone processing instantly gives de-essing, compression, EQ, and more. Background vocals are included by examining the incoming guitar signal and utilizing the user’s voice to spawn professional-sounding harmonies. According to TC Helicon, the Harmony Singer 2 “lets you supercharge your vocal performance with either one or two harmony singers instantaneously! Conveniently packaged in an easy-to-use stompbox format, HARMONY SINGER 2 provides your choice of 8 harmony styles – all controlled via your guitar. Also included are studio-grade reverbs, our proprietary Adaptive Tone, and hands-free mic gain setting, making HARMONY SINGER 2 a must-have for any band or solo artist.” Reverb emulates a physical space, so the voice can fit into the music perfectly. Whether it is the massive reverberation of a concert hall or the ambience of a small room, the vocally tuned reverbs available in the Harmony Singer 2 will always unleash the best in the voice. Exploring different harmonies can create fresh and creative song ideas, so TC Helicon is encouraging Harmony Singer 2 users to try all eight of them.

TC Helicon VoiceLive Play

The TC Helicon VoiceLive Play vocal harmony and effects processor for singers serves up studio-quality EQ and effects in a stompbox. It allows users to instantly pick presets by effects type or genre and start singing. The beautiful-sounding effects in the VoiceLive Play are courtesy of TC Helicon’s sought-after VoiceLive vocal processors. The VoiceLive Play boasts a new Hit function and inbuilt looper, making live performances better sounding than ever. With this amazing floor pedal, individuals can take studio-grade vocals anywhere they go. Aside from making users sound exceptional, the VoiceLive Play is also capable of helping them become a better singer. Users may utilize its practice function to view their pitch accuracy with the smart pitch display. They will notice an improvement in their accuracy score as their singing gets better. With the VoiceLive Play, TC Helicon promises that “all the goose-bump effects that make today’s Billboard hit vocals truly stand out are yours.” The VoiceLive Play is a portable three-button vocal multi-effects pedal with looping, making it convenient to capture professional sound. Users can effortlessly craft pro-studio-grade vocals with an array of production-quality vocal effects. Designed and engineered in Canada, the VoiceLive Play works with remote Mic Control leveraging the TC Helicon MP-75 or MP-76 mics.

**Boss VO-1 Vocoder **

The Boss VO-1 Vocoder is an innovative and unique pedal that allows guitarists to capture vocal and synthesizer effects with their electric guitars. It features four modes—Choir, Talk Box, Advanced, and Vintage—that take a guitar tone from warm analog synth sounds to sound like a group of harmonized guitars. “Vintage mode produces the familiar synthesized voice sounds heard on numerous pop and electronic music records through the years, while Advanced mode utilizes new BOSS tech to translate speech and other vocalizations to your axe with unprecedented definition and clarity. Talk Box mode recreates classic ‘talking lead guitar’ tones without having to use a traditional talk box rig and mouth tube, making these cool sounds much more accessible and convenient. Finally, Choir mode produces rich, impressive vocal textures from a direct input, with no mic needed,” Boss detailed. Plugging a microphone allows users to manage the parameters with their voice. Powered by Boss’ renowned guitar synth tech, the VO-1 Vocoder offers flexibility and power that go beyond other vocoders. The VO-1 Vocoder puts the tremendous expressive range of human voice in the hands of all bassists and guitarists. The human voice is undoubtedly the most expressive instrument available, capable of spawning an immense range of sounds. The Vocoder technology allows users to harness that power and manage their instrument’s tone in infinite ways through real-time vocal manipulation. For years, vocoders have been utilized by keyboardists to craft electronic vocal tones and other voice-esque textures with synths.