The TC Helicon VoiceTone Synth is a vocal effects pedal that puts Hardtune, an Auto-Tune-like pitch correction, together with a vocoder, a built-in carrier synth and transducer effects. It takes an XLR mic input and an instrument jack in, and offers XLR outputs, though MusicRadar's reviewer noted it would be nice to have jack outputs too. The whole unit is built into a very sturdy metal chassis1.
Footswitches and presets
The pedal is operated from two footswitches:
- Left footswitch: presets can be selected and stored using it1
- Right footswitch: toggles the Hardtune key if held, and also acts as an effects bypass1
There are 10 user-editable presets, a count MusicRadar described as "a little stingy"1.
Hardtune and the chromatic question
Hardtune works in two ways. Without an instrument plugged in, you sing and select the key, then select major or minor scales using the correction controls1. There is no internal chromatic mode setting, so for chromatic pitch correction MusicRadar describes a workaround: plug in a synth or guitar, select Auto mode, and play the external instrument so it dictates the pitch chromatically1.
What reviewers said
MusicRadar's review summed the pedal up this way:
"The vocoder is decent, and the quality good. Hopefully the issues can be solved via updates ASAP!"
Players comparing vocal-oriented and synth pedals in the same lane may also want to look at the TC Helicon TalkBox Synth, or browse the wider field on the Synth Pedals and Vocal Pedals pages.
Videos
TC Helicon
TC Helicon
TC Helicon
Questions
Does the TC Helicon VoiceTone Synth have a chromatic mode?
No. According to MusicRadar's review, there is no internal chromatic mode setting for Hardtune. The workaround is to plug in a synth or guitar, select Auto mode, and play an external instrument so it dictates the pitch chromatically while you sing.
How do you get chromatic pitch correction on the VoiceTune Synth?
MusicRadar describes the workaround: plug in a synth or guitar, select Auto mode, and play the external instrument to dictate the pitch chromatically. Without an instrument, Hardtune works by selecting a key and then a major or minor scale.
How many presets does the VoiceTone Synth hold?
The VoiceTone Synth holds 10 user-editable presets, which MusicRadar called a little stingy. Presets can be selected and stored using the left footswitch.
Can you use Hardtune on the VoiceTone Synth without an instrument?
Yes. MusicRadar notes that Hardtune can be used by singing without an instrument plugged in, selecting the key, and then selecting major or minor scales using the correction controls.
Sources (1)
- TC Helicon VoiceTone Synth review, MusicRadar, 2009-12-03
