DigiTech Vocalist Live FX Vocal Effects Processor

Comments about DigiTech Vocalist Live FX Vocal Effects Processor:

I love this pedal! The Live Adapt feature is one of the best technological advances in music I've experienced. The harmonies sound more authentic than my TC Helicon VoiceLive (the original, I haven't tried their later versions but they're far pricier regardless). Sound Check is invaluable as is the looper. To me, it beats out the competition as it is, however, there are a few hardware or firmware improvements Digitech might consider to take it to an even higher level.
1) Jamsync or having the FS3X (using a splitter) to trigger the same functions as the soloxt in order to sync the loops from both or other digitech pedals (or midi for nonproprietary units)
2) More tweekability (where TC is better) and/or options of effects. Or maybe an insert for external effects? I just was a bit underwhelmed with the distortion and delay options (though I have to commend it for including multiple ducking delays that so many units outright ignore). To get a good megaphone sound you have to use the filter to cut frequencies, but it also unfortunately cuts volume which kind of defeats the purpose. Maybe a separate gain boost in this effect?
3) Ability to have different effects (such as delay time) within the a/b function instead of just turning them off or on. Yes, there's a workaround with an expression pedal or program change but it's less convenient. Speaking of the expression pedal (and I've only used a volume pedal for it so far so it may be because of that) but there are at least 2 issues I've come across - it's minimum is in full heel down or up while the maximum is anywhere inbetween which is just odd, the other is that while it works on changing non-adjacent delay times, it won't change between 1x and 2x.
4) Eliminate redundancy in the harmony options. For example, you have both 8up8down and 8down8up with no noticeable difference in mix or anything. It's probably not taking up enough memory space to otherwise add another feature but it just seems silly. Adding a separate reverb or just a dedicated output to the harmonies would also help create a better sense of space.
Anyway, I do love this product and though know many of these suggestions may not be feasible (at least at this price point), I wouldn't have bothered suggesting them to anything with less potential. Good job!

Comments about DigiTech Vocalist Live FX Vocal Effects Processor:

After ordering two units (see 1st review) on the Stupid Deal, 99 doll. each. BOTH arrived defective. A call to M F got return labels, BUT they told me, "They were out, but had 50 more coming in. However, when they were gone, they would not sell these any more." The disturbing part was they said that, "They would have to fill new orders before they could send me mine!" Those are orders arriving after I had placed my orders.

A Gearhead who read and responded to my first review, said they would "try to put mine to the front, but no guarantee." Last week, a unit arrived. An email came the next day stating, "they issued a refund for the other one, they sold out early."

I called, to find out that happened to mine...surprise, they sold out, not one for me. After numerous emails with Digitech, and a M F supervisor, I was told I was out of luck. I could buy an "open box unit" if I wanted, but there were none avail from Digitech. The Digitech people were telling me they have units. Guitar center (who owns MF) is selling them today for 199. Sounds fishy to me. They could have gotten a unit from them. (all emails avail)

Then, a M F Gearhead writes and tells me, "but for the time being, it isn't available through our company. It sounds like we've just seen too many issues with the item." The reponse from Digitech was that, "Here in repair and support, we have not seen any epidemic number of problems with the Live FX."

You are free to draw your own conclusions here. I one unit and wanted two, and I am now trying to decide IF I should return the one I have, wondering what kind of service I would have from it. Speaking of which, I told the M F rep to, "Send me one of my units I returned, I can send it to Digitech to be repaired under warranty." They would not even do that. This has been one of the worst purchases from M F (or from anyone) I have made in a great while. I am tempted to write a letter to corporate headquarters, but they may not care! A disappointed Guitar Bob

Comments about DigiTech Vocalist Live FX Vocal Effects Processor:

I think this is a great pedal.... Like the other guys says'' Loose XLR

outputs.'' I have nerver had an issue with it even loose is OK.

I have mine mounted to a pedalboard and never had a disconnect

or crackling sound.

The XLR input locks, but not the outputs. Not a deal breaker.

I have tried all the harmony pedals for under 400.

This is my Fave'.

This pedal sounds great in a live solo, duo or band setting,

especially with guys that can't harmonize.

I have had mine for over 6 months with no problems.

Comments about DigiTech Vocalist Live FX Vocal Effects Processor:

To follow up with my previous review, this thing continues to pleasantly surprise me. I have had a lot more opportunities to play with it and it just gets better and better. Although some of the effects I do not personally foresee using for singing -- I am sure they will be very useful for other applications (such as voice over) and giving your vocals a lot of versatility in genres I don't normally perform. In my case, my favorite(s) effect(s) choices (in this unit) definitely gives that extra texture and depth to my singing styes and genres -- I actually enjoy hearing myself sing with this thing as it has an amazing range that compliments many different musical situations. The more I play with this thing, the more fun stuff I find -- as far as I am concerned it already greatly exceeded my expectations, it gave me exactly what I was looking forward for my vocal performance and then some. Anything else I continue discovering from now on is just gravy on top. Don't deny yourself the chance of owning one of these, it features industry standard studio effects in a very convenient compact size. I use it next (left side) of my Digitech RP1000, making it very convenient to switch effects on the fly between the guitar and vocals on my rig.

Comments about DigiTech Vocalist Live FX Vocal Effects Processor:

I received my vocalist fx yesterday and found when I plugged it in the XLR out sockets were so loose every time I hit the foot switch it would crackle and buzz. I am sending the unit back and ordering another brand.

Comments about DigiTech Vocalist Live FX Vocal Effects Processor:

I've only had this unit a week and have NOT used during a performance. The comments here are a result of experimenting with the Vocalist FX in my music room.

I do a solo acoustic show in the small venue/coffee shop setting. I used the original Vocalist and switched to the Vocalist 2 when it came out. I really like the Vocalist 2 because it is super easy to use. The only thing missing is the old A/B button which allowed two different harmony settings you could switch between on the fly. I bought this Vocalist FX as a Stupid Deal at a ridiculously low price - way lower than the Vocalist 5 I was contemplating. My main reason was the return of the A/B button.

Holy Cow! This thing comes with a 76 page book of instructions that you have to download! I don't want to become a sound engineer - I just want a 3rd & 5th above, a 3rd below with a 5th above, and doubling that I can switch between as I need. Throw in a little reverb, some compression and de-essing and I'm a happy boy!

Most of the presets sound over the top so to get useful sounds I have to spend a lot of time screwing with settings buried in the on screen menu. My needs are simple - as described above.

This unit comes with a built-in mike which is supposed to pick up your guitar and adjust the harmonies. EXCEPT that on page 19 of the manual it says there is a problem when the mike picks up the guitar during instrumental portions of the song. So you really need to feed the guitar direct and turn off the mike. But there is no way to feed your guitar to the unit and your PA without the addition of a splitter - unless you want your guitar and voice on the same channel of your PA.

The doubling seems pretty realistic. I haven't messed with the gender parameters so the doubled voice sounds like a guy to my ear. The harmonies seem a little off which may have been caused by the unit being in front of my practice amp - I don't have a big room.

Most of what it does I don't need or want except the A/B button!

Comments about DigiTech Vocalist Live FX Vocal Effects Processor:

Quality sounding effects! Would buy again!

Comments about DigiTech Vocalist Live FX Vocal Effects Processor:

Got this after reviewing and seeing a lot of YouTUBE videos. Really I just wanted a bit more "reverb" to my vocals... Oh goodness, this this is AWESOME! I can elevate my vocals in so many ways. At the particular time I'm typing this, my beloved wife has hijacked my unit to do her "karaoke" versions in my little sutdio corner. As far as I can see from where I am sitting, she is definitely loving every second. Highly recommend it, it definitely gives you a quick reward just playing, right off the box. I might get another one for a second mic so my wife can keep singing her heart out. Love how easy to use it is, and the versatility on the effects.

Comments about DigiTech Vocalist Live FX Vocal Effects Processor:

WOW, this thing gives a clear sound well worth the money. Though it is easy to use, it has so many adjustments it would take a perfectionist a long time to tweak one until you are totally happy with it. I say that in a positive way. It has many good presets and you can always adjust them by added (or taking away) the Gold Channel, or adjusting the individual controls. A lot of the presets are great just the way they are, so if you are not too technically challenged, you can just turn it on, find a sound you like, and sing away. You will need XLR cable in from the microphone, and two more if you want the two outputs, or you can now use a 1/4" stereo to a headphone or as an output jack. The headphone jack has a volume control (input gain on the back of the unit). Come with an AC wall wart, so your ready to go (does NOT take batteries).

Super easy to use with so many variables that it is just a joy to experiment with. Allows you to have two separate versions of each set channel (the A/B switch) so you can have a fast secondary switch for each song or you can switch to another channel altogether. Looper switch, by-pass, & more (download the manual at the Digitech website to see what all this baby can do).

Comments about DigiTech Vocalist Live FX Vocal Effects Processor:

purchased this to replace my aging Digitech vocal 300, downloaded 60+ page manual from Digitech site, checked all the presets, with some tweaking I think it's going to serve me well, noticed that the verbs seem washy solo but punch through nicely with electric guitar and back tracks happenin' (due to live adapt?) also hope I can tweak delays to suit, I'll review again when I have time to do that and share results.
The Live adapt and anti feedback seem to work well, it's c.a. half the size of my 300 and is built like a tank, switches and knobs are nicely located and feel very substantial.
I'm anticipating a steep learning curve on this, that's why 4 stars.

Comments about DigiTech Vocalist Live FX Vocal Effects Processor:

Pretty cool device that is constructed well. Knobs and switches seem to be robust and there is a lot to tweak if you like. There is also Liberian software you can download so you can move presets around easily.
The pedal is for the most part metal so should take a beating.

Comments about DigiTech Vocalist Live FX Vocal Effects Processor:

using this mainly for live performance, excellent sound, love the reverbs, also the ability to store presets for each set of the night

Comments about DigiTech Vocalist Live FX Vocal Effects Processor:

I've been recording myself and others for 40 years, have heard many pedal and rack mount FX units; this has dozens of combinations of studio caliber FX in a small, easy to use foot pedal that rival and sometimes surpass many of the more expensive rack mount units' sound. Built like a tank and a looper as well -- was one of the best stupid deals yet.

Comments about DigiTech Vocalist Live FX Vocal Effects Processor:

Great simple to use vocal processor with broad key of pre-set the are easy to tweak. Very professional sound. I got it as a SDOD. so super great value.

Comments about DigiTech Vocalist Live FX Vocal Effects Processor:

I am in an acoustic duo. My singing is average at best. I replaced my TC Harmony singer with this, and have no regrets.The reverb on this is better, I like that you can easily tweak both reverb,delay and harmony type and level. Some comments say its hard to figure out, I didnt think so. The presets are very usable, I have 5 or 6 that I moved to the front and use. You can even tweak the amount of pitch correction on the gold channel so its not so noticeable. It just has a better overall EQ sound, and gives me more confidence singing. The only downside is its a little bulkier than the TC pedal, but thats a small inconvience. When I look at guitarists with 6 0r 8 pedals , this seems small by comparison.

Comments about DigiTech Vocalist Live FX Vocal Effects Processor:

I have this on one mic alongside a TC Helicon mic mechanic on a second. They are both similar in price but obviously the Digitech has a lot more features. For what they have in common though (reverb, auto tune, auto eq), the mic mechanic is clearer and more natural sounding. The Digitech gold channel is a little darker, little muddier, and more of a hard tune effect. Still very usable though and without a side by side comparison you probably wouldn't know any better.

Comments about DigiTech Vocalist Live FX Vocal Effects Processor:

I'm a singer/songwriter and often perform solo. This unit has an XLR imput for a microphone and has phantom power if needed. It has a microphone built in for ambient sound to harmonize with. I tried it with an acoustic guitar (unplugged) playing fingertstyle and a mic and listened through headphones. The harmony was pretty accuate considering how I did it. I'm sure it will be much better when I have the guitar plugged into an amp. It has several other vocal effects, too.

Comments about DigiTech Vocalist Live FX Vocal Effects Processor:

Unit is quite versatile. Great FX. Good harmonies. The higher harmonies could be a little louder; they tend to get lost in the lower harmonies. Overall, I am pleased with the unit.

Comments about DigiTech Vocalist Live FX Vocal Effects Processor:

That effect instrument is great for singer

Comments about DigiTech Vocalist Live FX Vocal Effects Processor:

I bought this unit last time they were on the Stupid Deal of the Day. I am in a three piece band that plays classic rock, country and blues. This thing rocks! I am the lead singer by default and this thing makes me sound great. The beauty of this unit is it is hardly noticeable. It has a Gold Channel and a Pitch FX I leave on all the time. The only time someone notices it is after I point it out, (or if the bass player forgets to sing when I hit the harmony switch and folks notice only one guy singing!) I basically just use the "Southern" setting and kick on and off the harmonies with the A/B foot switch. I'm sure I could get it to do a lot more if I wanted to play with it. Seriously thinking about buying a second on today, as they are on sale again!