Item: TC-Helicon’s VoiceTone E1 Pedal
Price: $129 US, £109 UK
Quick Singer Assessment:
The E1’s number of different delay sounds available and the sound quality of the effects is quite impressive considering its price. However, unlike multi FX pedals, you are unable to set different presets for each song that you can easily swap between.
At a Glance
The VoiceTone E1 is a foot pedal that enables singers to add echo and slapback effects to their live and studio vocals while giving them real-time control of the effect. The unit has a wide range of echo sounds and a foot switch that can be used to set the tempo of the echo as well as to turn the effect on and off. The E1 is built into a tough enclosure that should withstand years of use. It has a standard XLR in/out for connecting your mic and your mixing desk and it comes with a 9v mains adapter.
High Notes
The E1 has 12 different echo and delay types including: slap echoes, tap delays (1/4, 1/8, Triplet 1/8th notes, etc.), echo FX and filtered delay. There is also an analogue button that can be used to give the delays an ‘old-school’ warmth. There are also controls for the amount of feedback (number of repeats) and the wet/dry mix (how loud the delay is relative to your vocals). The number of different delay sounds available and the sound quality of the effects is quite impressive considering its price, and you would certainly have to spend considerably more to find a noticeably better delay effect. You can use the E1 with additional VoiceTone Singles pedals if you want to add more than just delay to your voice.
Off Pitch
Unlike multi FX pedals, you are unable to set different presets for each song that you can easily swap between during your live show. However, the upside of this is that you can adjust the delay parameters in real time with physical controls and without the need to go through a range of editing windows to find the setting you want to adjust. Also, unlike some guitar effects pedals, the unit cannot be battery powered.
Audio-Savvy Reviewer Says…
If you also have one of TC-Helicon’s microphones, you will be able to switch the effect on and off from your mic as well as from the foot pedal. The device also has a USB connection so that its internal software can be updated over time if needed. Overall, if you want to add delay effects to your vocals both in a live setting and in the studio, the TC-Helicon E1 offers an impressive range of sounds for a very low price. – Chris Kennedy
Manufacturer’s Website: http://www.tc-helicon.com
More on Vocal Effects
Using Vocal Effects at a Venue
Chris Kennedy is a songwriter, producer multi-instrumentalist and freelance journalist from the UK. He has performed extensively over Europe and written and produced over a dozen albums. Chris also has a passion for music technology and was the principal product reviewer and tech expert of the original Voice Council magazine.
