Reverb for vocal

[Geoff Stephens]

Hi Guys

I am just throwing this out there to see what others are using to apply a touch of reverb to their vocals when using the L1 Compact without the Tonematch.

Reason I ask is because I use my S1 Pro for small functions such as care homes and coffee lounges and I kind of like that it's got built in effects.

There are some gigs where I like to use my L1 Compact which I mostly use dry (mic/guitar straight in) but after the convenience of having the S1 with it's onboard reverb I have been looking at ways of introducing effects when using the Compact and I'm currently looking at the TC Helicon range as an  uncomplicated and quick set up without the need to use the T1.

The idea is purely to add a touch of reverb to my vocal.

Does anybody use anything similar to the Helicon?

Cheers guys

Geoff

[oldmachead]

Geoff posted:

Hi Guys

I am just throwing this out there to see what others are using to apply a touch of reverb to their vocals when using the L1 Compact without the Tonematch.

Reason I ask is because I use my S1 Pro for small functions such as care homes and coffee lounges and I kind of like that it's got built in effects.

There are some gigs where I like to use my L1 Compact which I mostly use dry (mic/guitar straight in) but after the convenience of having the S1 with it's onboard reverb I have been looking at ways of introducing effects when using the Compact and I'm currently looking at the TC Helicon range as an  uncomplicated and quick set up without the need to use the T1.

The idea is purely to add a touch of reverb to my vocal.

Does anybody use anything similar to the Helicon?

Cheers guys

Geoff

Geoff

I tried using a TC Helicon (GXT I think) some time back ... I found it added way too much gain for my liking and I had to do a lot of tweaking which annoyed me no end.

Personally I love using my T1 and now my T8S. I find that it gives me the tone and flexibility that I want and I find it very convenient (I'm a solo singer/guitarist). In fact, when there is power available, I prefer using my S1 with the T8S (or the T1), even though the S1 reverb is quite nice.

The T8S/T1 settings for my mics (SM58 or Beta 58A) give me a sound that I really like. I'm currently experimenting with the Digital Delay that (I think) @ST explained to someone on this forum a few months back. As always he's a font of wisdom and I will always defer to his knowledge and experience (I'm just a beginner).

It's all a matter of personal prefs, Geoff. I guess I'm now used to the T1/T8 and I find that either of them require very little tweaking esp. after saving a Scene with my settings.

My 2 cents!

[Mr__Hoon]

I love my TC Helicon PlayAcoustic pedal. Regardless of the PA, my mic and my guitar run through it.

[rycowan]

I have a TC Helicon PlayAcoustic and have also used their MicMechanic. I don’t really like the sound of their efx, even though they use the same algorithms as the well-regarded Hall of Fame reverb and Flashback delay stand alone pedals. I use the PlayAcoustic for harmony-only, and loop it thru my T1 Tonematch mixer. My mics and guitars sound amazingly better thru the T1 with its built-in efx and custom settings than thru the Helicon boxes. The PlayAcoustic was more than $300. I got both of my T1’s for about $200 each (#1 was on closeout at Guitar Center as the T4’s were introduced. #2 was a mint condition unit on Reverb about 6 weeks ago). I think it’s worth the money to spring for a good used T1 or even a new T4 than to go the Helicon route. That’s despite being a gear head with 7 or 8 standalone reverb pedals.  I generally use my T1’s with an S1 Pro with Tonematch turned off on the PA. 

[ST - Pro]

Hi, Geoff.

Thanks for the interesting question.

Geoff posted:

Hi Guys

I am just throwing this out there to see what others are using to apply a touch of reverb to their vocals when using the L1 Compact without the Tonematch.

Reason I ask is because I use my S1 Pro for small functions such as care homes and coffee lounges and I kind of like that it's got built in effects.

There are some gigs where I like to use my L1 Compact which I mostly use dry (mic/guitar straight in) but after the convenience of having the S1 with it's onboard reverb I have been looking at ways of introducing effects when using the Compact and I'm currently looking at the TC Helicon range as an  uncomplicated and quick set up without the need to use the T1.

The idea is purely to add a touch of reverb to my vocal.

Does anybody use anything similar to the Helicon?

Cheers guys

Geoff

A long time ago (June 2004), I got my first L1 (later to be known as the Classic). It did not have reverb, and I quickly found I didn't miss it. If the room was large enough, the natural reflections created a pleasant reverberation and there was no need to add reverb (the effect).  I came to appreciate the Cylindrical Radiator® with its extremely wide horizontal dispersion tended to create very pleasant early reflections from the side walls of the room.

I have an L1 Compact and an S1 Pro. The S1 Pro does not have the same extremely wide horizontal dispersion as the L1 Compact.  It doesn't excite a room the same way.  A little reverb (built-in with the S1 Pro) can be pleasant. However,  even when I use a ToneMatch mixer with the L1 Compact, I rarely add reverb.

I prefer to use a condenser microphone and that requires phantom power. Neither the L1 Compact or S1 Pro have phantom power. So from time-to-time, I revisit the idea of getting a small device that can provide phantom power and if I was going to get a device like that, I might also want it to have some processing (EQ or optimization for vocals, and maybe effects).  And it has to run on batteries. If I have to plug it in, there's no reason not to just use my ToneMatch mixer.

Every now and then, I consider the TC Helicon Mic Mechanic 2 because it can run on four AA batteries and it ticks the other boxes.

And every time I go down that path, I come right back to using my ToneMatch mixer.  Yes, that involves a (very) few more steps for set up and tear down, but if the situation calls for some digital processing, well, I already own it.  And then I have all the processing available for my guitar too.

ST

[Rockerduck]

Get a Behringer 1202 fx mixer and use it as needed. $100 new.

[Sam_Spoons]

I use/have used various TC Helicon units over the years and, for me, the quality of the reverbs is amongst the best I've heard. Currently I use TC VoiceSolo personal monitors and my electric pedalboard has a Hall Of Fame mini (the amp has no reverb) but, depending on the genre, I'll often choose to have no reverb on the vocal.

[Geoff Stephens]

Thanks for your input guys.

On reflection I think I probably answered my own question, just stick with the T1 as that will process my vocals and guitar.

I did actually use the Compact at a gig completely dry without the T1, the vocal and acoustic straight in and it actually didn't sound half bad and if I'm honest I'm not even sure I missed the reverb.

But I do think a slight touch adds some character but I doubt the general listening public even notice!

I'm fortunate that I have pretty decent natural tone so I think I can probably get away without vocal effects and for the sort of stuff I play (traditional country/60's) I think I can get away without.

Maybe I should invest the money in a T4s instead but I see there is no independent volume control when using an iPad and that is a concern.

Once again cheers guys, love this forum!

Geoff

[roryscott]

I had the same issue and I do believe on their next iteration of this model they ought to incorporate that.  Before I bought the T1 (sidenote I wish I had known they were coming out with the T4  because having only one aux out is supppper annoyying)  but I digress, before I got that I used a TC  mic mechanic and a TC Harmony..  They are decent, however what I did find is when u use them  in the battery only option it has a very odd amount of gain and feedback and yes sometimes it happened when plugged in so the tonematch is a better option.  Ibelieve also because the mixer acts as a DI it deters any feedback issues.  

Good luck Id put money that Bose upgrades the Compact with reverb just like they upgraded the T1 to the T4

[ScubaBadger]

The lack of independent volume control over incoming 5/6 on the T4S is a right royal pain in the ....   

you get used to using the master volume but invariably it affect my performance as I have to then readjust my mic level.