Effects Chain for Vocals
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Posted on Jun 14, 2009 01:45 pm
Reveirg
Member Since: Sep 24, 2006
Hi everyone,
I've got a pretty simple question for you, in what order do you usually place your effects for vocals?
I'm in the process of building a little effects chain for live vocals. Our band plays rock/prog/electro/etc., it's a somewhat ethereal blend of genres, so I like to play with some effects for the vocals. Right now I've got a Boss DD-20 and a Line 6 Verbzilla, looking to add a compressor too (maybe the TC-Helicon Voicetone Correct?).
In what order should I place those effects? I'm pretty sure the compressor/de-esser should be at the beginning, but should I put the reverb before the delay? or after?
Thanks for your help! :)
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Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jun 14, 2009 06:45 pm It can go either way. I guess considering your using guitar effects on vocals that I would put the compressor first, the delay next and the reverb last.
Reason being is the compressor if set to decay quickly might chop off the reverb tails, and the delay would do that as well.
But really the delay and reverb are doing somewhat the same thing. Unless you are doing some extreme echo stuff wit the delay.
Jun 14, 2009 08:20 pm Actually, I -am- doing some extreme echo stuff (though only very occasionally). Would the order of the reverb/delay really make a difference in that case?
Thanks for your help!
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jun 14, 2009 08:52 pm Yep, if you put the reverb before the echo in that case you will get a very chopped off sound as a reverb tends to have a longer tail behind it that would get lopped off by the delay as it regenerates.
Jun 14, 2009 10:40 pm That makes a lot of sense! Thanks!!
While I'm at it, do you think the TC-Helicon voicetone Correct would be a good choice as a compressor/de-esser? I like the fact that it also has an auto-EQ on it, and that it's shaped like a stomp box (would fit easily in a pedal board with my other effects).
I'm just wondering if other options (TC C300, or the dbx compressors) would offer a better sound. I'm quite new to live sound (I'm more experienced in studio recording), so I really don't know what would be the best in this kind of situation.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jun 15, 2009 10:21 pm TC-Helicon is a very reputable company and makes some killer gear. I've used some of their gear and not had any issues. I think a box that is geared to the exact thing you want to do would be a bigger benefit then trying to learn to use a couple of different pieces of gear to do the job this one unit can do. DSP is a wonderful thing when its done right, and TC-Helicon does do a good job of getting it right.
Jun 15, 2009 10:33 pm Alright, I'll probably buy it in a couple of weeks when I've got enough money...
Thanks again for your answers, you've been really helpful!
