Boss VE-22 Vocal Performer | Evaluate

MSRP: (UK) £309 / (US) $349

Designed to raise dwell vocal performances, the Boss VE-22 gives vocalists quick access to professional-grade results. Combining harmonies, reverb, delay, and EQ, it brings studio-quality polish to the stage. With intuitive controls and an onboard looper, it permits real-time layering and customisation, making the VE-22 important for singers aiming to reinforce their sound effortlessly. Here is Nick Jennison to inform us extra.



I all the time discover it attention-grabbing what number of guitarists are additionally singers. Fascinating, however not shocking. I do not know if it is as a result of we inherently crave the highlight or as a result of ours is the instrument it is most acceptable to have two folks taking part in in a band (until you are protecting Massive Backside). Both means, we are able to “do a BB” and alternate between singing and soloing (I’ve actually simply described my job), however it’s a phenomenon that is very noticeable.

After all, we as guitarists additionally possess the forbidden data of utilizing brightly colored little bins we are able to stomp on to make ourselves sound higher—so why not do the identical for our vocals?

A part of their well-regarded “Vocal Performer” vary, the Boss VE-22 is an easy but highly effective multi-effects unit providing three of essentially the most important vocal results on the faucet of a footswitch: concord, modulation, and reverb/delay. Now, you would possibly scoff at how easy that is in comparison with your go-to guitar modeller with its 9 digital JCM800s, however relating to the human voice (and dwell mics on stage), subtlety is essential.

Let’s begin with the most typical dwell vocal results: reverb and delay. This block allows you to dial in one in all 4 beautiful-sounding reverbs (atmosphere, room, corridor, and plate), together with a well-tuned echo that ranges from Elvis-style slapback to Halford half-note delays. It is also extremely simple to make use of, so it is laborious to mess up your sound. At its highest setting, the atmosphere algorithm can sound a bit trashy, however for somebody in a NWOBHM band like me, that is not essentially a foul factor.

Subsequent, the modulation and different results. The “impact” block features a refrain that ranges from pop shimmer to “the total Ozzy,” together with phasers and flangers for psychedelic moments (Itchycoo Park, anybody?). It additionally options drive and lo-fi results—a few of my private favourites. For rock singers, including just a little (or a number of) drive can carry an edge to an in any other case clear vocal line, and the power to recreate radio-style results from the album is a pleasant contact. There’s even a pitch correction algorithm for individuals who want just a little assist with intonation—or who need to channel Cher within the 2000s. No judgement!

The final results block is concord, which generates as much as two very convincing concord voices primarily based on what you are singing. Sadly, there isn’t any means to make use of MIDI or your guitar’s sign to manage these harmonies—if that is what you are after, the VE-500 is the higher alternative. That mentioned, I discovered myself having fun with the doubling and tripling options greater than the harmonies. These are good for making a refrain vocal “pop,” particularly when utilized in stereo.

On prime of all this, the VE-22 contains EQ, compression, de-essing, and an “enhancer” working below the hood. You’ll be able to tweak these settings simply, however I discovered the manufacturing facility defaults labored fantastically with the SM58 we used for testing. The unit additionally features a fully-featured looper. Whereas I battle to make use of loopers with my guitar, not to mention my voice, this characteristic is right for individuals who can. (Make sure to test the video evaluation for amusing at my failed makes an attempt!)

The Boss VE-22 is a versatile, easy-to-use pedal that can enable you to sound your finest at your subsequent gig, rehearsal, or open mic. It is powered through a regular 9V energy provide (so long as you’ve got enough present) or AA batteries. It even offers phantom energy for a condenser mic. If you happen to’re a singer-guitarist who’s giving extra consideration to your guitar tone than your vocal sound, it is time to test this out pronto.

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