In this article we’re going to be discussing the best vocal harmonizer pedals that exist in October 2023.
Whether you’re in the studio or you’re performing live, it’s hard to imagine proper vocal processing without a harmonizer effect. It is one of the most important tools for lead singers, which gives a completely new dimension to their voice. In the past, harmonizing was possible only with backup singers but today, things are much easier, as well as less expensive.
What Is A Vocal Harmonizer Pedal?
A vocal harmonizer pedal is a pedal with a harmonizer effect. It is a type of pitch shifter that changes and combines the effect tone with the original tone, making a two-note harmony. Modern devices are able to make more complex harmonies as well. Today’s pedals offer different types of harmony types, such as fixed, high or low, which can also change the octave. Of course, users are also able to select in which key they want to harmonize and completely change the character of their voice.
A harmonizer is an essential tool for vocal processing but in most cases, it doesn’t come as a single effect in a pedal housing. In most cases, manufacturers pack harmonizer together with other effects, making a multi-effect processor. Many of these devices offer numerous effects, as well as a preamp, as well as various connectivity features. In that way, musicians get a complete solution for their vocal shaping in a single housing, which is more practical and less expensive.
Therefore, please note that most pedals on the list are multi-effect units or complete vocal processors.
Vocal Harmonizer Pedals
Zoom V3 Vocal Processor
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If you need a complete solution for vocal processing, this compact and affordable unit could be a great choice. Despite the compact dimensions, this is a pretty capable processor that comes with all necessary features for vocalists that work great in various situations, from live performance to studio recording.
The Zoom V3 comes equipped with 15 vocal effects, starting from Pitch Correct, Harmonizer, Talk Box, Vocoder, Octaver, Unison, Beat Box, Whistle and many more. Each effect has a dedicated button, so the operation is super smooth. Moreover, you may count on two types of pitch correct and five harmony types. Finally, there are four more effects on the side with dedicated knobs – Compression, Delay, Reverb and Enhance.
Such a diversity of effects make this processor great for live performance, especially if consider that you can connect this unit with an expression pedal and get real-time control of the effect. There is also a USB interface with 16/24/32-bit, 44.1 kHz resolution, which is more than decent for home recording. The unit also features phantom power, so you can connect any mic you want. Also, you can run it either on batteries or a power supply. The latter is sold separately.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
The Zoom V3 is a great choice for vocalists who want all of their effects in a single housing, but can’t afford big expenses. Also, it is a great choice for musicians who prefer simple controls and easiness of use.
Boss VE-500
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Boss has been one of the leading companies when it comes to effect processors for guitars and basses, but this manufacturer also makes fantastic tools for vocalists. The VE-500 is one of them. This is a multi-effect vocalist processor that has so many great things to offer. It is a high-quality unit, with a 32-bit engine that ensures super-smooth operation.
When it comes to effects, it’s hard to count all the things this pedal has to offer. You may count on various effects, harmonies, pitch corrections etc. Of course, you may count on effects like reverb, delay, distortion, modulation, EQ, filter etc. All in all, you can use up to 9 effects at once, which gives you so many options to shape your voice. Also, the unit comes with 99 factory presets, while you can also connect it to a computer and edit the sounds more conveniently on your Mac or Windows unit. Looper function is also included.
Typically for Boss products, the build quality is excellent. The metal housing promises years of great service, while you may also count on lots of connectivity features, including an XLR balanced output if you go directly into PA. The pedal comes with three onboard footswitches and supports two external switches or an expression pedal. The pedal runs on a 9V power supply, which is included in the price.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
The Boss VE-500 is a great choice for all those musicians who need not just a capable multi-effect processor, but also a durable and dependable companion for live performances.
Roland VT-4 Vocal Transformer
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Despite the small dimensions and very simple layout, the VT-4 is one of the most capable vocal effect processors on the market. It is a perfect choice for all those performers who like to keep things simple. All controls and effects are onboard, so there is no need to go through the menu to dial the tone your way. Sound shaping is super easy with this unit.
There are numerous effects packed in this tiny housing, starting from Vocoder, Harmony, Reverb, Megaphone, Robot etc. All these effects have their dedicated controls on the board. Some of them come in the form of knobs, others come with old-school sliders, which makes everything look cooler. Despite being super-easy to use, the VT-4 features impressive 24-bit/192kHz effects quality, which is something you will hardly get from any other product in this price range.
The Roland VT-4 is ready for every situation. It is a fantastic portable unit that runs on a bus-powered USB or on batteries. What’s particularly great is that the pedal can work for up to 5 hours on batteries, which is great for a product of this type. The pedal also offers phantom power, which is great for microphones.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
We are pretty sure that this pedal can meet everyone’s expectations but the primary users should be performers who are constantly on the move but don’t want to sacrifice any of the sound quality. Also, its super-simple layout makes it a natural choice for anyone who doesn’t want to dive into the menu and waste precious time to get the desired tone.
Boss VE-8 Acoustic Singer
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Acoustic singers are one of the most common groups of performers around. For them, the Boss VE-8 makes their lives significantly easier, as this unit offers a comprehensive tone-shaping solution both for their voice and their guitar. Everything an acoustic singer needs comes packed in a single unit. Among many features, you can find a harmonizer, which works great.
Of course, the pedal’s control board is divided into two sections, one for vocal and the other for guitar. When it comes to vocal processing, users may count on a variety of a high-quality preamp and a variety of effects, such as various electronic sounds, reverb, distortion etc. Furthermore, there is a pitch correction, phantom power for mics and many more.
The guitar department comes with various Boss effects, such as Octave, Mod Delay, Chorus etc. Also, there is filter control, so you can deal with potential feedback issues easily. Also, there is a built-in 80-second looper, while the USB out lets you record directly into a computer. The pedal comes with lots of inputs and outs, including balanced XLR units, so you can go directly to PA. You can run Boss VE-8 on four AA batteries, or use a power supply that’s included in the price.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
The answer is clear in this case – this pedal is ideal for acoustic singers, as they can shape the sound of their voice and instrument with a single unit and also enjoy beautiful harmonies. Considering the number of features, we would say that the price is pretty attractive, so the VE-8 can be a great choice for both professionals and amateurs.
ZOOM V6-SP Vocal Processor
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The ZOOM V6-SP is another vocal processor that comes with lots of features and effects. The thing we like most about it is its exterior design. It brings quite an intuitive layout that makes the pedal super-easy to easy. Another feature that helps this processor stand out is the expression pedal, which allows you to change the character of your sound in real-time.
The pedal is divided in three sections and each comes with a dedicated switch and several additional controls. On the left side, there is a bunch of voices you can engage. The middle section is reserved for harmony and there, you can choose between five different types – Higher, High, Fixed, Low, and Lower. Also, there is a knob that lets you select the key you want. Finally, the section on the right is reserved for more traditional effects, such as reverb, delay, distortion, chorus etc.
The unit is packed with tons of effects, as well as 40 factory presets. Additionally, there are 100 slots where you can store your own programmed sounds. Furthermore, the pedal features an impressive 3:30-minute looper, as well as a USB audio interface with 16/24/32-bit, 44.1 kHz audio resolution. Switchable phantom power is also included, so you can use any mic you want. Another thing to like about this processor is the fact that you can run it on batteries, an AC power supply and a DC 5V USB.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
This processor is strong in all fields. It is loaded with effects, easy to use and very flexible in terms of connectivity and power supply features. We think it is one of the most versatile units of this kind on the market and therefore, it could be used by a broad range of vocalists and musicians.
Our Number One Choice
The Boss VE-500 offers excellent harmonizer effects, both in terms of sound quality and different types. However, this is much more than a single-effect unit. It is a complete package that offers everything a vocalist could ever ask for. There are tons of effects in the offer and you can use up to 9 of them simultaneously. Of course, there is also the company’s legendary reputation for building bullet-proof housings and unmatchable reliability.
Buy On AmazonOur Premium Choice
The Roland VT-4 may not be the most versatile unit around but if you know what you are looking for, this may be a fantastic tool for you. It features excellent build quality and a pretty simplistic and compact design. At the same time, it packs a decent number of effects, including an excellent harmonizer. Moreover, all effects sound impressive, which is no wonder if we consider the 24-bit/192kHz effects quality.
Buy On AmazonBest Value For Money
The ZOOM V6-SP Vocal Processor is the best value for money in our humble opinion. Simply, it does everything right. It is easy to use and offers smooth operation, no matter if you plan to use it in live performances, studio, or something else. The sound quality is great, and the number of effects and presets is impressive.
Buy On AmazonThat concludes this full buyers guide on the best vocal delay pedals. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions regarding the products you have seen in this article. Check out our other buyer guides such as the best vocal delay pedals.
Here at Guitar Effects Pedalz we also provide full reviews of the best online guitar services so you can learn guitar online with our Guitar Tricks Review.
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API