Vocal effect options?

[Chicory Blue]

The quest for the perfect busking looper setup continues!

At present, I've got a B1on multieffect handling all my basic effect needs going into a Boss RC-30 looper. Preloaded some of the phrases with my personal drum tracks. Instrumentally, I'm set.

Here's today's challenge- I've got a microphone going into the looper, for beatbox rhythms and occasionally actually singing, but I'm not a remarkable vocalist and against my wobbly, zappy, spacy bass effect patches, simple vocal amplification feels kind of awkwardly naked. I'd like to at least have a little reverb behind me, if nothing else, but if I wouldn't mind sounding like a killer robot from the future either. If I could.

So, what are my options here? I tried using a mic-to-1/4" adaptor and switchbox to run my mic through the bass multieffects and discovered pretty quickly that that's not how life works- it totally kills the mic volume. I understand there are dedicated voice pedals but I'd need something with a small footprint and good battery life (as my current "big" busking setup relies on 16 rechargeable AAs), and I'd rather not add an extra $300 of liability to my street rig.

So, I put it to you creative cats here on the Effects subforum- how would you solve this puzzle in the simplest fashion? Do I look for a modest dedicated vocal pedal, should I direct my sights toward something that would allow my mic to partake in my current multieffects options, or is there some other inventive workaround I've not yet noticed?

All suggestions welcome. Thank you!

--^@

 

[Alien8]

Did you try one of these yet?

Invalid Link Removed

If it's noise free, all you need is an a/b switch.

 

[charlie monroe]

$20

 

[Chicory Blue]

Did you try one of these yet?

Invalid Link Removed

If it's noise free, all you need is an a/b switch.

Not one of those specifically, but something very similar in shape (XLR in, 1/4 out) which utterly murders the volume. Is this one different? The product page says it boosts the signal to line level but I lack the savvy to know if that means what I want it to mean.

If so, though, then that's definitely an elegantly streamlined solution!

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$20

The fact that I don't already use one of these is an injustice toward everything I stand for as a musician.

--^@

 

[Alien8]

Not one of those specifically, but something very similar in shape (XLR in, 1/4 out) which utterly murders the volume. Is this one different? The product page says it boosts the signal to line level but I lack the savvy to know if that means what I want it to mean.

If so, though, then that's definitely an elegantly streamlined solution!



The fact that I don't already use one of these is an injustice toward everything I stand for as a musician.

--^@

Line level is close to instrument level... A pedal like a Boss LS-2 might get you the rest of the way, offering boost and input selection. It's about a $100 experiment if you find a LS-2 used... Or hit up a store with a no hassle return policy.

 

[Pacodelivery]

What are you sending the vocals to? With what sort of cable & connections? 1/4"? XLR?

 

[FullTime Tim]

You could try this: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
It seems to be made for what you are looking to do

 

[BtaylorTheRogue]

Tc helicon mic mechanic or duplicator or the other one. Runs on 9v battery or plug, compresses, deesses, shapes slightly, plus has toggleable effects and pitch correction.

 

[Feral Feline]

Check out harp player's setups, as increasing numbers of them are mic'ing their harmonicas through lots of effects.
There's some dang cool "Harp" boards I've seen!

Radial's [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] is another (not so cheap) solution.

Viva Analog had the "Harp∅", but I don't see it offered on the website anymore.

That Hosa MIT 176 XLR to 1/4" adapter is for line level, not instrument level, so I doubt that'll help the situation unless you're using rack gear &/or going into an amp's FX loop — not pedals.