Gearank

Gearank High Notes

• 2022.03: Equal Highest Rated Multi-Effect On Stage Vocal Processor
• 2021.10: Equal Highest Rated Multi-Effect On Stage Vocal Processor
• 2020.11: Equal Highest Rated Multi-Effect On Stage Vocal Processor
• 2019.11: Highest Rated Multi-Effect On Stage Vocal Processor

Gearank Recommended

The Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer showcases what the company is all about. It packs as much sound quality and features inside a compact, robust metal enclosure. This unit follows Boss' dual-pedal multi-effect profile, as seen on their guitar effects; only this one is meant for vocalists.

Basic delay and reverb effects are included to add subtle ambiance to your voice. But it can also go all out with pitch-correction and auto-tune effects used by artists like Black-Eyed Peas and Will.i.am. I don't use those effects styles, but the Boss Auto-Tune (pitch-correction) feature does the job nicely. It works as it should to my ears.

Harmony Factory is a harmonizer that matches keys and scales. Selecting the intervals you want without playing a keyboard for reference makes the harmony features reasonably easy to use. This makes the VE-20 a good vocal harmonizer pedal.

However, I do find the looper's 38 seconds very limiting. You'll need a separate looper for complex routines. I do a lot of looping, which is an issue for me.

Boss added other effects, including chorus, distortion, robot, strobe, and more. Being a Boss vocal pedal, it is built like a tank.

If you're mainly looking for vocal effects and don't do much looping like I do, then you'll be pleased with the VE-20.

Tech Specs

• Harmony: Key/Scale Based Harmonies (Not Smart Guitar Based)
• Harmony Voices: Up to 2
• Pitch Correction: Auto Chromatic, Hard Tune
• Looper: 38-Second, Single Track
• Effects: Dynamics, Doubling, Reverb, Delay, Distortion, Radio, Strobe, Chorus, Flanger, Robot
• Phantom Power: 48V
• Inputs: 1 x TRS/XLR Combo
• Outputs: 1 x TRS/XLR Combo (Line), 1 x Mono
• USB Port: None
• Power: DC Power Supply or 6 x AA Batteries