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Joined: Dec 2011
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You guys have really got me looking into Helicon's processors. They look like a lot of fun and could really open up some new avenues for me to get into vocals. While I'm not interested in looping, harmonies and correction do interest me. I read their manuals, watched all their vids; but do have a few questions....
1. Playing keys with BIAB backing, I like the idea of rack mount and not having to step on switches. However, it looks like only the VoiceLive Touch, VoiceLive 2, VoiceLive Extreme and the VoiceLive Rack (which I can't afford) are the only ones that can be updated with Helicon's newer updates and presets. It appears that VoiceWorks and VoiceWorks Plus cannot be updated. Is this right?
2. They seem to be pushing the VoiceLive units over the others based on press releases, vids, etc. Does that mean that these are the newer units in their product line?
3. Based on their forums and others, it appears that the learning curve is lower for the VoiceLive units than the VoiceWorks units. What are your thoughts on that?
3. They talk about new Gen 4 algorithms...are VoiceLive units the only products with the newer technology?
4. It also looks like the VoiceLive are the only ones that have an auxillary input where you could input an MP3 player. Is that right?
5. In the end, it appears that VoiceWorks is more for studio work and the VoiceLive units are more for live vocals but both do the same thing. Other than looping, am I missing something here?
6. It appears that the VoiceWorks units have a much lower price point, I can't help but think I must be missing something somewhere on the VoiceLive units.
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
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So many questions, so much to explain, so much to understand. So little time. Don't rush you purchase. Start here http://www.tc-helicon.com/product-comparison/
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Appreciate that Jazzmandan, I've spent several hours on their site. While interesting and informative, it does raise some questions as I noted above. I see from your post here and from the VoiceCouncil forum that you have the VoiceLive Touch. Can you give me some of your impressions of that and perhaps your thoughts over it versus the VoiceLive 2. Thanks.
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
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Let me preface this - I first and foremost, stand guilty of NOT typically doing what I'm about to suggest to you (but...I'm about to start doing it - I sometimes give others advice into pressuring me into following my own advice).
Firstly - I love that you're asking these questions; I am also looking for answers to these exact same questions, and would love to get the answers right here. I will also start researching these answers.
Secondly, I would recommend that you (or me, even) call Helicon, and get their direct, pointed answers to each of these. The beauty of quality customer support (i.e. a human being with blood flowing through veins that clearly understands the questions when posed in a 'native language' supported by that company) is:
- you don't have to spend hours to days reading through manuals to find a clear pertinent answer to your very reasonable questions; even with 'search', some of these questions involve product comparisons and support issues that are not clearly stated in any manual or website support forum
Lastly - even though Helicon will give you answers, they are somewhat biased toward their products and company goals. You will get a far truer perspective here, from people that have spent their hard-earned money hoping that the product will live up to its promises.
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I fell in love with the VoiceLive 2 about a year ago but the price was too high for me. So I purchased the H1 single stompbox which does some really neat harmony.
But now that I am revisiting this a year later...I really want that VoiceLive Touch! WoW! It has a bunch of cool vocal effects built in plus looping, easy mount right on a mic stand and costs under $400! It just went to the top of my music purchase list!
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I also love songs with vocal harmonies - all my favorite bands have great harmonies - Queen, Bee Gees, Beach Boys, Franky Valley and the 4 seasons, Abba, Simon and Garfunkle,,, and I can NEVER find even 1 or 2 people that have common music interests. So one of my big goals is just to do these covers as close to the originals as possible. And my ticket was going to be the VoiceLive. Initially, I was ignorantly looking only for "VoiceWorks" samples, because that's what I have. Finally, jazzmandan helped me come to the revelation that any VoiceLive product demo on youtube is also somewhat similar if not identical to what the voiceworks can do. The first hit on my google search gave this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJFzkNZp32kwhich is a song with harmonies that I think sounded good to my ear, and made my voiceworks worth the price. What I most wanted to say is that I got my Voiceworks (not Plus) on Ebay for around or under 250, which I thought was a great deal. I always buy last or previous generation best of breed items on craigslist, looking to pay about half price or a little more than origninal retail - and I'm always quite happy with what I get. Have not really gotten a 'lemon' yet, but I do carefully read postings and ask the seller quesitons.
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This is some good advice Joe V. I've been reading their manuals and watching all the vids on TC's site even for products that I am not interested in..just to gain some insight. Like you, I'm very taken by many of the same vocal groups that you mentioned...Eagles...7 part harmony..wow! The vocal side of this hobby (at least for me) has always been something I wanted to try following retirement. Well, now that time is here and, like you, I'm diving in.
As I'm sure you've seen, there is great expertise and deep learning here on this forum. While this does not make up for due diligence on our parts for the determination of product suitability to our needs, I've found the help and advice of the group here invaluable in making these purchasing decisions as well as getting out from under the bus when it rolls your way.
Exploring a new technology that can expand the results of the current is always approached by me, at least, with individual learning as well as seeking the concensus of experts. This gives me the confidence to proceed in new directions. Hopefully, others here with experience in TC's processors will step forward and share their personal thoughts in regards to their thought processes when they first ventured in this dirction.
Jeff
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
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Jeff,
Ssorry I have been a little quite at your time of need. Just that my writtings and opinoin are well known (well at least to me). I also spend a fair amount of time in the VoiceCouncil forum. So you can find me hanging ut their. So everyone here knows I am TC Helicon Voicelive touches (VLT) biggest fan!
Problem is I am currently a victim of the dreaded Flu. And am having trouble keeping my head up. I would love to give you a call via phone to really give you my opinoin on this device at some future point, but for now it is off to bed....
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
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I don't like to talk people into buying what I like, because experience has taught me that if the other person buys on my recommendation, then hates what he bought... I'm the reason for his unhappiness.
What I *AM* willing to do is help people who have bought a voiceworks learn how to use it.
I can't compare the voiceworks to the newer models since I have no experience with any model besides the one I own. However, I can say that MY reason for accumulating MIDI-controllable devices is specifically so I DON'T have to stomp on pedals... and the voiceworks is perfectly suited to that goal.
If you LIKE stomping, it's worth mentioning that a 3 way footswitch is available for the voiceworks that can be configured from a menu to control 3 different functions
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Hi jazzmandan,
So sorry you are having to deal with this nasty flu stuff. Had just sent you a message before learning about this. Give me a heads up when you are feeling better. Would like to do some more work with you.
Take care and feel better soon!!
Val
P.S. Having issues with my TC Helicon, have a request in to Tech Support.
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Quote:
Jeff,
Ssorry I have been a little quite at your time of need. Just that my writtings and opinoin are well known (well at least to me). I also spend a fair amount of time in the VoiceCouncil forum. So you can find me hanging ut their. So everyone here knows I am TC Helicon Voicelive touches (VLT) biggest fan!
Problem is I am currently a victim of the dreaded Flu. And am having trouble keeping my head up. I would love to give you a call via phone to really give you my opinoin on this device at some future point, but for now it is off to bed....
Hey jazzmandan, when ya feel better I'd like to hear more about the VoiceLive Touch. Just discovered it and cannot see why I should not buy one ASAP!!!
one immediate question...is this mainly for live performances or can you use it for recording?
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Appreciate the response there JazzManDan...really sorry to hear about that flu...seems like the whole country is coming down with it. When you do get back to feeling better, I would like to have a discussion with you and others regarding this impressive technology and to see how best to integrate it with my existing BIAB / RT system.
Take care of yourself,
Jeff
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
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Yes jazzmandan - I want to fully utilize my voiceworks (thanks for your offer Pat), and I don't want to miss the conversation you offered to Mountainside !!! Please include me in some way, shape or form : ) Maybe you can use Speech to Text to record your answers (in case you're not a good typist, that is), and make sure to post that info here also.
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