The 10 Best Vocal Processors of 2023

Singing is fun, right? But you know what makes it even more fun? Using the best vocal processor you’re able to get, and unlocking lots of potential that was out of reach before. A vocal processor will allow you to change your voice in different ways or add harmonies or make it sound that you’re not just one, lone singer, but a team of great musicians.

We know that there might be a few questions you want answered, like what a vocal processor is, which vocal processors that are good for live performances and recordings and how to hook it up once you’ve bought one. We will answer all of these questions in our buyer’s guide so that you can be confident when you buy your vocal processor and feel like a real pro that knows what they want.

We have found ten great vocal processors that we think you should take a closer look at, and we recommend that you watch the video demos we’ve linked to as well so that you can hear for yourself what these little machines are capable of. After all, the sound is the most important thing!

When you read through the reviews and watch the videos, make sure that you write down the ones that you are considering, because it can be hard to remember which the different ones are and if you don’t remember you might have to read everything through twice. You can also write your own pros and cons for the different vocal processors, which will really help you to compare them to each other.

Are you ready to find your new vocal processor? Great, let’s get started! We are positive that you’ll be able to find one that suits your needs and takes your music to the next level! And just a reminder, don’t forget to watch the video demos!

At a glance: Our top 3 picks

Our team's top 3 recommendations
Best Overall

Roland VT-4 Vocal Transformer

  • Simple to set up and use
  • A range of effects
  • Can plug in your MIDI keyboard

Click here for price

Premium Quality

BOSS VE-20 Vocal Performer Effects Processor

  • Simple to set up and use
  • A range of effects
  • Can plug in your MIDI keyboard

Click here for price

Great value

TC-Helicon Vocal Effects Processor

  • Simple to set up and use
  • A range of effects
  • Can plug in your MIDI keyboard

Click here for price


Here is Our Review of the Best Vocal Effects Processors of 2023:

1. Roland VT-4 Vocal Transformer

Roland AIRA Series VT-3

This is one of the most easy-to-use voice processors on the market! In fact, the Roland VT-4 Vocal Transformer features a super simple set-up that’s beginner-friendly. So whether you’re a DJ, soloist, or in a band, this transformer will be an asset to your music journey.

Quality

The VT-4 has a range of simple controls and USB capabilities, meaning you can use it without getting confused. This makes it a great choice for beginners. You also don’t get the glitches, dropouts, and jarring that sometimes come with other models.

Change presets and controls with ease. Plug in your MIDI keyboard for even more control, and alter harmony and auto-pitch. Not to mention, the compact size is lightweight for all your traveling needs.

Sound Quality

The Roland VT-4 gives you plenty of vocal power with its range of features. You get completely smooth control over pitch and formant. It comes with a wide range of retro and modern effects for all your needs, and you can use multiple effects simultaneously.

The processor can alter your voice for many different things, including game streaming, podcasts, YouTube, and even more.

The processor can alter your voice for many different things, including game streaming, podcasts, YouTube, and even more.

Demo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjvyXDHn7qg

Pros:
+ Simple to set up and use
+ A range of effects
+ Can plug in your MIDI keyboard

Why We Liked It - The stand-out feature of this processor is its easy setup. Say goodbye to complicated menus and a million different controls. The Roland VT-4 Vocal Transformer will let you get right into the action.

Cons:
- Not as durable as other processors

Harmonziation - If you're just looking for harmonization, it may be worth searching for a harmonizer instead of a vocal processor. Vocal processors often have harmonization, though they're preloaded with a bunch of other effects to experiment with. Also consider whether or not you'd like to use your vocal processor with or without a guitar.

Kate Brunotts

Kate Brunotts FOR MUSIC CRITIC

2. BOSS VE-20 Vocal Performer Effects Processor

Boss VE-8 Acoustic Singer

Combat any singing situation with the Boss VE-20. This handy little processor is here to help you with all your singing needs, whether you’re practicing in the studio or performing live at a gig.

Quality

As this vocal processor is a Boss, you can expect it to deliver good quality – and that’s exactly what it does. Designed especially for singers, this model is durable enough that you can take it to any gig. Did we mention it’s battery-powered? Get creative without the need for a power cord.

Sound Quality

The  Boss VE-20 comes with a plethora of vocal-effects for all your singing needs, featuring some of the finest technology on the market. Add harmonies and layers to your performance with ease; add real-time pitch correction, and play about with Strobe, Distortion, and Radio.

The  Boss VE-20 also comes with a real-time Phrase Looper. Create loops in real-time and watch your creativity come alive.

Demo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WukdNUJeH1o

Pros:
+ Battery-powered - perfect portability
+ Features lots of effects
+ Onboard Phase Looper

Why We Liked It - The onboard Phrase Looper is very simple to use. You can get amazing sound quality and effects on the go, wherever you’re performing.

Cons:
- Instructions aren’t very helpful!

3. TC-Helicon Vocal Effects Processor

TC Helicon VoiceTone Harmony-G XT 

Stay in control with a vocal processor that’s designed to meet all your needs for every performance. The TC-Helicon offers control for music, chat, and mic, helping you find your perfect mix, no matter what.

Quality

This model boasts industry-defining software and hardware, so it’s no surprise that it’s packed full of great features.

It also comes with RGB lighting, which you can change to match your brand, game, or gaming rig. The controls are simple and easy to use, even if you’re a complete beginner. Connect headphones, line inputs, a console, and your mic with ease.

Sound Quality

The model comes with a sampler, which means you can either record on the go or download your own audio files to create that perfect performance. With lots of Voice FX features, you can add reverb, megaphone, echo, pitch shift, and robot. Get creative with real-time audio-mixing and volume control.

Demo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtWWP8iGiNQ

Pros:
+ RBG lighting
+ Industry defining hardware
+ Lots of features

Why We Liked It - We love the addition of RBG lighting. Light up your keys in style as you let the creative juices flow.

Cons:
- The device takes a while to set up

Looping Capability - Vocal processors with built in loop pedals can add a whole other layer of flexibility. In addition, this can make it easy for you to start out or complete tracks with just hardware equipment. The loop pedal embedded feature turns your vocal processor into not just an effect hub, but also a recording station in some regards.

Kate Brunotts

Kate Brunotts FOR MUSIC CRITIC

4. TC Helicon Voice Live Play

TC Helicon Voice Live Play

If you’re a beginner looking to get a vocal processor that is extremely easy to use, you might want to buy TCHelicon VoiceLive Play.

Quality

Even though we really like this TCHelicon VoiceLive Play vocal processor, the quality seems to be quite low, at least if you’re unlucky. We’ve heard of people that are disappointed that it broke after a year or so, or that the buttons don’t work properly. But of course, this isn’t the case with every single one, it’s just something that is good to be aware of if you’re going to use it a lot or even professionally, then you might want to get another one. But if you’re just buying it to have fun with, we don’t think this is something that should stop you from getting it!

We don’t really like the blue color which, in our opinion, looks cheap, but we’re sure some people would beg to differ!

Sound Quality

What makes this TCHelicon VoiceLive Play vocal processor unique is the over 200 presets that are inspired from famous songs and artists, which is a great feature, especially if you play covers and want to sound like the original. But it’s also very useful if there’s a particular sound you have in mind that you’ve heard in a song, but you’re not quite sure how to get the right setting for it.

Another great feature is that you can plug in your MP3-player and sing along, and the TCHelicon VoiceLive Play vocal processor will cancel the singing in the song so that you don’t have to sing a duet with the artist.

Demo

Still not sure if this is the vocal processor for you? Or do you like it so much that you’re eager to learn even more about it? Watch this demo!

TC Helicon VoiceLive Play Acoustic - Review and Demo

Pros:
+ Over 200 preset sounds from famous songs and artists
+ Great for beginners
+ Sing along with your MP3 player

Why We Liked It - With over 200 songs and artist inspired presets you can be sure to find sounds that you like!

Cons:
- Quality could be higher

5. Tascam TA1VP Vocal Producer

Tascam TA1VP Vocal Producer 

If you found this article in the search for a device that can provide you with great autotune, then you’ve finally found it! Tascam TA1VP Vocal Producer is the vocal processor for you!

Quality

This is probably the vocal processor that feels the most luxurious out of all the ones on this list, and we’re pretty sure that there is nothing wrong with the quality.

Sound Quality

This vocal processor is kind of a one-trick pony. It’s great for autotune, and you can select whether you want autotune for all the notes, or a particular note, maybe that high note that you always struggle with. You can also choose which scale you’re singing in, which will make it easier for it to know which note you’re aiming for.

Demo:

It was kind of difficult to find a good demo for this vocal processor, but we managed to find one that shows what you can do with it. Warning: The song is really long, you don’t have to watch the whole thing but it’s good to get an idea of what you can use it for.

Antares AVP-1 Demonstration

Pros:
+ Autotune
+ Select specific notes or scales
+ High-quality

Why We Liked It - We’ve only managed to find four and five-star reviews for it, which normally means that it’s great. It looks really professional as well.

Cons:
- Expensive

6. Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer

Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer

Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer is a great option for musicians who not only sing but plays musical instruments as well. It’s a vocal effect processor pedal that’s easy to use and suits all beginners and amateur musicians.

Quality

This foot pedal is high-quality and is sturdy and well-built. The two big effects processor pedals make it user-friendly and you won’t have to worry about missing the vocal effect processor pedal with your foot. We really like the red color, it looks really cool.

Sound Quality

This vocal processor features harmonies, double-tracking and pitch correction. There is a lot of things you can use it for, and it’s very versatile. Reverb? No problem? Loop station? It’s got it!

Demo

Here is a good demo if you want to hear the different effects this vocal processor features, including preset sounds. If you didn’t feel like you needed this foot pedal before, you’re going to feel it when you’ve watched this!

Boss VE-20 Vocal Processor Review and Demonstration

Pros:
+ Very versatile
+ Easy to use
+ Looks great

Why We Liked It - This is the perfect vocal effects processor for the musician who finds himself reading through these reviews thinking ‘How on earth am I ever going to make a decision?’. This vocal effect processor pedal works well for everything and works for most musicians!

Cons:
...We can’t even think of any cons!

7. TC Electronics Singles VoiceTone E1

TC Electronics Singles VoiceTone E1 

Some singers might look through the reviews on our list with a sigh. If you are a good singer and don’t feel like you have any use for special effects, is there still a vocal processor for you? Yes, there is!

Quality
This is a sturdy little foot pedal that seems to be of high-quality. It looks cool and is easy to use since it doesn’t have too many weird effects you won’t use anyway.

Sound

This is another one trick pony that basically only does different kinds of echoes and lets you change your tone and make it dry or wet. It’s good to have if you’re performing in a place with poor acoustics and you want it to sound as if you’re singing in a church (just an example, but you know what we mean!)

Demo

Here is a demo that will teach you more about this vocal effect processor pedal! Check it out!

Boss VE-20 Vocal Processor Review and Demonstration

Pros:
+ Affordable
+ Echo
+ Easy to use

Why We Liked It - TC Electronic Singles VoiceTone E1 lets you add an echo effect to your singing, which makes it possible for you to just add more depth to your sound.

Cons:
- Not very versatile

8. TC Helicon Harmony Singer 2

TC Helicon Harmony Singer 2

Do you sing and play the guitar? In that case, you are going to love TC Helicon Harmony Singer 2!

Quality

It seems like there have been quite a few defective ones, and some reviews we’ve read have stated that they had to buy new ones after a year or so. But what strikes us about that is that those people actually have chosen to buy a new one. Another thing that is good to know is that they offer a 3-year warranty, so if something is wrong with it that isn’t your fault, you’ll probably be able to get a new one for free. So no need to worry really, if you want to give it a go, do so, you don’t really have anything to lose!

Sound

So what is this thing good for? This vocal effects stompbox will tune in to your guitar chords and when you sing it will add harmonies that match the chords. It can add one voice, or two voices if you want a really full sound. You can also choose to add some reverb, choose from three different styles.

Demo

If you want to hear what this vocal effect processor pedal can do for your music, head over to YouTube and watch this video! They demonstrate it really well, and the singer is awesome, so it’s really entertaining!

Harmony Singer 2 | Your Performance in Perfect Harmony!

Pros:
+ 3-year warranty
+ Use with your guitar
+ Stompbox

Why We Liked It - It’s an effect pedal that will let your singing and playing guitar come together in a harmonious marriage of melody!

Cons:
- Poor quality

9. BOSS VE-5

BOSS VE-5

Second to last is BOSS VE-5, which is an amazing gadget for vocalists that want a vocal processing device that they can easily have with them on stage. You can attach it to the mic stand, which makes it really easy to use without distracting the audience too much.

Quality

We haven’t managed to find any bad reviews regarding the quality of this vocal processing device, so chances are that it’s extremely high-quality!

Sound

This vocal processor offers lots of opportunities to change your tone, you can add reverb, delay, harmony, dynamics, pitch correction and it has a loop station. Radio voice, robot voice and a scary, distorted hard rock voice is totally possible, and if you like fun effects, you’re going to love it! It does, however, make your voice sound a bit unnatural, so it’s probably best for genres like pop, rock, disco and similar styles and less appropriate for jazz and musicals.

Demo

Here is a great video that demonstrates pretty much everything you can do with the vocal processor!

VE-5 Vocal Performer Overview

Pros:
+ Many different ways to alter your tone
+ Looping
+ Attaches to your microphone stand

Why We Liked It - It’s really nice that you’re able to attach it to the mic stand. It’s easy to use and you can just get started right from the moment you open the box.

Cons:
- Makes your voice sound a bit unnatural

10. TC-Helicon VoiceSolo FX150

TC-Helicon VoiceSolo FX150

If you have no idea why anybody would want their voice to sound like a robot, or don’t get why you would want automatic harmonies added to your singing when you can just have a friend sing them, then this might be the vocal processor for you.
Quality

The quality seems to be decent, in the sense that it doesn’t seem to break down very easily, but there is one thing we’ve noticed in several reviews, and it is that the volume is unusually low, which can be devastating if you’re playing in a band and are trying to make yourself heard over electric guitars and drums. But if you are singing with acoustic guitars that aren’t that loud, it should work, or even if you’re two backup singers singing acapella.

A good thing about it is that you can attach it to your mic stand, which is very convenient.

Sound

As we mentioned previously, this vocal processor doesn’t offer any fun guitar effects, but it simply includes an equalizer and reverb plus volume control. It’s basically a mixer that you as a singer can control easily yourself.

Demo

Check out this unboxing and demo video, which really shows you both how to use the mixer and lets you hear what it’s good for!

TC-Helicon VoiceSolo FX150 - Unboxing, Audio Demo - Stage Monitor Speaker with Vocal Effects

Pros:
+ Easy to use
+ Equalizer and reverb

Cons:
- Very simple, no fun effects

Why We Liked It - It covers the basics and works for any genre.

Cons:
- Very simple, no fun effects

It's worth considering whether you plan on using your vocal processor for live performance vs. production. If you plan on using your vocal processor live, you'll want the controls to be as seamless and as clear as possible so that you can easily switch from one setting to the next. It's also worth investing in a processor that has storage for you to save your own presets.

Kate Brunotts

Kate Brunotts FOR MUSIC CRITIC

Vocal Processor Buyers Guide

That concludes the ten greatest vocal effects processors we managed to find, and we really hope that you found one among them that stands out a little extra to you. After all, they all have different things to offer and are quite unique, which will probably make it easier for you to choose, that is if you know what you’re looking for. But if you don’t, read our Buyer’s Guide, where we’ll tell you what to look for when you’re buying a vocal processor, and answer other frequently asked questions about vocal processors.

Having the right vocal effects processor can really enhance your music and let your creativity flow freely, so even if it feels like a big project to choose and you just want to pick one and hope that it’s good, we recommend you to spend some time to make your decision, it will be worth it!

We truly hope that you’ve found this article useful and that what you’ve learned will help you to create awesome music, in the studio as well as on stage!

What to Look for When Buying A Vocal Processor?

There are a few different things you need to consider when you buy a vocal processor. First, you need to know what you’re going to use it for. Different vocal effects processors are good for live performances or studio recordings. If you are going to sing live it might be good to get a vocal processor that you can either attach to your microphone stand or one that is a stomp box, depending on how often you’re going to need to change the settings.

Another thing you need to consider is, of course, the price, how much are you willing to spend? We would recommend that you spend as much as you can afford since you, in this case, get what you pay for. Remember that it often isn’t cheaper to buy the super affordable option, as it might break after a while and you end up buying a bunch of the cheap ones when you could have just bought an expensive and good one from the start.

girl singing into micYou also need to know what voice or guitar effects you want it to be able to do. Some vocal processors can add harmonies, and some even listen to your guitar or keyboard to add the right notes that match the chords that you play. Most vocal processors will have reverb, delay and many have built-in equalizers. Then there are the fun guitar effects, like radio voice, robot voice and stuff like that. Some vocal processors will also feature looping, which is really fun and useful, especially for live performances.

When you choose which vocal processor you want, make sure that you check out the videos we’ve linked to, so that you can listen to it. Don’t just look at the specs and compare that, remember that the sound is the most important thing.

What is a Vocal Processor?

A vocal processor is what it sounds like, a little device that processes your voice in different ways. It’s like an effect pedal for a guitar, and there are many different types of sounds it can do that you could never make your voice do by itself.

Best Live Vocal Processor?

If we have to pick one we would say BOSS VE-5. It’s great for live performances because you can attach it to your microphone stand and it has lots of different effects. It’s everything you need!

Best Vocal Effects Processor for Recording?

Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer is a very versatile foot pedal that is great for recordings, but pretty much any vocal processor from our list works well for that purpose.

How to Hook Up A Vocal Processor?

All the vocal processors we’ve looked at today are slightly different, and we would recommend that you read the manual or watch videos on YouTube on how to hook it up.

Expert Tip:

Make sure that you use a good microphone too, a vocal processor doesn’t compensate for a bad microphone.

Did You Know?

Vocal processors aren’t just for professional musicians, amateurs can have great fun with them as well! Read more about vocal processors in this study.

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