TC-Helicon VoiceLive 3

Super harmonizer
Super multi guitar effects
Super Looper (I sold my RC30 and rc2)

Good connections (photo media in the voicelive3): I plug
in input mix my fx axis 2, my guitar and my synth multtipad SPD30 to record loops
My guitar via the GR55
A micro tc very well who does not take the sound from the speakers
An expression pedal that I was affected by patches voice, guitar (effects, wah, pan, volume ...)
A configurable switch pedal 3

UTILIZATION

General configuration simple and powerful.
Pretty simple editing except for the guitar part (interaction between amps and distortion ...) the easiest way is to use the software editor VoiceLive 3.
Manuel clear but not detailed enough, not including the latest enhancements.

SOUND QUALITY

Harmonizer sublime (the LV2 was well)
Super multi effects guitar (sounds sympaths amps but no phaser, medium distos simulations quite sure worse than the fx axis 2)
Looper great from the shift in May 2014

Another highlight for the axis as Fractal fx 2, the support and Update: Craig tc helicon responds quickly to questions and requests for improvements from users who have suddenly full of good ideas (but n have a developer for make these changes ... each generation of VoiceLive lasts about 4 years, I am optimistic for these improvements because Craig is listening to the see on facebook and YouTube)

OVERALL OPINION

I already had the Korg IH, a digitech vocalise, then at tc helicon VoicePrism the voiceprisme addition, VoiceLive 1 VoiceLive 2, VoiceLive Touch 2 that I sold to buy the VoiceLive 3 the day it Pigalles arrival late January 2014.

This is the heart of my config.

I love everything and would like some improvements:
. Synchro noon
. Steering Looper from the switch 3 or 6,
. increase from 10 to 100 loop stored in the limits of 45 minutes of memory for storing 3 loop variation battery by song
. Play memory card (loops)
that will surely staying patient.

This is in fact a three machines, each having its own processor:
- 1 multi-effects voice, harmony, doubling, delay, reverb, HardTune, transducer, synth, modulation, choir, stutter.
- 1 multi-effects guitar, both electric and acoustic (Amp
- 1 looper 45mn on 3 tracks, unlimited overdubs

No missing parameter on each effect, eg true compressor (5 settings), 3-band parametric EQ pre-gain parametric eq + 3 post-gain bands. Each effect is fully editable on the pedal, on the other hand there is not (yet) software publisher and it lacks a bit but I think it is in the pipeline and soon. VoiceSupport free software manages the positioning of presets in banks, but does not allow access to their content. It also allows updates and download new presets on internet

Connections:
- Guitar input jack 6.35
- 1 microphone XLR / jack combo (the machine generates 48v for static)
- 1 XLR monitor console for the return of other musicians along with his own headphone adjustment, all mixed in the pedal ...
- 1 Aux input jack for CD 3.5, Iphone, etc. (the harmonies can be controlled by guitar chords as well as any other incoming source, synths, CD, surround sound, etc.).
- 1 XLR L (mono) for voice + harmony
- 1 XLR R for guitar or voice + harmonies in stereo (so no need for DI guitar)
- 1 6.35 jack for optional pedal (remember that all switches pedal and the pedal are configurable and assignable at will)
- 1 6.35 jack for an expression pedal
- 2 USB ports for computer connection and updates
- 2 outputs 6.35 for the guitar amp to a mono or stereo
- 1 XLR Thru monitor to replenish another monitor with the same console back.
- 1 headphone jack 3.5, which can power ear monitors with all returns musicians mixed with his own voice / guitar back.
- 1 + 1 midi in midi out

UTILIZATION

It turns out that I am a musician (guitarist / vocalist) and also sound engineer, so that I know exactly what I want and how to get it. And for that, the machine is perfect, since everything is editable and you can do anything. But for a novice sound is always a bit of a gas plant if you want to go into the presets, although we can all made to use only the factory presets that are very well made, many (250 + plants 250 users) and categorized by genre and favorites, which greatly facilitates their access.

The manual is not badly done, although it does not always go into details, but it would amount to learn the craft of sound engineer, so there are things nested in this area.

Parameter editing is done easily with the large toothed wheel and the other 4 buttons notched too. As against the greenhouse effect in the passageway is preset with two arrows which touch the finger must be placed precisely, which is sometimes a little irritating.

SOUND QUALITY

There are in this pedal almost all the effects TC-Electronic, not just their imitation. The reverbs are many wonderful, very precise delays (there is even the famous TC 2290!), Etc. Everything is really good and totally editable and configurable to his own taste.

I used to voice a Neumann KMS 105, which loses none of its accuracy through the pedals. Plus: when the effects are mute, everything is cut except the voice which can adjust the level to talk to the public while they silently gives his guitar and we sailed in presets. Very, very helpful, without soundman.

I only use acoustic guitars (3-4 stage) that I go through a line-mixer for summing in the single guitar input (a folk DB dreadnaught (Fishman), a folk jumbo DB (Fishman), a Flamenco Alhambra ((Fishman Prefix ProBlend), a classic Alhambra (Fishman).) Each of these guitars is between 2,000 and 4,000 euros and it would have been silly to rot with a pedal sound for which I spent so much money. This is the first time I find a multi-effect Acoustic guitar that not only respects the sound, but also embellishes (especially since I'm really demanding it).

A major interest for me and not the least is to pass me Mixer for my solo concerts in small room as I go directly to the pedal back in HK speakers. The entire mix is ​​in the machine (and its levels of voice, harmonies, guitars, back, mute, etc.)

OVERALL OPINION

I've had 3 weeks and have used 2 times on stage, time to tame the beast.

I tried pedals ART, ZOOM, OBERHEIM and none has ever happened to the ankle Voicelive.

What I like most: quality TC effects, of course, but also the fact that nothing is missing and it has greatly relieved my back sound equipment. It was obviously made by musicians for musicians.

What I like least: the lack of editing software presets. Being very, very demanding, go, a small fourth parametric EQ band to reach nirvana.

€ 700 for all pedals TC + 1 real looper and a console and a rack of effects and less, it is almost a gift.

This is certainly one of my best investments

Features
Vocal Effects
- ΜMod
- Echo & Delay
- Reverb
- Harmony
- Double
- Transducer
- Rhythmic
- HardTune & Correction
- Choir
- Stutter
- Vocoder
- Adaptive Tone
Looper
- Multi-track Looper
- Runs verse / chorus (B / C) on a loop
A basic with unlimited overdubs
- Memory for 10 loops x three tracks
- Total length of loop of 45 minutes
Guitar Effects
- Amp Modeling
- Drive
- Delay
- Reverb
- Compression
- Resonant Filter
- Wah
- ΜMod (Flange, Chorus, De-tune)
- Shifter
- Rhythmic / Tremolo
- Talkbox (Part Vocoder)
Control
- 250 factory presets
- Memory for 500 presets
- 10 Steps by preset
- 10 foot switches
- 6 assignable switches preset to activate /
disabling effect blocks
- Detailed Edition
- Categories presets by Genre and Styles
Design
Dimensions
- Height: 3 inches (76 mm)
- Width: 13.8 inches (350 mm)
- Depth: 8.5 inches (261 mm)
Weight
- Weight: 5 lbs. (2.3 kg)
Construction
- Frame in anodized extruded aluminum and
steel
- Buttons edit / mix rubber
- Rubberized Recessed Handle
- Blue Screen 192 x 64 STN LCD backlight
white
- Ring light switch tricolor
- Controls Touch Edition with LED indication
USB backup on PC but not on the pc edition (damage)

UTILIZATION

The manual finally translated into French is quite clear and complete, plus it is a very active forum Tc Helicon where you can ask questions.
It is very easy to edit presets, especially starting from the provided presets that allow you to get an idea out.

SOUND QUALITY

This is the TC Helicon quality, so very good (but not pro anyway)

OVERALL OPINION

I hesitated to buy a VL2 + G Natural for a guitar, but this seemed too complicated,
the principle of preset guitar + voice is still more practical on stage, because he did not forget, this is a product made for live.
Note that when moving guitar tuner mode is bypassed but the song remains active micro really practice on stage.
the display is clear and legible both day and night.
I have not really tested the looper function, it is still too early, I will first master the beast.
The guitar cable jack headphone output is super convenient to work its sounds through headphones without rouse the whole neighborhood, but good before using a new preset on the PA must pay attention to is output level, because it is different from headphone.
VL is a bit pricey, but it is very tough, I installed it in a six shots NYC pedalboard pedal board for safe transport

The manager now update the firm are is good, a publisher is a plus.

UTILIZATION

After a week, I toured the owner and I realize opportunities.
The doc is available in French but it is not essential to read everything or learn it by heart.
Editing is intuitive, hit the footswitch, the steps are very good ideas. The amount parameter is a little scary at first but it leaves a sacred flexibility to tweak the sounds.

SOUND QUALITY

Nothing to say about the voice, if a minimum is ensured, the camera makes a hundredfold quality it receives.
The clean sounds or a little warmer guitar are bluffing, for saturation it will be less obvious, but I saw (in the ear) very good things

OVERALL OPINION

Of course some racks studio (costing several thousand euros) may be more effective on some effects. 3 or 4 acolytes sound more human, etc..
But live, we always have the means, the singers are not arranged, a 2 is not in place while VoiceLive is always reliable and will not work in the recording studio.

I will not repeat a complete test there is a very full on this site but I will complete this review in a few weeks / months