Musikmesse 08: TC Helicon VoiceTone Harmony M pedal

An interesting MusikMesse launch is the TC-Helicon VoiceTone Harmony-M Pedal, another TC-Helicon effort in the harmony field, this time for keyboard players.

This pedal produces two simultaneous singers or dubbing tracks that can be controlled through a MIDI connection and without affecting the keyboard signal. By following natural MIDI-keyboard playing, the new VoiceTone pedal enables singing keyboard players to add backup harmony singers to their performances without any tedious programming. Live engineer effects are also included, which automatically apply adaptive EQ, compression and de-essing algorithms so the keyboard player can focus on playing while VoiceTone Harmony-M produces a fully-produced vocal sound with dedicated doubling and reverb/delay combinations.

VoiceTone Harmony-M's adaptive harmony arrangement algorithms follow MIDI keyboard playing and voice to produce realistic harmonies without pre-programming. The straightforward controls enable keyboard players to go further and arrange voicing and effects changes in their songs by stepping through ten presets with A/B settings as they perform. The pedal includes classic "notes" and "chord" harmony control modes, and features 1/4-inch TRS mic level I/O as well as input for optional footswitch so Harmony-M can be placed on the keyboard for easy access. A tone switch engages the adaptive live engineer effects and dynamically polishes vocal tone.

The two-voice fourth generation intelligent harmony allows for natural back-up vocals, and a unique bass setting instructs a harmony voice to follow the chord root. Additionally, a separate double effect uses the widely respected TC-Helicon overdub algorithm to produce a thick sound typically reserved for studio recordings. Topping an already packed feature list, the new VoiceTone Harmony-M pedal sports a studio quality mic preamp with phantom power, solid metal construction and fastidiously detailed audio design from input to output. The VoiceTone family of vocal effects pedals also contains the new VoiceTone Harmony-G, a guitar-controlled harmony pedal for singing guitarists, and three effects pedals dedicated for singers; VoiceTone Create multi-effects pedal, VoiceTone Correct pitch correction and adaptive EQ/dynamics processor, and the new VoiceTone Double live-overdubbing-in-a-pedal. With VoiceTone Harmony-M the range is augmented for performing keyboard players looking for effortless and professional vocal harmony and effects.

All in all, it looks like it does the job to us. The TC-Helicon VoiceTone Harmony-M pedal will be available in June. For more information, visit the official t.c. electronic website.