MusicRadar Verdict
A compact and stripped back vocal effects unit which does all the basics very well, providing a beautifully clean signal.
Pros
- +
A clean and crisp vocal sound.
- +
Battery operation perfect for buskers.
- +
User-friendly navigation and adjustment.
- +
Super-bright and clear screen.
- +
Solid footswitches.
Cons
- -
There’s no auto harmony feature.
- -
Quite pricey compared to similar products on the market.
- -
No power supply or carry case included.
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Boss VE-22 Vocal Performer: What is it?
It’s been five years since Boss released the VE-500 vocal effects processor. With the VE-22, they retain the same powerful vocal effects, whilst dispensing with the guitar input which allowed for intuitive harmony processing. Harmonies can be set manually by selecting the appropriate key.
Boss has reduced the switches and buttons on this unit to make the entire experience very simple. The standard effects such as reverb, delay and chorus have been dialled in beautifully.
Boss VE-22 Vocal Performer: Performance and verdict
The device comes with a global EQ setting out of the box, which provides a powerful and sensible live vocal sound to suit most occasions. We found ourselves reducing the compression to a level that we found more comfortable.
For those who like pitch correction, the VE-22 provides an outstanding and accurate representation for slick live pop vocals. We switched off the pitch correction and spent our time dialling in a number of subtle-sounding reverbs and delays; it is these standard effects where the VE-22 really shines.
A vibrant and clear display screen means changing things on the fly in a live setting is a breeze. The unit can be used both as a footswitch or handheld device.
The addition of a phantom power and battery operation is a smart move, especially for buskers where a power source is not readily available. We do think that for £319, Boss could have thrown in a power supply as standard.
Given that the VE-500 retails for a mere £50 more and comes with a power supply and additional functionality such as intuitive harmonies, it makes the VE-22’s price point hard to justify.
As with many other vocal effects units, the majority of the onboard effects can range from silly to completely pointless. Presets such as ‘ROBOT’ seem ever present on these devices and strangely low in the options order. The inclusion of a looping function feels like an afterthought, with no real ability to save or layer tracks methodically.
Whilst the VE-22 is a basic item in terms of what it can do, the algorithms employed for the standard effects such as reverb, delay and chorus are remarkably good. Many devices struggle to produce a clean signal with no ground noise or hiss. The VE-22 has no such issues in this department and can be relied upon to produce a slick live vocal sound.
MusicRadar verdict: A compact and stripped-back vocal effects unit which does all the basics very well, providing a beautifully clean signal.
Boss VE-22 Vocal Performer: Hands-on demos
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Boss VE-22 Vocal Performer: Specifications
- Multi-effects processor with EQ, delay, echo, reverb, doubling, harmonies, automatic pitch correction
- 50 presets and 99 memories
- XLR mic input with phantom power and mic sensitivity control
- 2x XLR outputs, onboard looper
- Power: 4x AA batteries or optional AC adaptor
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