I am just throwing this out there to see what others are using to apply a touch of reverb to their vocals when using the L1 Compact without the Tonematch.
Reason I ask is because I use my S1 Pro for small functions such as care homes and coffee lounges and I kind of like that it's got built in effects.
There are some gigs where I like to use my L1 Compact which I mostly use dry (mic/guitar straight in) but after the convenience of having the S1 with it's onboard reverb I have been looking at ways of introducing effects when using the Compact and I'm currently looking at the TC Helicon range as an uncomplicated and quick set up without the need to use the T1.
The idea is purely to add a touch of reverb to my vocal.
I am just throwing this out there to see what others are using to apply a touch of reverb to their vocals when using the L1 Compact without the Tonematch.
Reason I ask is because I use my S1 Pro for small functions such as care homes and coffee lounges and I kind of like that it's got built in effects.
There are some gigs where I like to use my L1 Compact which I mostly use dry (mic/guitar straight in) but after the convenience of having the S1 with it's onboard reverb I have been looking at ways of introducing effects when using the Compact and I'm currently looking at the TC Helicon range as an uncomplicated and quick set up without the need to use the T1.
The idea is purely to add a touch of reverb to my vocal.
Does anybody use anything similar to the Helicon?
Cheers guys
Geoff
Geoff
I tried using a TC Helicon (GXT I think) some time back ... I found it added way too much gain for my liking and I had to do a lot of tweaking which annoyed me no end.
Personally I love using my T1 and now my T8S. I find that it gives me the tone and flexibility that I want and I find it very convenient (I'm a solo singer/guitarist). In fact, when there is power available, I prefer using my S1 with the T8S (or the T1), even though the S1 reverb is quite nice.
The T8S/T1 settings for my mics (SM58 or Beta 58A) give me a sound that I really like. I'm currently experimenting with the Digital Delay that (I think) @ST explained to someone on this forum a few months back. As always he's a font of wisdom and I will always defer to his knowledge and experience (I'm just a beginner).
It's all a matter of personal prefs, Geoff. I guess I'm now used to the T1/T8 and I find that either of them require very little tweaking esp. after saving a Scene with my settings.
I have a TC Helicon PlayAcoustic and have also used their MicMechanic. I don’t really like the sound of their efx, even though they use the same algorithms as the well-regarded Hall of Fame reverb and Flashback delay stand alone pedals. I use the PlayAcoustic for harmony-only, and loop it thru my T1 Tonematch mixer. My mics and guitars sound amazingly better thru the T1 with its built-in efx and custom settings than thru the Helicon boxes. The PlayAcoustic was more than $300. I got both of my T1’s for about $200 each (#1 was on closeout at Guitar Center as the T4’s were introduced. #2 was a mint condition unit on Reverb about 6 weeks ago). I think it’s worth the money to spring for a good used T1 or even a new T4 than to go the Helicon route. That’s despite being a gear head with 7 or 8 standalone reverb pedals. I generally use my T1’s with an S1 Pro with Tonematch turned off on the PA.
I am just throwing this out there to see what others are using to apply a touch of reverb to their vocals when using the L1 Compact without the Tonematch.
Reason I ask is because I use my S1 Pro for small functions such as care homes and coffee lounges and I kind of like that it's got built in effects.
There are some gigs where I like to use my L1 Compact which I mostly use dry (mic/guitar straight in) but after the convenience of having the S1 with it's onboard reverb I have been looking at ways of introducing effects when using the Compact and I'm currently looking at the TC Helicon range as an uncomplicated and quick set up without the need to use the T1.
The idea is purely to add a touch of reverb to my vocal.
Does anybody use anything similar to the Helicon?
Cheers guys
Geoff
A long time ago (June 2004), I got my first L1 (later to be known as the Classic). It did not have reverb, and I quickly found I didn't miss it. If the room was large enough, the natural reflections created a pleasant reverberation and there was no need to add reverb (the effect). I came to appreciate the Cylindrical Radiator® with its extremely wide horizontal dispersion tended to create very pleasant early reflections from the side walls of the room.
I have an L1 Compact and an S1 Pro. The S1 Pro does not have the same extremely wide horizontal dispersion as the L1 Compact. It doesn't excite a room the same way. A little reverb (built-in with the S1 Pro) can be pleasant. However, even when I use a ToneMatch mixer with the L1 Compact, I rarely add reverb.
I prefer to use a condenser microphone and that requires phantom power. Neither the L1 Compact or S1 Pro have phantom power. So from time-to-time, I revisit the idea of getting a small device that can provide phantom power and if I was going to get a device like that, I might also want it to have some processing (EQ or optimization for vocals, and maybe effects). And it has to run on batteries. If I have to plug it in, there's no reason not to just use my ToneMatch mixer.
Every now and then, I consider the TC Helicon Mic Mechanic 2 because it can run on four AA batteries and it ticks the other boxes.
And every time I go down that path, I come right back to using my ToneMatch mixer. Yes, that involves a (very) few more steps for set up and tear down, but if the situation calls for some digital processing, well, I already own it. And then I have all the processing available for my guitar too.
I use/have used various TC Helicon units over the years and, for me, the quality of the reverbs is amongst the best I've heard. Currently I use TC VoiceSolo personal monitors and my electric pedalboard has a Hall Of Fame mini (the amp has no reverb) but, depending on the genre, I'll often choose to have no reverb on the vocal.
On reflection I think I probably answered my own question, just stick with the T1 as that will process my vocals and guitar.
I did actually use the Compact at a gig completely dry without the T1, the vocal and acoustic straight in and it actually didn't sound half bad and if I'm honest I'm not even sure I missed the reverb.
But I do think a slight touch adds some character but I doubt the general listening public even notice!
I'm fortunate that I have pretty decent natural tone so I think I can probably get away without vocal effects and for the sort of stuff I play (traditional country/60's) I think I can get away without.
Maybe I should invest the money in a T4s instead but I see there is no independent volume control when using an iPad and that is a concern.
I had the same issue and I do believe on their next iteration of this model they ought to incorporate that. Before I bought the T1 (sidenote I wish I had known they were coming out with the T4 because having only one aux out is supppper annoyying) but I digress, before I got that I used a TC mic mechanic and a TC Harmony.. They are decent, however what I did find is when u use them in the battery only option it has a very odd amount of gain and feedback and yes sometimes it happened when plugged in so the tonematch is a better option. Ibelieve also because the mixer acts as a DI it deters any feedback issues.
Good luck Id put money that Bose upgrades the Compact with reverb just like they upgraded the T1 to the T4
I've decided to ditch the T4s idea in favour of a used T1, you can pick them up quite cheap on eBay.
I thought (from your first post), that you already have a T1. No?
The T1 is great. I kept mine for solo gigs where I don't need to run two powered loudspeakers. (e.g. Gigs where I'll use the L1 Compact with a condenser microphone and guitar(s).)
The lack of independent volume control when using an iPad is a concern (think Bose missed a trick with this one!).
Cheers guys
Geoff
The Aux inputs are best suited to sound sources that have volume and tone controls. If you want a physical volume control, then you need to use one of the full-functions channels.
Bose engineered the T4S ToneMatch mixer to have four full-function channels and twoAuxiliary inputs. The Aux inputs 5/6 are routed directly to the Main Output. You can use the Pan and Level adjustments accessible through the PAN/AUX menu. There are no changes to routing, or signal processing available. Only T4S ToneMatch mixer channels one through four can be routed to the Aux Outputs.
The idea is to keep systems separate but complete if you know what I mean, rather than unloading the T1 from the trunk with all my L1M2 bits I can get a second T1 and keep that one with the Compact gear.
The idea is to keep systems separate but complete if you know what I mean, rather than unloading the T1 from the trunk with all my L1M2 bits I can get a second T1 and keep that one with the Compact gear.
Not mad at all, I go so far as to taking at least one spare for everything to every gig (ok if I have 2 FOH plus one or more monitors I'll consider that safe but I'll always have a spare guitar and mixer, we can share mics and not do the mandolin tunes, the bassist can us a PA cab or do everything on his Uke Bass or EUB is one breaks).
I use the TC Helicon Play Acoustic direct with guitar and vocal. I purchased a rechargeable battery for the unit so my complete system doesn’t need power. Works very well.
I just use a small amount of reverb and delay on my vocal and small reverb on my guitar. The “tone” button on the Play Acoustic adds some compression and eq to the vocals that really helps. It seems the eq is similar to the tonematch vocal setting on the S1 Pro.
If you go this route, work with the gain staging. You have three - gain at the mic from the Play Acoustic, output of the Play Acoustic and input at the S1 Pro. I set the mic gain lower than the Play Acoustic Manual suggest (by a small amount), set the output to around 75% and then adjust the volume at the S1 Pro. I adjust the volume level balance with the guitar output of the Play Acoustic and then make the S1 Pro the master volume. I do any last tuning fine tuning at the Play Acoustic.
Just my two cents, and you will need to experiment with what works for you. Once you get this to your satisfaction, it’s a set it and forget it set up. There is a main effects output that adjust level of the overall reverb and delay. I use this to adjust last minute for the venue I am playing in. I practice in a small, carpeted room, so I find I am mostly dialing this back a little at the venues I play.
I went back and reread the original post and saw you only wanted vocal effects. The TC Helicon Mic Mechanic II works perfect for that. Simple with dials on the front. No menus to dig into to change settings.
Thanks for your posts guys, I have bought myself the TC Helicon Mic Mechanic 11 and used it at a gig last night and it works great.
Did a small intimate hotel bar and popped up the Compact and took my acoustic direct in and put my mic through the Helicon with a slight touch of reverb and got to admit that it sounded beautiful with the L1.
I was enjoying the sound so much I could have sat there all night and played!
This is why this forum is invaluable, so many positive and helpful hints and tips from fellow users, once again thanks guys.
I never use my L1 compact without my Helicon Mic Mechanic to add reverb and a touch of delay to my vocals...and the tone button on the pedal rocks. So easy and portable. I power it with a rechargeable battery. Do it! You’ll love it!