TC-Helicon Play Acoustic vs. BOSS VE-8 vs. DigiTech Vocalist: Hands-On Demo, Review, & Rankings

Today we'll take 3 pedals--all geared for acoustic guitar playing singers--and pit them against one another... let's see how they stack up.
Are you more interested in READING how TC-Helicon Play Acoustic, BOSS VE-8, and DigiTech Vocalist Live Harmony compare?
The detailed breakdown of these pedals is too long to post in the KZbin description, but you can view it in it's entirely here: medium.com/@ts...
As always, thanks for watching, and feel free to say hello:
/ thetsmiller
/ thetsmiller
/ thetsmiller

[@acousticangel1]

Just so you know.... THIS video actually changed my mind, I was going to get the Boss, then after your review I totally changed my mind and got the TC Helicon. I would have hated having to hit the button twice to stop loop! And the sound was very crisp, as well as my preference to edit things much more user friendly like you said with a good display. Also I’ll use it on dark stages so being lit up matters. So seriously dude you totally rocked that review and HC Helicon should give you a check for all the business you’ve probably given them with that thorough review! Thanks! It will be here tomorrow and I can’t wait!

[@DavidEidelberg]

Of course you can add a tiny external pedal to add stop/clear. To me the TC really needs the 6 FS pedal to work its best.

[@larrydering1598]

To my ears the Boss had the best acoustic guitar tone and equally good vocals. I'm going with Boss.

[@JohnMurphyabc]

Much thanks for the video comparison. As a purist(preferring less effects) I had to go with the VE-8 especially liking the EQ manipulation of the guitar and vocals. Thank you again..

[@m4drums]

Best review that I have watched today, and I've watched a lot! Thank you!

[@glevideo]

Not having ever used any of the three units I have to say that clearly the VE-8 sounded far better than the others in regards to the vocal harmonies. Perhaps the others could have been adjusted to match a little closer but the VE-8 certainly sounded far better to my ear. That's the one I would buy if judging by this test alone.

[@JamesThomas-zl9er]

That was my take… but I’m listening on my phone… I expect it will be easier to integrate with my RC500 too via midi

[@yuriytitov1997]

That's right, I hear the same. I've seen a couple of other reviews with VE-8 - the harmony is very close to alive voices. Other pedals have more metallic or robotic processing of harmony voices. Even BOSS VE-20 and VE-500 have less humanic harmonies than VE-8.

[@austinkirby7255]

Sounded to me like the harmonies were turned up a bit louder for the VE-8 demo.

[@tommc49]

Very helpful to see the three units played side by side. Thanks for posting. I would probably buy the Boss as I preferred the guitar tones over the other two.

[@cmcg5788]

I agree with quite a few of the comments in that the Boss sounds the most natural, both guitar-wise and vocally. The TC sounds way more processed/canned. Given the greater connectivity and routing options and the superior sound, I say the Boss VE-8 is the hands down winner. I also think that the ease of use on the fly is easier with knobs than with a screen interface--especially on the fly.

[@bradgphoto]

Not to mention the screen on the TC is hard to see on stage where as the Boss has different colored lights to let you know what’s what ( red, green, etc).

[@karahan.00000]

ı used TC play ac nearly 5years but im thinking of buying boss cause it sounds more natural .

[@qixiaowhs]

@@karahan.00000 I have used TC play GTX for 8 years, but after hearing the BOSS, I think the TC vocal sound is thin and robotic.

[@karahan.00000]

@@qixiaowhs yess youre right

[@macplumber]

I have the TC Helicon play acoustic and have been using it daily for 4 years now. It is very well built, and sounds great, almost bullet proof, standing up to almost any nonsense that goes on while on the road. I have used it in live performances and for recording settings, and it suits my needs perfectly. 😎

[@daybreaker7]

can you connect the output to audio interface?..

[@AC-rf1ud]

Hands down the best review of these types of pedals. You have helped me with my decision where no other review did. Thanks!

[@m4drums]

Absolutely! Support and thumbs up for the comment and the video!

[@AnjEnriquez]

Been using the TC Helicon Play Acoustic for almost a year now from using it for my full indie-rock band, duo acoustic gigs to theater sound design and to bending song covers! The TC Helicon Play Acoustic does the job well for me. I remember checking your video out before I bought the TC Helicon PA! And I forgot to say thank you for helping me in choosing which vocal processor to buy. (Decided on buying it when I heard you reviewing it using the songs I love, especially Bon Iver's "Flume") Thanks again for this video! Cheers from the Philippines! - AENRI

[@ts.miller]

Glad this helped! Enjoy the Play Acoustic! It's a fun one.

[@DylanGalvinMusic]

How in the world does anyone prefer the TC Helicon!? It's lacking low mids, it sounds tinny and thin, it sounds robotic and "harmony pedal-y" which is not a good thing....the VE-8 has a rich, smoother EQ, way more natural reverb and harmonies, by a long shot. A long, long shot. I was really impressed by the sounds of the VE- after watching this and might be getting one now.

[@JonatanFerreira]

In a world called cheaper > better quality... i dont blame cause in some places (I'm brazilian, for example) price is mandatory... luckly here the VE-8 costs US$360 (R$2.000,00) while the TC PA about US$600 (R$ 3.600,00)... here TC is an overrated brand... some (about 80%) brazilian families with ~4 members has to live with just US$ 300,00 / month (what a regular primary job pays around here for 220 work hours/month )

[@kirksings]

Excellent review. I used to own the Harmony G-XT and moved to the Play Acoustic about a year ago. This pedal as per your review is very easy to use and the harmonies sound great. The Play Acoustic allow you to tag setting within a Genre (IE; Favorites) and allows you to filter the majority of the settings and just recall your Favorites Group. A very handy feature indeed.

[@ajimadnan]

im having a dilemma on choosing between the GXT and play acoustic. can you tell me the differences between them and which one is better in your opinion. thank you

[@davidlockey9026]

Hi. I’ve been using the GXT for a couple of years and must say that I’m really impressed. Which made me wonder why you replaced it with the acoustic play? Thanks for your time 🙏🏻🙏🏾

[@gs3173]

God bless you. Thanks for taking the time to make this. You have saved me a lot of time and money!

[@jackoshaw]

One thing I've found on the Boss VE-8, is it's nearly impossible to use a 12 string guitar and the Pitch correct at the same time......It will sound like the guitar is seriously out of tune.... When you turn the pitch correct off, the problem with the guitar disappears ... if your using a 12 string, You have two choices....Either sing out of tune or play out of tune.... Best advice, Learn to sing in tune... God as my witness, I have been working hard on that, lately!....:D...............and thanks for posting this... Very well done!

[@josephsieracki]

Have to say the ve-8 had the best separation of harmonies and made your voice sound less processed when singing flume. Actually, I liked your version a hell of a lot more than bon iver’s. Actually made it sound like a Novo Amor song.

[@davidhawkins4241]

So @T.S. Miler ... Did you NOT hear how awesome "Flume" sounded when you played it on the VE-8? I think you need to watch this video again! :)

[@fostervf16]

Put some good headphones on and listen again to the tc.

[@takeonparis]

@@fostervf16 not only did I do that... I went to the music shop up the street and spent THREE HOURS listening to both of them, side by side, through AMAZING headphones. I would've loved for the Helcion to be better... Because it's a hundred bucks cheaper... But it wasn't.

[@JonatanFerreira]

@@fostervf16 even still.. BOSS sound better cause of the Guitar tone + the Auto adjust with the tune... the Guitar effects on TC is pretty lame imo had a TC Helicon Voicelive 2 and it sucked at it

[@mattd7650]

agreed! I ordered one just because of that song.

[@DebErney]

I had a completely different take on the Boss VE-8 vs the TC Helicon. I agree that the Boss has a more "limited" palette of effects but, the TC Helicon sounded very processed to me and my bandmates where as the Boss VE-8 had a much more "acoustic" sound to it. Being a guitarist myself I found the Boss interface much more intuitive than the TC Helicon. I felt the screen visualizations to be very similar. I found the looper, on both units, difficult to use.

[@ts.miller]

I think the VE-8 definitely has more of a genuine acoustic sound to it. It sounds like the VE-8 is the pedal for you-great acoustic tone and generally easy-to-use interface! I love having the knobs on it. I do think the VE-8 interface gets a bit confusing when you want to get into the deeper settings though, such as layering multiple vocal or guitar effects (having to memorize which buttons to hold and what the short display names are referring to takes some time to get familiar with). I think each of these pedals have their strengths and will resonate with differently with different players-it all depends on the sound you're going for the way you like to interact with your pedals.

[@interactivevisualradio6218]

We tested Voicelive 3, Voicelive Touch 2, Perform VG and Play Acoustic, never tested VE-8... but all TC Helicon devices seems to add a unnatural tone to the voice... someone likes it, but if you are looking for a natural sounding voice it's a problem

[@mrshiney2]

I use the Digitech in a band setting because of the LIVE ADAPT feature. I don't have to run my guitar through it. It intelligently "hears" the stage sound and captures the Key.

[@nopainnoconfiture]

The Play Acoustic has this too it's called roomsense.

[@danyroyanimation]

I never comment videos on KZbin. But you helped me big time with this choice I had to make. I'll go with TC too, I've seen and heard pretty much everything on the net, I'm sure I won't regret it. Thanks!

[@dakotaaryerson]

Been doing research on different vocal effect processors... also ended up going with the TC Helicon Play Acoustic! Also, after hearing the demo, would love to hear a full length cover of 'Flume' from you! Sounds great. Keep jammin', my man.

[@mikekennedy6425]

Dude T.S Miller Thank you so much for this video, it was EXTREMELY helpful and it is helping me make a solid decision. One of the most clear, straight forward, high quality videos I have ever watched! So well done!

[@damoncastillo9049]

Thanks T.S. for the comparison. It is exactly what I was looking for. I will watch the detailed video you mentioned too. By the way your video is professional and informative without going into too much detail. In a word, concise! Well done. pS: Funny you played Wind Cried Mary, I just started playing this in my acoustic trio. It sounds cool acoustically!

[@Dark0ne2099]

Great review! I found that after the latest update you now have delay for the guitar on the play acoustic, and tweaking the compressor settings makes a world of a difference to getting a mic'd up sound, but that I found after months of tweaking it and getting to know the pedal. Looping time can also be increased now, so I don't think there's any close competition for some time...

[@lodelface]

still thinking the same ? im looking for one and i am a bit lost as for 2023 standards go

[@Dark0ne2099]

@@lodelface I've since changed my setup multiple times and the Play Acoustic has been the one pedal that always stayed, impecable vocal fx quality and processing. So much so that I bought a second unit in case one breaks down. They're VERY roadworn now and still going strong. I will not advise using the onboard boost as that is a Flaw that still isn't corrected and likely won't be. Looping is not bad if you're looking for a one-does-all but does take some getting used to. I'm currently using a PRS Hollobody Piezo via HX Stomp, and Boss rc500 for looping, still TC helicon Acoustic for vocals.

[@daybreaker7]

@@Dark0ne2099 how to update the firmware to get the double looping time?.. just connect to pc and then it auto update ?

[@Dark0ne2099]

@@daybreaker7 I haven't plugged it in in ages but I believe it's just connect to pc and use voice studio or whatever their official app is

[@DillonPink]

Brilliant comparison. I was confused between the TC Helicon and Boss VE-8. Thank you

[@quiteon]

Thank you for your amazing work!!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@brycejones9845]

Please tell me the settings you used for Flume

[@IsraelMaldonadoMusic]

I have the Boss Ve-8 now it works really good, i used to have the tc helicon but the middle rotating button was very fragile , i had to send the unit back twice unfortunately and i do agree it is the best out of the three but it’s not durable unfortunately. The ve8 is super durable but not as easy as the Tc helicon . Great video!!

[@terryrobinson8859]

Love the tech on TC pedals but have had button failure on them.

[@p1xelp]

I have the VE-8 and the TC-Helicon VoiceLive 2. I prefer the VE-8 for acoustic guitar and the VoiceLIve for electric. The Boss has a degree of latency on the guitar input which you wouldn't notice if strumming but is not good for solos. Although the VoiceLIve2 has many more harmony options, many of them are just too gimmicky. The VE-8 has less options but sounds better to me although there are still too many gimmicks.

[@glory70x]

The whole vocal processor is a gimmick get it? It gives people the impression that you know how to sing

[@gaborkiss1425]

@@glory70x Practice mode on the VoiceLive Play is a great feature, though.

[@arlo2203]

i own PA, VE8 and Perform VG... had the PA the longest and had a love/hate relationship because I could never dial in my vocal effx EXACTLY how I wanted, but I was used to it... never used looper, too short. The PA just recently stopped working (vocal) after 7 years, so I purchased the Perform VG. Such an EASY, well engineered unit!! I love this little thing, EXCEPT that the vocal's relationship to guitar is weird, they're literally tied together... no independent control of guitar and the reverb is hard to dial in. Just ordered VE8, haven't got it yet, but it appears that if they could put VE8's sounds into the VG unit, with its ease of use, it would dominate the market!!

[@paulshipp1652]

This was very helpful - thank you! I can see how they each have a different sound that just depends on what you want. Before watching this, I thought I wanted the Digitech because it is the cheapest and has all the features, but the tone was lacking in comparison to the other two. The VE-8 seemed a bit more natural sounding while the TC seemed VERY produced. Just depends on how subtle you want it to be. Thanks again!

[@marksc1929]

...I agree....

[@DocPicklez]

Dude Flume on the Boss was sick.

[@sbkmarkel]

Jeez, I agree with some of the other commenters, the VE-8 sounded way better than the other two. Gonna buy one!

[@holy7]

Now that this video is two years old, for somebody solo playing, which harmony pedals would you suggest nowadays

[@jmpascoe]

Really great video and killer performances too.

[@mtatini]

FYI, tc helicon's vlplay acoustic has delay, reverb, chorus and eq. There the voicelive play GTX (discontinued) that has even more flexibility. I owned them all, had a great sound coming from the guitar. I use the voicelive 3 extreme now. And yes, you can update the firmware and get double the loop time.

[@daybreaker7]

does the double loop time also added for Play Acoustic ?.. do you think Play Acoustic still worth buying in 2023 ?

[@mtatini]

@@daybreaker7 I love the play series. If you turn off "undo", it doubles the time. Still short, so it depends what you use it for.

[@SimplicityForGood]

Hi everyone, I know it’s been a while since this post was uploaded, but I have somer questions that I hope someone here can help with. Here’s my dilemma: I’ve been looking at the TC Helicon Acoustic for its fantastic voice enhancement features, but it doesn’t have the looping capabilities I’m after. On the other hand, the Boss RC-505 has amazing looping functions but doesn’t quite match the voice quality of the TC Acoustic. So, here are my questions: 1. Is there a single device that combines the looping features of the Boss RC-505 with the voice quality enhancements of the TC Acoustic? 2. Alternatively, is there a cost-effective way to add looping to the TC Acoustic? 3. Or, is there a budget-friendly device that can enhance the vocal quality of the Boss RC-505 to match the TC Acoustic’s capabilities? I also looked at the TC Helicon VoiceLive 3 Extreme, but it doesn’t quite fit my needs since I don’t play electric guitar and prefer focusing on acoustic instruments and vocals. I mainly use my voice, wooden flutes, harmonica, drums, and occasionally piano-guitars aren’t really my thing. I’m hoping to find a setup that lets me loop effectively while keeping my voice sounding smooth and natural, and maybe adding in the flute and djembe at certain times. Thanks for taking the time to read this. Any suggestions or creative ideas would be greatly appreciated! Best, Chris

[@bryanmichaelblock8269]

IMO - the TC sounded very "slick" - the Boss sounded the most "natural" - not as over-produced. The Digitech sounded a bit robotic. The quality of the processing on the TC was stellar, though. Good review.

[@ts.miller]

Agreed! All very different sounds. The right pedal here depends on what you're looking for. Thanks for watching!

[@JoseOrtegavideos]

but...of course they sound different..BUT ...if you make a comparison video..LET'S COMPARE!! The Boss VE-8 is BETTER for most of us....more natural sound but "enhanced" instead of "processed" ...and in the vocal side...for some reason i also like their sound more than the other options....

[@sbkmarkel]

I agree

[@marksc1929]

@@ts.miller ....do you use the TC Heli...?

[@LiveHart]

Wow! This was great demo/review. Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@sticksraymusic]

This is exactly what a product review video should be..I was debating to get the Boss or Helicon..i watched this and just ordered my 'Play Acoustic'.

[@kmickp1166]

Great review, I agree with the ranking and came to the same conclusion so bought the TC Helicon

[@nobodyfromnashville]

You have a great way of speaking about the products. You are very precise and careful about what you like and don't like.

[@mattylovesguitar]

I have a TCH play acoustic and have used it for 5 years solid gigging and practicing. Just remember that with harmonisers, less is sometimes more. Updating the firmware will give you guitar delay, and an extended loop function.

[@manafromheaven28]

How to update the firmware of TC Helicon and isn't it after update of the firmware the loop length duration will be longer too? Thank you for your favorable response.

[@daybreaker7]

@@manafromheaven28 have you tried it ?.. does the loop time length get updated?

[@justinmarcus1049]

I would love to see a quick test of all of these with the nylon string I see you have behind you ! That's what I am currently considering using with either the TC or the Boss

[@justinmarcus1049]

@@jayskateandsuchstuff8446 I bought the TC Play Acoustic, which is generally good - except I am currently experiencing an issue where overs seem to accumulate and then suddenly release creating a kind of sonic boom.

[@d-boy1644]

Great review however it is a bit misleading to say that the play acoustic cant apply independent effects to the guitar ? I am sure that was just a minor oversight but very important point - thanks

[@guitardipu]

I have the VoicelivePlay (the blue colored one). It's been 4 years now. I bought for 25,000 INR and now its available for 20,000 INR now. This is the most bang for your buck vocal processor. I have been using it for both live and recording and i preferred it more than the BOSS VE-20 at that point of time. I tried the Boss and the TC in the local store, and I was like..screw the BOSS get the TC. However, for a guitar pedal instead of combo Voice+Acoustic or the Voice+Electric, a separate guitar processor is advisable, when its guitar processor no one comes close to a Pod HD500X or the BOSS GT-100. I am still using the Voicelive play with the new Boss GT-1. I am also using the TC Helicon voice rack IOS effects in my Ipad, and it smokes the Vocalive app (full of latency) any day. I wish TC helicon would strengthen their IOS app like their vocal processor.

[@JoseOrtegavideos]

That's a different comparison...these are completely different products

[@guitardipu]

I know, what i wanted to highlight is, the processing quality is much better in the TC Helicons..

[@RJEnriquez]

Update your Play Acoustic to the most recent firmware and you will get twice as looping time!

[@ricardobanderamusic]

RJ Enriquez really! I just bought it and i realized its a short looper time!

[@RJEnriquez]

ACUSTIJUANA Ricardo Bandera Yes. The lastest firmware gives you twice as long looping.

[@daybreaker7]

@@RJEnriquez how to do the update ?.. just connect to pc, and then it auto update ?

[@kurt8263]

I really am in a toss up between the tc and boss here. I want to get one of these pedals today, but really am on the fence. I LOVE the natural sound of the boss. But I also would say I need the vocal options of the tc for my voice.

[@stephenbrooks492]

Same here -What did you decide?

[@mjh6979]

Excellent comparison and review. Thanks!

[@jeffrocha.98]

Eu estou arrepiado depois de ouvir Flume. I have goosebumps after listening to Flume.

[@PaulIsbell]

In my opinion, the Boss sounds more up front and punchy vocally, however, the TC sounds more produced.

[@billthompson5942]

the Paul Thomas Music Agreed! "Too much cream on the taco"

[@Buxtonmusic602]

the Paul Thomas Music me too

[@Labeilibfoflne]

@David Martyn Dean hahaha excellent

[@marksc1929]

...i kinda agree ....guess depends what ur looking for ....but yes I'm looking for more of a natural organic sound ...

[@marksc1929]

@@billthompson5942 👍

[@AussieEuro]

I used the Play Acoustic for a year while gigging solo and bought last week the VE-8. I loved the harmonies on the PA but disliked the limited looper and the lack of guitar effects. I spent a lot of time on tweaking the VE-8 and found the key to get harmonies in the same qualities as PA is by manually choosing the key of the song. On Auto they just dont cut it. Otherwise its a great unit, the guitar effects are excellent, and the acoustic res is also strong. Im badly missing a volume boost stomp option when playing lead over the looper rhythm however. The auto pitch corrector is also not as good as it is on the PA. Nevertheless looks like i will be switching from the Play Acoustic to the Boss.

[@marksc1929]

Aussie still liking the Boss ?

[@dairebarefoot9320]

Yep the bosses have harmony issues for sure. But awesome tone.

[@gochurra5702]

Thanks so much, very professional and quality content!

[@lbateman55]

Terrific comparison video--thank you! I really appreciated this. Also, you have an amazing voice. :)

[@kmickp1166]

Excellent concise review! 👍Ive used the Play Acoustic for around 18 months now and find it very intuitive & easy to use so plug & play really. It's easy to alter presets ( if you must!) but I have done only a few minor tweaks. I agree with your comments re the looper and also it isn't so easy to use or flexible when incorporating harmonies. The body rez is great and again can be plug and play with the preset tones. A minor gripe is the chorus which is difficult to hit the sweet spot, it's either too little or too much, even after much fiddling & tweaking. Great pedal though, a must have for solo acoustic players!👍👍

[@pixeltarian]

I have been trying to decide between these. The boss sounds the best to my ears, hands down. The TC sounds shrill, the Digitech sounds muffled and lifeless. The boss sounds big bodied and warm while still being crisp without being too harsh. My journey is not over sadly because now it’s a decision about weather to get a boss ve-8, or a Radial Voco-Loco and finally have a ridiculous amount of options for vocal processing.

[@ronellegaspi6747]

We have the boss ve8- best for me as natural processing the vox and ac.gtar the other sounds deep thin sounds

[@grade3544]

Thank you so much for the great review. It helped me to decide, and I bought the Play Acoustic. Would you post your custom settings for both songs? Thanks again. Really awesome!

[@rstevenhanson]

Great demo. Great musician too!

[@blessed7927]

Ok. So... I actually went to Guitar Center and tried the Boss. I was surprised how very little it did to my guitar to be honest. It could have been the amp, but I have to give kudos to guy who reviewed all three because he was right. It was not user friendly at all. Also, I own a first generation VOICELIVE. The vocal sound is certainly better better out of the box. I will be getting the 3 extreme. Thank you for the video!

[@ricardobanderamusic]

I watched this time ago, i kept money and i just bought tc pa, thanks it works very well! Great video.

[@kenzielynn]

Great review! I decided to get a Play Acoustic. Do you recall the basic voice settings you used for your "The Wind Cries Mary" demonstration in the video? (Like harmony, doubling, etc.?) With so many presets and settings, I'm just looking for a nice sound like the one you achieved without it being overkill.

[@germain3588]

Great review on all 3 products. I like the TC Helicon the best and I also own one lol...and love it.

[@Kottesque]

Thanks for posting this review...was leaning toward the VE-8 until I saw this review and then saw the price difference...The Boss is priced (currently) nearly 40% more than the TC-Helicon...

[@JonatanFerreira]

Cause its Roland, has 1000% better guitar effects... tons of nobs to easy and fast preset on stage... so yeah, it costs more... even without a screen with the bright of a TV screeen.. well, with all the nobs you get, that is completely useless unless assignin names to you preesets is a must...

[@dennissimmons1050]

I like your compass guitar. I have an old one and the pickup system in it needs very little to get a great tone. Great comparison great video.

[@MiguelRockstarGarza]

I disagree with TC being on the top spot but everything is subjective. I bought a helicon and never use it because it sounds too processed to me and I just heard someone recently using the Boss and I was impressed with how natural it sounded. To each their own but the TC turned me off from using effect/harmony pedals but after hearing the Boss I’m interested in trying again

[@karahan.00000]

I was using TC since 5 years .but it always sounded me so unnatural so prosessed. İts so easy to catch the same vocal sound from the database.but hard to create a natural sound. When i listen to boss itsounds more Real natural

[@stuffnuns]

I have TC Helicon’s H1 harmony pedal, and it has very reliable vocal tracking. TCH really focuses on making gear for vocalists, and it shows.

[@johnpicinich3115]

I found that my Boss VE-8 does not work well with the K&K pickup in my Gibson acoustic. The 20 M ohm input impedance on the VE-8 introduces some bad behavior. K&K pickups want a 1 M ohm input impedance. Going to switch the the TC Helicon.

[@andreasahlers-dummer1574]

Can you share your vocal settings for the TC Play Acoustic for the first song?

[@docpearson]

I have the boss pedal and for my guitar it is absolutely freaking fabulous. But after buying it and working with it for a while, for the vocals, especially harmonies, it is lacking. From this video, it appears the vocals are better with the TC Helicon acoustic. My question is if I have both of them both is it somehow possible to hook the two together so I can get the best of both worlds.

[@VajrahahaShunyata]

I see that the ve 8 has a battery option but I believe the play acoustic does not or at least none of the sites mentioned that option. That means the ve 8 has an advantage for a busker and it’s odd you don’t mention this. Before I hook up an external battery I may as well use my voicelive 2. a few years back I tried every vocal processing unit made and found tc helicon to have the most human sounding harmonies when set with a guitar thru option. I guess I get the ve 8 or make a battery...

[@VajrahahaShunyata]

After further research I found that the ve 8 is the only one that has the battery option which makes it the best value for busking

[@ParcelOfRogue]

From August 2020 - New Headway EDB-2H.E Equaliser Direct Blender. Now with two channels of 5 Band EQ, 2 Silent Mutes, 48v & 11v Phantom Power, Send & Return FX Loop, Switchable Channel Outputs, new pro Audio expensive IC Chips for improved tone & S/N and tunable Harmonic Enhancer Acoustic Pre-Amplifier, EQ’s, D.I, Anti-Feedback, Blender, & Harmonic Enhancer - For Pickups & Microphones via Battery or D.C Powering. EDB-2 H.E with Customer led Expanded Features, now Dual Instrument Accessible: Featuring: H.E.A.T. Harmonic Enhanced Analogue Technology with Tuneable added High Harmonics Twin Channels with two sets of 5 Band Interactive EQ & two Silent Mutes 48v & 11v Phantom Power To Jack & XLR -Mono & Stereo Inputs Improved Class "A" Inputs & top Pro Audio Circuit - Producing a huge 32dB of Low Noise Gain Send & Return FX Loop Mono Ch.1, Ch.2 or Blended Outputs via Jack & XLR Tuneable Notch Filter to beat feedback & resonances on either channel Impedance matching for all pickups and microphones 2 Way Phase Reverse & Earth Lift Switches Range Switches (HPF) for Guitar, Bass or Violin/Mandolin via each channel Batteries & Power Supply included - suits Europe, North America, Japan etc 240v-100v 3 Mounting Methods Comprehensive Improved Manual Sturdier, Lightweight, Super Compact Construction in Aluminium Alloy & Long Life Heavy Feel Controls that stay put. Designed in UK - Made in Europe. www.headwaymusicaudiio.com

[@scottbecker3485]

ParcelOf Rogue So why is the new Headway relevant in the vocal effects/harmonizer category? I checked it out and it appears to only be a 2-channel preamp with no effects and no harmonies, so is a totally different animal. Or did I miss something?

[@ParcelOfRogue]

@@scottbecker3485 Same category in various retailers, such as the biggest, Thomann

[@scottbecker3485]

ParcelOf Rogue OK, thanks for the clarification. I came to this video in search of input on buying a harmony pedal. The Headway, on a much different note, does look promising as a preamp. Too bad it doesn‘t have built-in compression and reverb. Then it would make a killer mixer replacement going into, say, a HK Audio Polar 10 column speaker (which has no effects).

[@ParcelOfRogue]

@@scottbecker3485 Maybe we will offer that. Multi FX could be in 2022

[@scottbecker3485]

ParcelOf Rogue That‘d be cool! :-) For inspiration on designing the product, you might take a look at the Elite Aocustics Stompmix x4 (and/or x6), which already sort of populates the segment for a quick-and-dirty, all-in-in one compact mixer - in this case for 4 mono channels or 4 mono + 1 stereo channel. With compression, EQ, reverb and delay on board and the option of plugging in a mic and 1-3 different guitars/instruments, it looks really good. If you could come up with something that does that and offered at least 6 separate (mono) channels, you might hit the jackpot. Their device works with presets, and that would be a must for yours, too. I hope you don‘t mind me mentioning this other unit here, but thought it worth adding so you don‘t fall short of your marketing goals. But of course you will have canvassed the market already to determine what is needed and what not.

[@karlernving421]

Loving the review. Is flume layered with two harmonies from the pedals? Or are there more harmony parts?

[@shizamza]

Before the video even starts just thank you for making this. Really needed this video xD

[@jekpapa]

Well! Demo 2 “Flume” couldn’t be more different between the VE10 and the other two. VE10 offered a cleaner brighter almost live sound where the others were darker and broody. Was it just not possible to get the VE10 in line with others or visa versa? I liked both but maybe the VE10 better. Still on the fence.

[@yuriytitov1997]

Nice review. Thanx. But unfortunately so short examples of voice processing, especially harmony use.

[@RyanMcQuen]

The Boss sounds the most authentic.

[@livefromthepsy-op1170]

Cap

[@BlakeHassebrock]

Is FLUME a preset that comes with the TCH Acoustic Play? Great review video, thanks for taking the time.

[@adamusturner2476]

I bought the TC-Helicon Play Acoustic twice and gave it away twice. It's cool but way too overprocessed as others have said. I just bought the Boss VE-8 from Sweetwater after this review because the singer has a similar voice to mine and I prefer the more natural sound. Great review.

[@yobrojoost]

Good honest review, well presented!

[@renanoliveira8890]

Hello! I have a Godin Nylon and I'm researching the best pedal. Which one do you recommend for nylon guitar? was in doubt between the play acoustic and the Fishman aura spectrum. thank you

[@roneilken6668]

I bought the VE-8 and found it very difficult to understand and use to the point I am looking for another product!

[@BryTunesMusic]

cool editing!

[@Charls1994]

Great video! What are the settings for flume? (Boss Ve-8)

[@Tom-gn3yz]

Wtf. I’m also a T.S Miller 😂 Respect! Good review ps

[@salvaforceb]

Great review! Can you describe what gear you use for recording the demos? And what preset or the amount of reverb and settings for the voicelive? I enjoyed so much your video. Cheers from Mexico!

[@tomyg2766]

Great review, thanks

[@threadoflife]

Have you reviewed the Boss VE-500 against Helicon?

[@itsjustaki_]

Would love to know what you think would be a better purchase. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 or Boss VE8

[@johnnygacoustic]

I have had my Digitech Vocalist for a few years now and I really like it. I play solo acoustic and basically bypass my guitar through it, so I don't rely on it for acoustic effects/sound. It still gives me the tuner for the acoustic and the key matching but the pedal then becomes focused on vocal sound only. I cannot say it is better/worse than the other 2 but the harmonies and other effects on my vocals have always gotten compliments because of the sound I have found through this. An added bonus is that it can act as a guitar kill switch for breaks etc. :)

[@midnightstar6398]

I wish you would have sang without the processors to get a good idea of the difference between your voice and the processors but great demo none the less.

[@geoffallen1331]

Nice video very helpful as I'm in the market for one. Only down side...too much lip smacking

[@bubbleballjuicysports6026]

Dude... Now I wanna hear the full cover of flume with that effect on

[@DanielShrider]

IMHO, your voice is awesome!!! 8-O That said, I kinda liked the way the Boss sounded. But I'm also a guitar player. So that may have weighed allot in my decision. ;-)

[@JonatanFerreira]

Considering that both pedals were designed for it... Voice PLUS Guitar... Roland > TC imo

[@manafromheaven28]

Hi sir, please if you read this I just wanna ask your settings of your vocals and guitar effects used for TC Helicon, like your vocal processing what present and settings you did use and for guitar mix as well. I just got my TC Helicon now, I would love to explore more of my new rig in busking. And at the same time I love your review on 3 and they all sound great but since I have TC, I wanna maximize how to use this and explore. Lastly what is your mix using Flume? Or is it s ready preset already for TC. I appreciate you sir for replying.

[@swensonmusic1165]

If I don't care about guitar effects, what is your opinion on the TC Helicon VoiceTone Single H1 Intelligent Harmony?

[@casey17w]

Hey nice vid dude...what amp you going thru with these pedals at gigs? Thanks

[@AussieEuro]

How do i change the default setting for the foot switch on the VE-8 so I can change effects unit with the foot switch, the instructions dont make this clear.

[@strummer1066]

I'm very late to this party, but great video! I'm thinking of getting either the VE-8 or the PA, and had a question or two. First one is about another pedal entirely, but hopefully you can answer. Is the Acoustic Resonance of the Boss AD-2 the same as in the VE-8? If so, would running my acoustic through the AD-2 into the PA give me the best result? Seems like it would, but idk. I'm interested in the PA's vocal flexibility but really liked the guitar sound of the VE-8. Lastly, is there a newer pedal at a similar price that you prefer over these?

[@donkqdonkq1747]

Can we mute the guitar? I know the gtr is needed to guide the harmonies, but I want it also to go through other patch such as an amp, so it doesn't go altogether with vocals straight to the PA /mixer.

[@spencerellison3820]

How did you get the ( sounded like 5 part harmony? ) on the tc helicon! That one 4 second blip sold me