GEAR REVIEW
Level and Blend knobs control the volume and mix between the effected and dry signal , while Tone and Color adjust EQ and sound alterations unique to each effect mode . The VO-1 has five connector jacks : 1 / 4 ” Input and Output for instrument to amp , 1 / 4 ” Send and Return for adding external effects into the loop without affecting the mic signal , and a three pin XLR Mic input for a microphone . The unit is powered by a single 9-volt battery or AC adaptor ( sold separately ), and comes with a five-year warranty .
The tracking is magnificent and captured everything provided I didn ’ t play too harmonically complex . When using the mic , the pedal seems to respond best to less complicated chords and melodies . Power chords , triads , and 7th chords sound great , but altered extensions like “ A7 # 5 / b9 ” tended to be messy . Remember , this pedal works in tandem with your voice . Therefore , playing rhythms and melodies you can vocalize with will yield the best results . And while using the effect with a mic , you might want to stay away from shredding unless you can sing 16th notes at 160 beats per minute ! Once you back away from the mic , the Vocoder function is no longer activated , which exposes the unaffected guitar signal , at which time you can let it rip with funky rhythms and blazing solos . ■
VERDICT
Plugging into the exciting VO-1 Vocoder is guaranteed to let your musical voice run free and take your playing to uncharted territories offering a whole new palette of sounds , tones , and textures for the guitar world to dig into . Considering that the VO-1 combines a talk box , vocoder , and choir all in one small pedal makes this hard to refuse .
AUG / SEPT DIGITAL EDITION 75