The VE 5 (Vocal performer) made by Boss/Roland is a great piece of equipment for vocalists/beatboxers and rappers as it allows easy hands on controls with a click of a button or turn of a dial.
All of the settings are automatically saved whenever there is an alteration made (whether that’s a turn of a dial or click of a button). As we have seen on the Roland Academy Roadshows (where Tammy first got introduced to the technology), this range is perfect for classically trained, screaming rock gods or modern day popular vocalists.
The product comes straight with a microphone clip attachment, which clamps directly on to a mic stand, allowing for a hassle free set-up. Although 4 AA batteries can power the unit, the Boss PSA adapter can also be used to power the unit directly from a main socket.
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The unit only requires two XLR cables, one from the VE unit (Mic in) to the microphone and another from the VE unit (XLR out) to the mixing desk. With the addition of a Boss FS-5L floor switch, you can control via your feet any of the chosen settings, which is perfect for solo acoustic acts or vocalists who also play an instrument.
Also a great tool for practising to a backing track or loop, the unit has an AUX IN (MP3 file support) and 45-second loop station build in. Coupled with the internal microphone inside the unit, you have a perfect tool for rehearsing with headphones and no external connection (mixer).
Thirty pre-set sounds and twenty empty banks allows for an entire gigs worth of customisable effects or harmony parts. While three of your favourite sounds can be stored for quick access with one touch of a button (stored and recalled using three buttons on the first of the unit – buttons A B C shown in the image below).
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Acting as a harmony pedal as well, this unit can harmonise your vocal with a third, fifth or octave above or below. This unit allows a wide range of support for vocalists and all of the effects and harmony parts are extremely convincing, even to the point of turning Tammy’s vocal into a male register (convincingly).
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