Portable Vocal FX pedal / preamp

SonWu · 2022-06-27T00:19:20.809Z

I am looking to get myself a mobile solution to use a proper mic, with my (hopefully soon to arrive) OP-1 field.
Therefore I am looking at a few preamp/FX pedals to help me hook up a dynamic mic to it.
The units I am interested in:

JHS colour box v2
Old Blood Noise Endeavors (OBNE) MAW
BOSS ve-500
Eventide Mixing Link
Radial Voco-Loco

Does anyone here have experience with one or more of these units?

If so, which do you prefer?

Which preamp sound is “best”?

I am mainly looking to use it for rap vocals.

grahamenglish · 2022-06-27T01:28:24.571Z

I have a JHS colour box that I love for vocals, bass, and guitar. I own both the pedal and 500 series. It has lots of tone-shaping options and sounds like a Neve. I don’t record much rap vocals, but I wouldn’t hesitate to use it for that. However, I’m not sure it would be my first choice for pairing with an OP-1 (I’d search for something smaller and with additional effects). I don’t have any experience with the other units.

SonWu · 2022-06-27T01:44:01.306Z

The reason am considering the JHS is that it might be better in terms of fundamental sound and more a quality piece of equipment to be used for other things a well. I would add other pedals for FX as necessary.
Do you have the v1 or v2?

Mistercharlie · 2022-06-27T06:09:13.661Z

I’ve had a MixingLink for year, and it’s beyond useful. Currently using it to connect a synth to an easily-overdriven audio interface. Have also used it as a pedal FX loop, a mic pre-amp (it’s a really nice one), a re-amper for guitar, and a simple mixer.

10/10 would buy again.

SonWu · 2022-06-27T09:43:10.239Z

Good to hear the preamp is nice on that one…seems to be a nice multitool

Mistercharlie · 2022-06-27T11:22:29.525Z

Yeah, I use it even when I plug into a mixer/audio interface with preamps, because it’s usually quieter.

grahamenglish · 2022-06-27T15:27:23.944Z

I have the v1. It’s a great-sounding pedal and you’ll get a lot of use out of it.

Kegeratorz · 2022-06-27T16:44:17.334Z

SonWu:

JHS colour box v2

How have I missed this? It looks incredibly useful on multiple sources.

layertx · 2022-06-27T17:37:11.470Z

Ive been looking at the TC Helicon Perform-VK.
Cheap, portable, accessible features, decent preamp, I/O options.

tc-helicon.com

TC Helicon | Product | PERFORM-VK

SonWu · 2022-06-27T21:45:42.244Z

Thanks for everyones input. Now the curveball

…I am debating whether or not it makes sense to rather get a small Behringer (or Mackie) mixer instead. I don’t know if any of these pedals will have a preamp that is noticeably better than the B?

These days preamps seem to generally be off okay quality…and a small mixer will still give me a send/return and some other inputs on top, as well as a EQ & Comp.

(The aim is to make a portable setup, where I can incorporate vocals with OP-z & OP-1 field)

Elek4 · 2024-05-01T12:43:29.783Z

What did you end up doing?

I’m thinking of buying the Voco-Loco plus a couple fx pedals and smack them on a pedalboard for some vocal stuff.

It seems the Voco-Loco is the only pedal with the connections on the back which I prefer.

Kegeratorz · 2024-05-01T13:29:36.141Z

I ended up getting JHS colour box V2 because of this thread. It’s awesome! Sounds amazing with a ton of tone. Use it with bass and vocal mostly.

Only con is the lack of phantom power, though it will pass it through so picked up a battery power injector for the condenser.

yokermoon · 2024-05-01T13:38:20.177Z

V2 descriptions states phantom power in the description, is that not really the case?

_RRR · 2024-05-01T13:47:15.146Z

Is the send/return path of the Voco-Loco in mono or there’s a possibility to use stereo FXs?
(as far as i know, Eventide’s Mixing link fx path is in mono, unfortunately)

Kegeratorz · 2024-05-01T13:53:00.800Z

No built in phantom power option. Only the ability to pass phantom power through from another source, like a mixer or audio interface. I purchased a rechargeable phantom power injector and it works well!

Elek4 · 2024-05-01T14:31:21.127Z

Mono as it only has mono in and out.

Edit: added screenshot

voco loco mono2300×948 201 KB

Mixing link however actually does.

_RRR · 2024-05-01T14:44:15.783Z

So mono, as I expected.
I hoped for some kind of stereo cable trickery…Thanks for the reply.

SonWu · 2024-05-01T22:21:50.249Z

I went with the BOSS VE-500 for a short time…one of the switches crapped out on me immediately. Sent it back and got distracted. That being said, to this day I’d love a nice portable solution.

bodydata · 2024-08-05T17:57:41.522Z

Currently using a SP404mk2 for vocal fx
but there is a Boss VE-500 locally for sale. Lots of the FX look the same? Can’t tell if it’s an upgrade or not? Any experience?

Sorry if posted in wrong spot but didn’t see a Boss VE-500 thread.