The guitar is one of the many musical instruments with multiple functions. The most significant benefit a guitar pedal offers is the extra control it gives you over the sound it produces. So, sometimes new or intermediate guitarists ask questions such as ‘can you use guitar pedals for vocals?
If this question resonates with you, look no further, for we are here to provide a clear answer to your question. Yes, you can use guitar pedals for vocals, which also depends on the type of microphone that you are using. But, also, it requires some technicality for it to work.
Therefore, this article will discuss everything you need to know about successfully using guitar pedals for vocals.
The use of guitar pedals for vocals is something that has been around for some time now. A good number of singers are doing it.
Although using guitar pedals for vocals is a prevalent practice, it isn’t the most often used technique for voice alteration.
Also, many singers have used guitar pedals for their vocals throughout their careers, even without exploring other effective options.
So, if using guitar pedals for your vocals makes you feel more comfortable, excellent! You may go ahead, but if not, kindly find another way, as we will discuss below.
How to Use Guitar pedals for vocals
Before you start the connection of guitar pedals for vocals, you should be aware that there may likely be problems with impedance mismatch between the guitar pedal and the line-level signal you are running the connection. Therefore, you endeavor to work on this.
Since guitar pedals typically make some hissy noises even when you’re not trying to run a connection, mismatched impedances will undoubtedly amplify the disturbing sound.
However, you can use EQ to reduce the noise, although the DBX 563x single-ended noise reduction processor is a preferable option. It is highly efficient in eliminating any hissy noise from the signal using a small, black 1/2 rack box and a single slider control.
The work of this device is to analyze audio sound and search for extraneous noises like the hissy noise, which frequently stays at the same volume while the other musical signal does not.
The DBX 563x single-ended noise reduction processor will automatically notch the frequency using its steady-state noise.
Nevertheless, you may lose other things if the noise is too much. The good news is that you can also keep everything under control by adjusting how much it takes out using the slider control.
Even though the EQ is good, the DBX 563x single-ended noise reduction processor is superior and more efficient.
Tips to Consider when Setting Up Guitar Pedals for Vocals
The jack compatibility should be your number one priority when configuring your guitar pedal for vocals. Even when you want to put your guitar into a pedal, jack compatibility is a crucial consideration.
But because jacks are now standardized, this hasn’t been a problem over time.
Typically, microphone jacks range in different sizes, from a quarter-inch to a full two inches. So it is possible to experience this jack dimension issue. Still, if you do, we advise you to either purchase a new microphone or a new guitar pedal to ensure that the jack and cable function properly.
To achieve this, we suggest that you buy a new pedal because you will have the opportunity to select a model intended for microphone effects and voice alteration.
The voltage and, of course, the range of your power source is the second thing you should consider.
To support your microphone, ensure you have a strong power source because any linked electric equipment will draw power from that power source.
What are the Best Guitar Pedals for Vocals?
There are many guitar pedals in the market today. However, Reverb, Boost, and EQ guitar pedals stand out from the rest of the widely used guitar pedals. They are widely known because they have flawless audio quality.
We advise against using distortion pedals to alter your vocals if you plan to perform at an event because you might not have the best results.
Additionally, some pedals are equally effective with both guitars and vocals. However, we advise you to search first for the chorus pedals before moving on to Reverb or Looper pedals.
Other Ways of Modifying Your Vocals
As we explained above, changing your vocals with guitar pedals is possible, but it is not the best way of altering your voice.
So, let’s look at additional suggested techniques to improve your vocal performance now that you know how to use a guitar pedal for vocals.
There are two methods you can use to achieve this, and they are:
- The use of a mixer or overall sound system
- The use of a sound technician and montage studio.
The use of a mixer or overall sound system
This method entails purchasing a mixer or an overall sound system with built-in voice effects. Using this technique, you can apply any effect on the vocal channel before starting your performance.
However, there is one slight disadvantage of using this approach, which is the fact that you cannot switch between sound modes when you are singing.
The use of a sound technician and onstage studio
The second approach, which is more expensive than the first, works best for huge events and bands. You will need a sound technician to set up a stage studio for voice modification.
This simple approach will undoubtedly produce the most satisfactory results for you. The only disadvantage of this approach is that it is cost-intensive; to get the desired outcome, you will need enough money for each setup stage.
Conclusion
You can achieve your goal of using a guitar pedal for vocals if you follow the guided steps above. Many guitarists have used this method repeatedly, but it is not the best way to alter your voice.
However, if you are comfortable using it, then try it or find better ways to alter your voice to achieve a quality result
