What is the best Harmonizer/vocal effects processor

[Shoulderpain]

Harmonizers and vocal effects processors

I was wondering if anyone had any advice on harmonizers or vocal effects processors that include 2 and 3 part harmony, vocoding, doubling and all of that. I won't be using it to perform live, just to record at home.

Here is my work-in-progress home studio so far (computer is a Dell Dimension 8200 with Win XP, haven't settled on recording software yet):

Thanks.

 

[TyphoidHippo]

Doubling and the infamous "harmonizing trick" can be done in any DAW without any additional software needed. When you do settle on your DAW, ask in the related forum here on this site for exactly how to do it in your software (it just involves timeshifting and fine tuning adjustments).

As for a vocoder: I've never actually used the effect in any serious project, but I know there's a ton of free stuff out there for doing funky stuff like that. Google is your friend. Here's a start:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q="free+vst"+vocoder&btnG=Search

 

[mikeh]

Melodyne is probably that best vocal harmony (software) processor. TC Electornics makes several (hardware) units that are decent and Digitech has a couple of (hardware) units - whcih may not be a good as the TC. I own a TC unit and a Digitech unit and I've used Melodyne software several times.

Please keep in mind, regardless of which hardware/software you choose - there will always be some "mechanical" sound (no matter now good the effects is - it does not sound completely human).

These devices work best when used to support real voices. As an example, I will normally record the melody and the primary harmony (often the 3rd above) with real voices and then use a processor to create the 4th or 5th).

Another trick I learned - is to create and record the harmonies with the effects and then sing the harmonies over the recorded "electronic voices" (it is often easier to hit the harmony notes once the processed track is recorded as a guide) - you can then blend in the "voices" as needed.

Lastly, keep in mind - you do need a fundamental understanding of harmonies and key scales to make the machines work to the best advantage. These effects are a crutch - but if you can't stand up on your own (understand basic harmonic theory) then a crutch does no good!

 

[m/Audiofanzine]

for instant vocal harmonies as you sing and play, check out TC helicon's VoiceTone Harmony-G,and VoiceTone Harmony-M.
go to their site to see some videos of the thing in action

 

[Shoulderpain]

Thank you

Good advice. I watched a video demo of Melodyne on youtube that has me interested. Thanks.